Glenn Hawkins
Partner
BMS(Hons), MMS, FCA | Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Maniapoto
Glenn is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and has worked with Māori organisations across a diverse portfolio of industries including agri-business, forestry, fisheries, horticulture, tourism, commercial property and health for over 25 years. Glenn has extensive experience with Māori post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs), Māori incorporations, Māori land trusts, service providers, marae and non-profit organisations. Glenn is passionate about Māori business development and prior to starting GHA, he had a varied background that included senior management roles at Te Puia, management accountant for a large exporter and management consultant with Ernst & Young. Glenn is also a Governance specialist and has held a range of Governance roles across the motu. He is currently a director of Aotearoa Fisheries (Moana NZ), Sealord, Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency and Life Skills for Life Trust.
Kirsten Rei
Partner
LLB, BA | Te Māhurehure, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāpuhi
Kirsten has broad Māori and government sector experience, having led a number of high profile leadership roles for both. Born and raised in Rotorua, Kirsten initially trained as a lawyer before heading in to management roles at home in Rotorua and Wellington. Kirsten joined the GHA whānau in 2018, bringing nearly twenty years’ experience in senior management, specialising in public policy and dealing at the interface between government, communities and the various sectors that comprise the wider ecosystem of Māori development. Kirsten is committed to supporting GHA’s clients to thrive.
Dr Parehau Richards
Senior Associate
BMS, MMS with Distinction, PhD | Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Waikato
Parehau has had a wide range of roles and experiences in whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations – both management and governance, particularly in Māori education. Growing up, Parehau was heavily influenced by her elders in Te Kaha who set strong foundations and expectations to follow an academic pathway of learning, teaching and managing at Wānanga, Universities and Polytechnics, initially training in accounting, Māori Resource Management and te reo Māori. Parehau has also applied her technical skills in kohanga reo, kura kaupapa, marae health and whanau trust governance roles while also teaching, researching and consulting. Recent doctoral study at Te Herenga Waka gave her the opportunity to deep dive into passion topics of whakapapa and iwi history while extending her research and writing skills. Parehau is excited about making contributions to GHA and Māori success.
Jared Hulton
Senior Associate
BA, BBS, CA | Ngāti Whakaue
Jared is a Chartered Accountant who holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business degrees and holds the Financial Modelling Valuation and Analysis accreditation from the Corporate Finance Institute. Prior to joining GHA, Jared was an auditor working with a wide range of for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Jared provides Virtual CFO services to a number of our clients and is pleased to be contributing to the growth and success of the Māori economy.
Andrea Winmill
Practice Manager
BBS | Ngāti Porou
Born and raised in Turanganui-A- Kiwa, Andrea is passionate about people and fostering Māori success. With a career spanning twenty years, Andrea has held key roles in TelferYoung as a Business Manager and CBRE as a National People Business Partner, providing leadership and strategic direction to enhance operational efficiency and organisational growth. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Business with a double major in HR and Employment Relations and brings a wealth of experience with expertise in Financial Management, Strategy and HR. Andrea has worked extensively in both the Agribusiness and Commercial Property sectors, supporting organisations to achieve their strategic goals. Andrea is dedicated to empowering Māori enterprises and contributing to the broader Māori economy with GHA and is looking forward to advancing her Te Reo.
Alana Hay
Business Manager – Consulting
BA | Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao
Alana joined the GHA whānau in March 2019. Alana holds a Bachelor of Arts, completed in 2018 at Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau with a major in Māori Studies. Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, Alana grew up away from her iwi and hapū. This prompted her to move to Rotorua in 2019 to learn more about her own history, culture, and language. Alana is passionate about te ao Māori, and is proud to develop her skills in an environment that believes in and contributes to the success of Māori. The opportunity to develop her professional skills further, while building on her te reo, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori, both in and outside of the office, is a privilege.
Sam Bell
Accounting Manager
BBS, CA
Sam is a Chartered Accountant with experience working with various industries in both commercial and practice environments. Sam first started working at GHA in October 2008, and with encouragement and support from Glenn, she completed her degree and CA qualification. Sam was away from GHA for four years pursuing personal goals and returned to the GHA whanau in February 2020. Being born and raised in Rotorua, Sam enjoys her role working with our clients and team, and is passionate about supporting her clients growth and success. She also embraces the opportunity to learn more about the language and cultural history of her home.
Staci Winiata
Assistant Accounting Manager
BBA, CA | Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Patumoana, Whakatōhea
Staci joined GHA in August 2015 after graduating from the University of Waikato in 2014 with a Bachelor in Business Analysis, majoring in Accounting. Staci is passionate about accounting and helping clients to reach their objectives. Her quietly conscientious and hard-working nature is attested to by her supportive whānau and is evident in her work at GHA. With GHA’s support, Staci became a Chartered Accountant in 2022.
Ngatai Schuster
Senior Accountant
BMS, CA | Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Tūwharetoa, Tūhourangi
Born and raised in Rotoiti, Ngatai graduated with a Bachelor of Management Studies from The University of Waikato and started her accounting career spending a few years in Big 4 firms, KPMG Tauranga, then Deloitte Auckland. She then qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2012 and moved back to Rotorua and joined GHA to follow her passion of working for her iwi. In 2014, she moved to Australia where she remained for 11 years working in various commercial finance roles and raising a young family. She has now returned to Rotorua and rejoined the GHA whānau part-time to balance raising her tamariki and assisting her whānau with various Toi Māori projects.
Renée Mihaere
Business Manager – Accounting
Ngāi Tai
Renée joined the GHA whānau in September 2020. Renée worked for an iwi owned tourism company in customer services and then as the Administration Manager for the last 13 years. She is focused on expanding her knowledge in the administration and accounting fields and has embraced her journey in te reo Māori through GHA. She strives to pass this knowledge onto her tamariki.
Kristy Manley-Griffin
Accountant
BBS | Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi Te Rangi
Kristy joined the GHA whānau in July 2021. She graduated from the University of Waikato in June 2021 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting. Kristy sees her role at GHA as an opportunity to learn and develop her skills and experience as an Accountant which will accommodate her pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant in the future.
Pareraukura Gilmartin-Kara
Accountant
BC | Ngāti Koriki Kahukura
Pareraukura was born and raised in Kirikiriria. In 2019 she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Lincoln University, Christchurch. Prior to joining GHA she worked for Tainui Group Holdings as an Agribusiness Intern whilst studying and then a Graduate Accountant upon completion of her tōhu. She is passionate about growing her skills and knowledge in both Te Ao Māori and accounting to one day return to her own iwi to help grow the success of their people. This is why she has joined the GHA Team, to gain more knowledge of the tikanga here in Te Arawa and expand her knowledge in professional services.
Katrina Wicks
Accountant
AT
Katrina was raised in Te Puke and relocated to Rotorua in the year 2000 where she began her accounting journey. While working at accounting firms in Rotorua, Katrina became a qualified accounting technician and gained knowledge in SME and BAS accounting with prospects of becoming CA qualified.
Katrina joined the GHA whānau in Jan 2025 and is looking forward to learning more about the Māori language and culture to help clients reach their goals.
Alison Baker
Accountant
BMS | Ngāpuhi
Ali joined the GHA whānau in September 2023. She grew up in Katikati, amongst the dairy farming, timber, and rental industries, and competed in Woodchopping (sport). Ali graduated from the University of Waikato in 2017 with a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Human Resource Management, and International Management. After her graduation in 2017, Ali has worked in various accounts administration roles, and has gained experience in various accounting, payroll, and manufacturing systems and software. Ali has since gained a Certificate in Accounting and is excited to further her accounting career with GHA while assisting Māori entities to thrive. She is also thankful for the opportunity to advance her knowledge in Te Reo, and Te Ao Māori.
Sian Heke
Accountant
BBA | Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kirihika
Sian became a part of the GHA whānau in 2024. Sian graduated from the University of Waikato in 2021 and then found herself working at BDO Tauranga working in the audit service line. Sian then spent some time in Ahitereiria working in the advisory space. After gaining some experience there, she decided she wanted to come back to be closer to her whānau. Sian sees herself flourishing at GHA and is excited to utilise her skills to not only benefit her clients, but also her marae, hapu, and iwi..
Ngatai Tapsell-Bennett
Accountant
BAM – Accounting Major | Te Arawa, Ngati Whakaue
Born and raised in Rotorua with deep connections to Maketu, Ngatai joined GHA as an intern in 2023 as she pursued a Bachelor of Management with a major in Accounting – all while raising two young tamariki. Upon successfully completing her internship, we were proud to offer her a permanent position and to witness her graduation at the beginning of 2025. She now aspires to become a Chartered Accountant, committed to supporting Māori-focused organisations and continually deepening her proficiency in Te Reo Māori.
Shannen Kenyon
Accountant
BAM
Shannen has joined the GHA whanau after completing her bachelor’s degree, majoring in accounting and her ambition is to progress in her accounting career by working with GHA while she completes her CA programme. Before joining the GHA team, Shannen worked two jobs in the hospitality industry and studied full-time to gain her qualification. She now will continue her studies through the graduate accounting position/administrative payroll. Shannen takes pride in being a part of the GHA team in Rotorua, helping Maori businesses to be successful.
Tyla Shaw
Accountant
BAM – Accounting Major | Te Arawa, Ngati Awa
Tyla has built her career on determination, adaptability, and a love for numbers. Originally from Mount Maunganui, she moved to Rotorua in 2019 with her two children to study a Bachelor of Applied Management in Accounting at Toi Ohomai. Since graduating, she has gained valuable auditing experience, strengthening her technical skills and professional growth. Motivated by a commitment to lifelong learning, Tyla aspires to study Te Reo Māori and values strong relationships that support both clients and community.
Alec Kusabs
Accountant
BCOM – Accounting & Finance Major | Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tainui, Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Maru
Born and raised in Rotorua, Alec returned home after completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting and Finance, from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Alec joined GHA in November 2025 after gaining internship experience at BFA in Taupo. He is excited about the opportunity at GHA to advance his knowledge in Te Reo Māori, contribute to the success of Māori Businesses, and strengthen his accounting skills, while working towards achieving his CA qualification.
Caleb Robertson
Office Junior – Accounting
Rangitāne o Wairarapa
Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Caleb joined the GHA whānau in April 2023 as an aspiring school leaver from Tauranga Boys’ College. Caleb is now studying for a Bachelor of Business at the University of Waikato while contributing to our Tauranga Accounting Team. He is passionate about growing his knowledge and experiences in business and appreciates the opportunity to join GHA to contribute to the Māori success.
Neven Northcroft
Accounting Administrator
Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Hinemihi, Ngāti Wahiao/Tūhourangi
Neven joined the GHA whānau in August 2023. Before this, she worked for a local law firm as their Business Administrator. She is diligent, efficient, and attentive to detail. These are just a few of her many strengths that have allowed her to thrive in such a fast-paced environment. The exposure she has received at such a young age has prepared her for her new learning journey here at GHA. With the desire to further develop her knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Neven is looking forward to immersing in an environment focused on Māori achievement.
Robin Anaru – Allan
Accounts Payable and Payroll Administrator
Originally from Te Whanganui ā Tara, I made Rotorua my home 15 years ago, where I live with my husband and our tamariki. I’m also a proud nan to two moko! With years of experience in accounts and payroll, I’m passionate about supporting others and contributing to the success of the GHA whānau. I look forward to continuing my growth within the organization and helping it thrive.
Sonia Rapana – Hawkins
Senior Consultant
Registered Comprehensive Nurse, Masters Health Science (1st Class Honours), Final year Doctoral Candidate – Kaupapa Māori quantitative and qualitative methods | Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Makino, Ngaati Tiipa and Ngaati Paoa.
Sonia was raised in Rotorua and connects to many Te Arawa hapū. Her father’s parents were guided by Te Puea Herangi from Port Waikato to isolate on whenua out Tikitere during the flu epidemic, these beginnings continue to influence her professional pathway.
Sonia is a registered nurse and holds an annual practicing certificate. Sonia’s professional background includes management and leadership positions within District Health Boards, Māori Health Provider, and tertiary education settings. Sonia worked independently as a lead auditor, and equity/racism consultant while completing her Master’s thesis. She is near the end of completing her doctoral studies. Sonia’s research interests are Māori health, racism, ethnic bias, equity, and Māori health workforce using Kaupapa Māori methodology. Sonia says working for GHA is a natural fit, as demonstrated by her tupuna combining Māori excellence, ingenuity, matauranga and values to best serve clients is both fulfilling and humbling.
Shannon James
Management Consultant
BSc | Te Arawa Whānui, Waikato, Tūhoe
Rotorua born and raised Shannon was heavily influenced by her whānau of many wahine and kuia. A graduate of Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Shannon gained a Bachelor of Science, spending the early years of her career in geoscience and performance improvement. After three years travelling across Asia and Europe, Shannon returned home to raise her tamariki grounded in their marae, hapū and iwi. Prior to GHA, Shannon managed the corporate functions for a local NGO and has a particular interest in the advancement of health and holistic well-being services for Māori. Shannon is proud to be a part of an organisation committed to Māori success.
Jordan Chaney
Management Consultant
LLB | Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Te Rangiunuora, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou
Jordan was born and raised in Rotoiti, Rotorua, and holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Waikato. Before joining the GHA team in October 2022, she practised as a lawyer specialising in Waitangi Tribunal matters, which provided her with a unique insight into achieving positive outcomes for Māori. Jordan is passionate about te ao Māori and continually seeks to advance her competency in te reo Māori, having completed courses with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Whare Wānanga o Aotearoa and He Kāinga Mō Te Reo. Jordan is extremely proud to work for an organisation that shares the same values and committed to driving Māori success.
Kiriwaitingi Rei
Management Consultant
BBS | Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
Kiriwaitingi joined the GHA whānau in May 2021 and is a graduate of Te Kōhanga Reo, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Koutu, and Waikato University. Kiriwaitingi completed a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Strategic Management and Te Reo Māori in 2021 and is excited to develop her professional skills with GHA. With a passion for te ao Māori, particularly Te Reo Māori and Kapa Haka, Kiriwaitingi is excited and grateful to have the opportunity to work for a Māori owned organisation that has a mission and purpose of helping Māori succeed.
Dixie Yates-Francis
Management Consultant – Marketing
Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Te Arawa whānui, Ngāti Maniapoto
Dixie joined the GHA whānau in June 2021. She is in her final year of studying towards her Bachelors in Communication Design at Waikato University. She is passionate about her culture, the arts and loves to be creative. Dixie has had experience in redeveloping and rebranding local radio stations; Te Arawa FM and The Heat FM. In addition, she has created logos, illustrations, advertising, and promotion content for various clients such as small pākihi (business) owners, production companies, and organisations. Dixie utilises her skills in design to visually communicate all collateral in an effective way that is captivating, easily understood and engaging.
Born into her te ao Māori, she also grew a passion for Kapa Haka. Outside of work, you will find Dixie spending time with her family, caring for her down-syndrome brother, at her Marae, completing her Bachelor’s Degree, and being active both indoors and outdoors.
Tia Te Hiko
Board Secretary / Management Consultant
BA | Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Originally born and raised in Tokoroa for most of her life Tia spent some time in Rotorua whilst studying at Waiariki before moving abroad. She has previous admin experience across a broad range of Sectors and Industries and is excited to see where she can grow in this space. Having returned to New Zealand following 7 years abroad, Tia is grateful for the opportunity to be working in a Māori focused environment that is committed to Māori growth and success.
Pipiana Jack
Board Secretary
Ngāti Te Takinga, Ngāti Pikiao
Pipiana, also known as Ayla, joined the GHA whānau in January 2025. Raised in Rotorua but currently residing in Whakatāne, she is excited to work in a space where values attributed to Māori success are fostered, enhanced, and encouraged.
While working on her Bachelor of Business through The University of Waikato, she also worked for the Department of Conservation as a Board Support Officer, and then as a Community Ranger. She has a special interest in all things taiao and helping to facilitate community capacity to reconnect and contribute to positive environmental outcomes through a te ao Māori lens.
As a māmā of three, and distinctly aware of them watching her as they grow, she is proud to normalise supporting and working within Māori-driven kaupapa.
Mai Io Hiini
Personal Assistant – Consulting
Ngāti Tarāwhai, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Rongomai, Tūhoe
Mai Io joined the GHA whānau in July of 2023. A native language speaker, Mai Io is a graduate of Te Kōhanga Reo and Te Wharekura o Ngāti Rongomai. Having being immersed in Te Ao Māori, Mai Io has developed a natural passion for kaupapa Māori particularly Kapa Haka. Mai Io has a keen interest in Business Management and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn and work in a Māori focused environment with values that align with tikanga Māori.
Tyla Teddy
Office Administrator
Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāpuhi
Tyla was born and raised in Ngongotaha, Rotorua and joined the GHA whanau in May of 2025. Before this, she worked in retail providing her with strong customer service skills. Tyla is the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and callers, bringing warmth, efficiency, and professionalism to every interaction. Tyla is passionate about creating a positive first impression and is currently learning te reo Māori, reflecting her commitment to connection, culture, and continuous growth.
Jesse Hawkins
AML Officer
Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui
Jesse recently joined the GHA whanau in Feb 2023, following the completion of his degree at the University of Waikato where he gained a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Strategic Management. During his time at university, he experiences working for kaupapa Māori organisations having completed internships at both Poutama Trust and Tū Mai Rā Energy. Jesse is passionate about applying his skills and knowledge to contribute to GHA’s mission of driving sustainable development and positive social impact. He brings fresh ideas and perspectives to our team, and we look forward to seeing him thrive in his role. We are excited to have Jesse on board and we know that he will be a valuable asset to our company and to the communities we serve.
Nero Panapa
Share Registry Administrator
Tūhourangi, Ngāti Pikiahu Waewae, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Whātua
Born and raised in Rotorua hailing from the small village of Te Whakarewarewa. Nero’s journey in tribal registers began in 2010 where he was asked to audit the state of the Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa beneficiary register. What started as a two-month contract quickly turned into a full-time position maintaining the beneficiary register for the post settlement entity. In 2014 Nero moved to Deloitte Rotorua as the Share Registry Assistant focusing on shareholder grants, payments and successions. Here he also became a cultural liaison for the other Deloitte offices in Auckland and Wellington where specialised skills were required for some of the total immersion clients. Nero joined the GHA whānau in February 2018 and is the Share Registry Administrator. Nero realises that the key to success is to share knowledge and empower our people by making sound decisions based on a blend of traditional and contemporary mindset. Nero encourages te reo across the office and speaks fluently.
Mere George
Consultant
BMS, CA | Ngati Whare, Ngati Manawa, Tuwharetoa, Ngati Porou
Mere qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2005, while working in Auckland as an auditor with Deloitte. In 2009, she returned home to Rotorua and she joined the GHA whānau in June. Mere was a partner at GHA from 2013 to her recent retirement in June 2021. She continues to follow her passion of working within the Māori economy, particularly her own iwi and in key governance roles. Mere remains part of the GHA whānau, in a consulting capacity.