Employment Placement Services

I am passionate about creating opportunities for people to become the best they can be. For the last 7 years at Trainme, I have had the privilege of being part of a dedicated team to assist Work and Income beneficiaries from all walks of life to gain employment. The most rewarding aspect of the role is to see positive transformations in people’s lives. I enjoy inspiring and motivating people, and helping them realise their potential. I am responsible for leading the team who offer the Employment Placement Services programme, at our Hamilton and Ngaruawahia campuses. Prior to coming to Trainme, l taught at a Primary and Intermediate school for several years, and before that, I worked as a trainer for 12 years in the IT industry. A self-professed foodie, I love cooking and learning about different cuisines. 

To describe myself in three words, I turn of course to the classic: Benevolent Maori Cyborg. I have many years of tutoring experience, focussing mainly on adult students, and in addition to my adult training certification, I have an honours degree in Screen & Media. The most enjoyable part of my role at TrainMe is being a part of the journey our clients make, seeing them grow in confidence and capability, and helping them find success in moving into paid employment. In my downtime, I love capturing people and places with my camera.

He uri tēnei o Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Maahanga, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Mahuta ki te tonga, Ngāti Naho me Ngāti Haina hoki. Ko Kereama Clarke ahau.

Ko tēnei tangata, he tangata kaha ki te hāpai i te hunga e rapu ana i ōnā hiahia, i ōnā wawata, i ōnā moemoeā. Mauriora ki a tātou katoa.

I have been a part of the Activate Training Centre whānau for 4 years. The first 2 and a half years as an employment coach and now as a Workplacement Coordinator.  A combination of the skills and experience our team shares with our clients, aims to nurture good work ethics both personally and professionally.

To nurture through a Māori world lens is a passion of mine and in practice, helps with appreciation of one’s self and others, not only in their own quest to find sustainable employment, but also for their whānau and extended whānau. This shows employers the benefits of what we do for our clients personally and as an organisation.

‘He waka eke noa’ ‘We are in this together’

‘Te manu e kai ana te miro, nōnā te ngāhere, Te manu e kai ana te mātauranga, nōnā te ao’

‘The bird who feast on the miro berry, has the forest, The bird who feasts on knowledge has the world’

The three words about me are 3 Ps: PEOPLE, PROGRESS and PLAY.

I really enjoy engaging with PEOPLE from a diversity of backgrounds, ages, ethnicities etc.  And I get a huge buzz out of helping people grow (PROGRESS) through learning and so get to a better place in life (which is so much of what TFW is about).  And PLAY ... of course!  My early qualification was a Diploma in Business Management.  I spend over 30 years in the business sector (mainly Multi-national/Corporate, but also not-for-profit and consulting/project work), and have strong experience in a wide range of business disciplines including sales, marketing, HR and senior management.  I made the switch to adult education in 2012 (did my CAT at Wintec in Hamilton), and most recently have been involved for over 3 years delivering Training for Work programs.  My interests include any activities with family and friends (particularly if there’s food involved!), and making and enjoying music.

"Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu"

Adorn the bird with feathers so it may soar

I am the latest edition to the Trainme team!  I have dedicated my working life to helping others achieve tino rangatiratanga, a life they envision for themselves through self-determination.

For over ten years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people experiencing situational stress in a variety of roles. I’ve also been involved in teaching concepts of social change to communities throughout New Zealand. I have a deep respect for the resilience of those who have welcomed me into their lives and allowed me to support them in their journey.  They are the birds I clothe in knowledge so they may reach their goals and dreams.

I believe that employment benefits the lives of the individual, the whanau, communities and society as a whole. Not only does it give a person financial strength, it improves self-confidence, self-esteem and overall health and wellbeing. I am really happy to be working in Ngaruawahia, close to my whanau and hapu, finally bringing my experience and expertise to my rohe. To be able to share knowledge, kai, fun and humour has been a highlight for me since working at Ngaruawahia Trainme.