Connecting with children is always a joy! Having worked as a passionate advocate for and with children for over 40 years, in my role as Co-Founder and CEO of Homes of Hope Charitable Trust, I am extremely blessed and continually challenged to ensure we meet the needs of the tamariki entrusted into our care every…

Carena is from Kai Tahu Iwi in the South Island.  She is an experienced Social Worker in both the Government and Non-Government (NGO) sector.  Carena is also an experienced manager and brings these skills with her in her role as the Director of Services.  Carena is extremely passionate about empowering tamariki and rangatahi, while also…

Theresa is the eldest of three and was born and raised in the Bay of Plenty. She is a qualified, experienced social worker with a passion for working with children, young people and their families. Theresa has experience working in youth justice, iwi social services and mental health. She has a strength-based approach, helping others…

Andie is from the mighty Waikato but grew up in the beautiful Tauranga Moana.  She is an experienced youth worker and administrator, and has qualifications in behaviour modification, psychology and child and adolescent psychology, so understands the tamariki we support.  Andie is extremely passionate about working in meaningful environments and loves that she can combine…

Meet our two epic Caregivers Tame and Jordene. Tame has played an impressive 400+ games for his beloved club Huria over the years and also played two seasons of rugby in Wales! He is the Junior Rugby Coordinator for Huria which is where he first met most of the tamariki at Homes of Hope. Jordene…

Kia ora, My name is Atawhai & my fiancés name is Jacob. We are both from Tauranga even though Jacob was born in Australia. We have 3 amazing tamariki – Kawana, Ariamai and Rangiwhetū. We also have a moko girl Marino that we take care of. We like lots of sports including Rugby, Netball, League,…

Kia Ora my name is Jamal I’m born and bred in Arataki Mount Maunganui. I’m a Chef by trade. But not currently working as one. I’m a single father of 2 whom are adults now. I moved to Australia with them where I lived for 12.5 yrs. My kids still reside in Perth. I love…

Kia Ora, Ko Shainia toku ingoa, I am one of the caregivers in Rata whare. I moved to Tauranga when I was 9 and have called Tauranga home ever since. I am a qualified teacher and have enrolled to study a Masters of social work in 2025. I have a partner and stepson. I enjoy the…

Dany affiliates to Kai Tahu Iwi in the South Island.  She has a background working as an administrator for IDEA Services prior to joining the team at Homes of Hope.  Dany has been an active member of St John since she was five and a half years old and is currently the Divisional Manager at…

Sanita is Māori Samoan and affiliates to Ngati Awa Iwi in the Eastern Bay and Maleala Village in Samoa.  Bryan is a New Zealand born Samoan from Auckland, who affiliates to Palauli Village in Samoa. Sanita and Bryan work as Support Caregivers in our whare, looking after the tamariki when our House Parents have a…

It has been my privilege to have joined the vision of Homes of Hope as a Child Centred Play Therapist Intern, work which I find very valuable, rewarding and of significant benefit for the children and families we spend time with. During the last 10 years, I have worked with children and their families as…

Antonia is from Te Puke. She has always been passionate about working with children and families. Antonia has worked in school settings supporting neurodiverse children,  as a child counsellor, and has worked in the community as a facilitator of change for families and as the Strengthening Families Coordinator. In recent years Antonia decided to continue…