Our experienced team can help answer your questions and queries and guide you in the right direction.
The transition coordinators provide a high level of support and pastoral care for students enrolled in the Trades Academy. The TC’s proactively work with the student/whanau/caregivers, schools and MIT departments to enable student success in their secondary tertiary pathway. The transition coordinators individually monitor student progress towards attaining Level 2 and 3 NCEA.
Rahera Tupaea
Pathways Manager
Rahera Tupaea
Pathways Manager
Contact details
Phone:?(09) 976 0985
Email: Rahera.Tupaea@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
Tēna koutou katoa,
Ki te taha o tōku papa
Ko Maungatautari te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Waikato te iwi
Ki te taha o tōku mama
Ko Konaki te maunga
Ko Wairakau te awa
Ko Horouta te waka
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi
Ko Rahera Tupaea tōkua ingoa
Rahera was born and raised in South Auckland, she attributes her success to her hardworking parents.
Rahera’s journey at MIT began in 2016 as a member of the Pathways and Transitions team. Initially, she coordinated the MIT STAR funded programmes and gradually took on additional administrative duties to support the Head of Department and the team. Her commitment, determination, and the support from previous managers have been instrumental in her rise to the position of Pathways Manager for MIT Trades Academy.
Known for her passion in supporting ākonga on their pathways to higher education or employment, she ensures that her and her team are continuously learning, improving, and growing while staying engaged and supportive of their ākonga.
This year, Rahera’s role has expanded to include managing the 澳门金沙城中心,世界第一大赌场 and Community team. She is enthusiastic about this new responsibility and looks forward to increasing her school visits and community engagement.
The most rewarding part of Rahera’s job is knowing that her team’s efforts contribute to a brighter future for rangatahi, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to achieve their dreams and succeed in their chosen pathways.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou!
- Jennifer Cotton
Pathways Administrator
Jennifer Cotton
Pathways Administrator
Contact details
Phone: (09) 976 0512
Email: Jennifer.Cotton@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
Jennifer, otherwise known as Jenn, is a pathways administrator. In her role Jenn looks after the?behind the scenes?admin work and she enjoys working with a passionate team.
Her?favourite?thing about working at MIT is hearing about young people who are thriving and achieving their goals.
Outside of work she likes to do anything that involves the outdoors, walking, gardening, watching her children play sport and spending time with her family and friends.
- Rae George
Transition Coordinator
(09) 976 0513
Rae George
Transition Coordinator
Contact details
Phone: (09) 976 0513 or??022 568 0229
Email: burn.george@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
I was born on the beautiful island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and migrated to Otara, “Home of the Brave.”
I am a dynamic and engaging youth leader. Am also highly competent in program implementation and group leadership, compassionate, self-motivated with excellent interpersonal and communication skills that enable youth to easily connect. I have volunteered for numerous youth organizations across Auckland and Sydney. My upbringing enabled me to develop a passion for working with youth and seeing them strive for excellence. To our youth, “Be an encourager, the world has enough critics already”.
Outside of work, I love Korean BBQ at home, taking photos on my Nikon DSLR, and finding vintage goods at second-hand stores.
- Treva Vaipulu
Transitions Coordinator
Treva Vaipulu
Transitions Coordinator
Contact details
Phone: 022 568 0072
Email: treva.vaipulu@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
I am a proud descendent from the mighty Kingdom of Tonga and was born and raised in ?tara. South Auckland is my home and its always been in me to make an impact and use the skills and talents that I have to serve.
I am a supportive and hospitable youth leader and have participated in a handful of community service projects which included, painting, picking up rubbish, weeding and gardening.
My upbringing in Church and in a big family of 10 siblings has embedded values in me which revolve around putting others needs before my own.
I am especially excited to see our youth reach their full potential and thrive in areas where they see themselves in the future. There is no better place for our youth to be than here, being a part of the Trades Academy.
I have a passion for Music and the Arts. I love a good hike and playing sports, particularly one with a net and ball (volleyball, table tennis, pickleball, etc).
- Shontal Williams
Transitions Coordinator
Shontal Williams
Transitions Coordinator
Contact details
Phone: 022 568 0240
Email: shontal.williams@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
I have lived and worked in South Auckland for the past 17 plus years. During this time, I have gained experience in a variety of areas, including supporting children with disabilities, providing adult community mental health services, vocational rehabilitation, employment support, advocacy and pastoral care.
I am deeply passionate about guiding and supporting the rangatahi (youth) in my local community to reach their full potential.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family, friends, and my dogs, as well as immersing myself in the beauty of nature.
- Katriona Lea
Pathways Administrator
Katriona Lea
Pathways Administrator
Contact details
Phone: 022 067 5766
Email: katriona.lea@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
I love being a part of a team helping young people shape their career paths and guiding them towards fulfilling and successful futures.
Outside of work, I love to travel and spend quality time with family and friends.
- Joel Singsam
Transition Coordinator
Joel Singsam
Transition Coordinator
Contact details
Phone: 022 568 0232
Email: joel.singsam@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
I’m a proud Middlemore born baby, raised in the mighty Manurewa.
Ethnicity wise, I’m a fruit salad stemming from Samoan, Cook Island, Chinese and Māori heritage. I can’t speak fluently in any of my cultures just yet, but my life goal is to be able to speak all of them. I do, however speak Tagalog/Filipino, which is awesome.
Coming from an upbringing where family was of top priority, I quickly developed an understanding of how important it is to steer and guide our children and youth on the right path. That’s what piqued my interest here at Pathways. I’m big on having our youth levelling up and creating new pathways for themselves as they transition into adulthood. Being a part of their growth is just a bonus blessing.
Outside of work I love an early morning basketball run, slow jazz music and some smooth longboarding.
- Matangaro Raea
Transitions Coordinator
Matangaro Raea
Transitions Coordinator
Contact details
Phone: 022 012 1582
Email: shontal.williams@manukau.ac.nz
Biography
My name is Matangaro Ngatungane La’akulu Raea, you can call me Mata. I am from the beautiful Cook Islands and the friendly island of Tonga. I am the new Transition Coordinator for MIT Trades Academy. I am based at TechPark and Otara, feel free to bring me snacks and say hello. When I’m not at work you’ll find me chilling with my family.
