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Kahn

Kaimanaaki

Kahn builds strong connections and helps tamariki feel comfortable, supported, and confident to be themselves.

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Quentin (Bear)

Kaimanaaki

Known for his warmth and humour, Bear helps young people feel at ease while navigating big feelings.

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Tetuanui (TJ)

Kaimanaaki

TJ offers gentle, thoughtful support and meets each child exactly where they are at.

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Macy

Kaimanaaki

Macy brings energy and authenticity, building connections in ways that feel real and meaningful for young people.

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Kiana-Rae

Kaimanaaki

Kiana-Rae supports tamariki with compassion & care while creating space for growth, confidence, and self-understanding.

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Nuku

Kaimanaaki Māori

Nuku brings a calm, grounded presence and creates a safe space where young people feel seen and understood.

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Erica

Occupational Therapist

Erica works alongside tamariki and whānau to build practical skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

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Naomi

Senior Occupational Therapist

Naomi's approach is strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and focused on helping each young person feel understood, capable, and supported in their everyday life.

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Ben Neho

Registered AOD Practitioner | Service Manager IHS Pepi, Tamariki & Rangatahi

Ben supports the day-to-day delivery of Kia Ora Ake programmes across schools. He works closely with the team, schools, and whānau to ensure every young person receives consistent, high quality support.

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Jody Babbington

Registered Social Worker | Director - IHS Pepi, Tamariki & Rangatahi

Jody leads Kia Ora Ake with a strong commitment to supporting the wellbeing of tamariki and their whānau. She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel a sense of belonging and support.

Meet OUR TEAM

Behind Kia Ora Ake is a team of dedicated kaimahi who bring curiosity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting tamariki and whānau. We believe strong relationships are at the heart of meaningful support.

  • Occupational Therapists (OTs) support tamariki to build practical skills, confidence, emotional regulation, and participation in everyday life.

  • Kaimanaaki build trusting relationships with tamariki and whānau, providing wellbeing support and helping young people develop social, emotional, and resilience skills.

  • Kaimanaaki Māori provide culturally responsive support grounded in te ao Māori, strengthening connections to culture, identity, whānau, hapū, and iwi.

 

Together, we work alongside tamariki, whānau, schools, and communities to help young people thrive.

Our Approach

We're a multidisciplinary team that works alongside tamariki, whānau, schools, and wider support networks. By building strong connections, we help young people feel supported to grow, succeed, and thrive. Each team member works with specific schools, so you may hear from different members of our team depending on your school.

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