Values

Our mahi is embodied in the whakataukī ‘kia uru kahikatea te tū’ which encapsulates our key interconnected values of whanaungatanga | kotahitanga –  respectful and supportive relationships that contribute to success through unity of purpose.

Who We Are

Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Jim Mather, is humbly supported by a team of outstanding professionals.

Jason is passionate about advancing learning and growth, fostering personal mastery in leadership, and driving organisational excellence that promotes flourishing human communities.

Kerira Tapene is a skilled facilitator devoted to empowering and enhancing the experiences and understanding of others. She draws on her experience in management consulting and upbringing in te ao Māori to drive meaningful change.

Te Kowhai is a proficient facilitator and law graduate having worked across various community organisations and Government entities in the areas of Māori development, and policy implementation.

Itāria Heremia has just recently joined us at the end of 2024.

Background

Dr Jim Mather is of Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe and English descent.

He is passionate about utilising his leadership experience and commercial skills in a way that makes a meaningful contribution to the overall success of our communities and nation.

Leadership

As Chief Executive Officer of three organisations over the last 16 years, Dr Jim Mather has led highly successful transformation and performance improvement strategies.

With business leadership experience spanning 25 years, he is a qualified accountant by profession, and has led two of the most high-profile Māori organisations over the last 14 years – Māori Television and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Business Trust from 2002 to 2005.

In addition, he has also held a variety of private sector roles including General Manager of a marine engineering business and Financial Controller for a local subsidiary of a Swiss multi-national.

Aligned with his commercial background, he is also a former officer in the New Zealand Army, and was awarded the Sword of Honour in recognition of his distinguished achievements in Officer training.