Brianna StewartAs Kāinga Tupu Taskforce Coordinator, Brianna is focused on addressing homelessness in the Western Bay of Plenty. She connects with people, listens deeply to understand their needs, and facilitates conversations that produce real results.
Meet the team
Our people are what makes us special.
Easter NafoiAs a Whānau Ora Community Navigator (Tauranga), Easter supports whānau to navigate challenges and move toward their goals with empathy, positivity, and a solutions-focused approach. Her role is centred on walking alongside families, building trust, and helping them access the right support and resources to strengthen their wellbeing.
Christine TagilalaAs Whānau Ora Navigator (Rotorua), Christine works with families to help them achieve their goals, while challenging them to aim higher. She uses her greatest strength - connection - to foster collaboration and positive outcomes.
Beryl Nu'uAs Whānau Ora Navigator (Rotorua), Beryl walks alongside families to help them reach their goals. She believes in empowering people rather than fixing things for them, and draws on her varied experiences to walk the walk - never asking anyone to do something she would not do herself.
Natu VaeluagaAs Events Coordinator and Business Support, Natu is the cog that quietly keeps Pacific Growth - and its network of Pacific Businesses - striving towards its goals. Natu is currently on maternity leave and we look forward to welcoming her back soon.
Adi WarrenGuided by Teu le va, she nurtures relationships with care, respect, and intention — bringing a calm, thoughtful approach to connection, communication, and navigating complex situations. Her work is focused on creating clarity, growing leadership courage, and strengthening foundations that are fair, practical, and genuinely human.
Advisory Board Group
David TurnerRespected Samoan executive with extensive experience across international finance, agribusiness, and commercial leadership. With a career spanning banking roles in Hong Kong and Singapore, David brings a global perspective to business growth, innovation, and strategic leadership. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Sequal Lumber and Trinity Lands, overseeing large-scale operations focused on sustainable growth, customer relationships, and community impact. David is passionate about creating strong businesses that deliver long-term value for both people and communities. He holds a degree from Victoria University of Wellington.
Tonia BrughCook Islands-born intellectual property and commercial lawyer with over 20 years of experience across New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Tonia is known for her authentic, people-first approach and is widely respected for building long-term client relationships, and empowering others to succeed. She is a Partner at James & Wells, specialising in trademark law, brand strategy, media and technology law, and indigenous intellectual property rights. Tonia has worked with global clients including Apple, Warner Bros., and Google, and is recognised for her leadership in protecting Māori and Pasifika cultural and commercial interests. She is Co-Chair of the Pacific Island Community Trust (Bay of Plenty) and actively contributes to initiatives supporting te reo Māori, Pasifika communities, and indigenous business development.
Lloyd RakaupaiNgāti Tūwharetoa Māori Business Leader with a strong focus on advancing Māori and Pasifika economic development in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. He is a member of the GHD New Zealand Management Team, where he leads supplier diversity strategy and drives initiatives that support and uplift Māori and Pasifika businesses. He also holds leadership roles as Deputy Chair of both the Tauranga Māori Business Association and the Tauranga Business Chamber. His leadership is guided by the principle of He Mahitahi — working together in partnership to create shared success and lasting impact.
Brook CarringtonNew Zealand-based construction leader with over 20 years of experience in commercial construction across all levels of project and site management, currently serving as Pre-Construction Manager at Livingstone Building NZ and member of the Senior Leadership Team. Brook brings a deep, practical understanding of construction from the ground up. He holds advanced qualifications in carpentry and construction management, along with an MBA from the University of Waikato, and is a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. Recognised for leadership grounded in integrity, humility, and a commitment to lifting others, his approach combines strong commercial expertise with a deep respect for Māori and Pacific values, including whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga. He is known for aligning people, purpose, and strategy to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes, while empowering Māori and Pacific businesses to grow with confidence and authenticity.
Aifai Esera
Pacific leader, former professional rugby athlete, and dedicated advocate for community development in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aifai founded Pacific Growth Services, where he focuses on empowering Pacific communities through business support and development initiatives.
With 12 years of experience at Tauranga City Council, he also works as a Cultural Navigator at JNP Aviation Training, supporting Māori and Pasifika students in inclusive learning environments.
Aifai plays an active leadership role across several community organisations, including Co-Chair of BOP Vaka Pasifika and the Ringa Hora Pasifika Advisory Group, as well as a founding member of Ko Ta’ua Tāua Trust, supporting future community housing initiatives.