Our People
At the heart of Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa are our people. Our team brings together deep kaupapa Māori knowledge, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our whānau, hapū and iwi.
Enid Ratahi-Pryor
CEO
Enid Ratahi-Pryor QSO (Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is the Kaiwhakahaere Matua / Chief Executive of Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa. With more than 25 years in iwi, health, and social-service leadership, she has guided whānau-centred strategies that span housing, education, and wellbeing. A Queen’s Service Order recipient and former member of the Government’s Welfare Working Group, Enid blends kaupapa Māori values with sound governance experience to lift outcomes for communities in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and across Aotearoa.
Our Board
Our Board of Trustees are the kaitiaki (guardians) of our kaupapa. They provide strategic leadership, uphold our tikanga, and ensure that Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa remains accountable to our people. Their guidance helps us navigate both opportunities and challenges with care, wisdom, and vision.
Our Executive Team
Our executive team leads the day-to-day operations of Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa, ensuring our services are responsive, effective, and grounded in the needs of our whānau. They work closely with kaimahi, partners, and the wider community to uphold our values and drive our kaupapa forward.
Our Leadership Team
Our leadership team is made up of passionate, skilled individuals who guide our organisation with integrity and care. Each brings their own lived experience and professional strength to support our vision of thriving whānau in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Born and raised in Whakatāne and educated at St Stephens Boarding School in Auckland, Des Harawira has a deep-rooted connection to te ao Māori, which has significantly shaped his career. After discovering a passion for mental health during a holiday job post-Teachers College, he has spent over 30 years in the Social and Health sector, including roles as a Service Manager and Probation Officer.
Originally from Canterbury, Olivia Allen now calls Whakatāne home, living with her husband and four children. With a background in social services across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, she is dedicated to supporting and empowering kaimahi at Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa.
Originally from South Africa, Gerhard Roux now calls Whakatāne home and is the Chief Financial Officer at Te Tohu o Te Ora O Ngāti Awa. He enjoys spending time with whānau, exploring the outdoors, and supporting local initiatives.
With over 20 years of experience in social work, Miria Tarau has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable tamariki and whānau. She currently serves as the Director of Te Pūkāea o te Waiora, where she continues to advocate for children's rights and welfare.
Manu brings two decades of leadership in social services and early childhood at Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa. As Manager of Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia and Deputy Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, she champions kaupapa Māori, whānau wellbeing, and intergenerational empowerment.
With a rich cultural foundation and a deep commitment to her hapū and iwi, Jess Faga has been enhancing the resilience of whānau in her community for over a decade. Her work at Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa is driven by her passion for hapū and iwi development, always approached with aroha and manaaki.
Raised in Levin and now living in Kawerau, Fiona Kennedy has a rich professional history spanning healthcare, education, and business management. She currently leads the Rukuhia Te Mahi Employment Service at Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngati Awa.
Joanne brings a rich background in education and finance to her role as Manager - Finance at Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa. After transitioning from teaching to accounting, she qualified as a Chartered Accountant and joined our team in January 2023.
A strong Māori wahine from Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe, Holly Casey leads by example in her role as Manager at Kahu Taurima. With a deep passion for serving and helping communities, she brings extensive experience in women’s and children’s health.
Denise Kingi began her hauora Māori journey as an iwi health worker, advancing into leadership, HR, and management. Now Health Manager at Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa, she is dedicated to Māori wellbeing and developing a strong, empowered workforce to uplift whānau.
Maude Takarua is a respected Māori health leader with over 20 years’ experience. She has championed Iwi-led services, driven innovation, and supported whānau wellbeing. Her work reflects a deep commitment to kaupapa Māori values, empowering communities and advancing sustainable, culturally grounded health solutions across the Bay of Plenty region.