Our Foundation
The Trust's primary mission is to enhance the financial, cultural, social, and educational well-being of individuals, their whānau, and the wider community.
To achieve this, WACT has designed tailored programmes and services that are not only impactful for our local communities but also serve as a model for others across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Guided by our vision of creating 'Communities that are solid, strong, and self-supporting,' we proudly offer the following community development services:
- Youth Services for 16-18 year olds in the Tokoroa Region
- Training courses for Youth in career pathways
- Youth Worker Training for the Central North Island
- Tikanga Māori Motivational programmes
- Hokai Tapuwae Kaupapa Māori Korero
- Reintegration of offenders Transitional Housing Services - Tiaki Tangata
- Transitional Housing - Toku Kainga
- Sustanining Tenancy Services
- Emergency Housing Support
- Property Management Services
- Employment and Training Placement Services
Our Trustees
Our Trust harnesses the diverse expertise of individuals with extensive experience in whānau and community development at local, regional, and national levels. This unique combination of skills, perspectives, and qualifications enables WACT to design and deliver innovative, community-specific services tailored to the needs of those we serve.
Wally Haumaha - Chair Person
Wallace Haumaha brings over 40 years of leadership experience in public service, education, and Māori affairs. As the first appointed Stautory Deputy Commissioner Māori, Pacific & Ethnic Services for NZ Police, he championed initiatives such as Iwi Justice Panels and The Turning of the Tide, fostering trust between communities and government. Wallace led Aotearoa’s largest Māori protest march without incident and has shaped respectful Waitangi Day commemorations since 2004.
His governance expertise includes serving as inaugural Chair of Te Arawa Group Holdings, tripling asset growth for Treaty settlement assets. Recognised with the Queen’s Service Medal and as an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit, Wallace is committed to the overarching vision of WERA, creating transformational outcomes through social, financial and education, needs to address the welfare and well-being, of whānau and rangatahi.
Lenise Monteiro - Trustee
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi
Lenise has a Bachelor of Business Studies in Human Resource Management and is a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She is a dual Vanuatu-New Zealand citizen, Vanuatu business owner, and mum to three tamariki.
Lenise is an ex-NZ Army servicewoman and has recently returned to Aotearoa after living in Vanuatu for 16 years, where she founded and remains the Managing Director of a Recruitment and HR services company that supports international development programs and local organisations. She now lives in Tauranga and manages the company remotely. She has not-for-profit governance experience having served four years as Chair of Port Vila International School.
Kaycie O'Connor- Trustee
Based in Rotorua, Kaycie O’Connor is a Chartered Director and founder of Define NZ, with experience spanning governance, strategy, communications, marketing, and organisational development across Aotearoa and international markets. Her work across community, sport, and commercial sectors has shaped a strong belief in the role organisations can play in creating lasting, positive change for people, whānau, and communities.
Kaycie’s involvement with Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust reflects a commitment to kaupapa that enable opportunities, strengthen wellbeing, and support people to realise their potential. She is passionate about work that empowers people and whānau to build confidence, stability, and stronger futures, for generations to come.
Alongside her professional work, Kaycie is actively involved in governance development and serves on the Institute of Directors Bay of Plenty Branch Committee.
Outside of mahi, she enjoys spending time in the Whakarewarewa Forest running and mountain biking, and values the connection to te taiao, community, and perspective that comes from being outdoors.
Mike James - Trustee
Mike is a Registered Valuer with extensive experience in residential, lifestyle, lakes, and commercial property valuations across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. Based in Rotorua, he provides expert property advice and valuation services throughout Rotorua and the South Waikato.
Mike joined Reid & Reynolds Limited (now CBRE) in 2007 and became a Registered Valuer in 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University, majoring in Valuation and Property Management, and brings valuable industry expertise and regional knowledge to the Board.
Our Locations
