Meet the Team

Deborah has a keen belief in the power of charity and volunteer work. She brings a wealth of professional skills to Te Ara Moana and strong dedicated to the impact that the organisation makes. Deborah is a highly experienced mariner and we are extremely fortunate to have her as our Trustee Chair. 

Melissa is a resident of Titahi Bay and enjoys community, water sports and recreation.  She is an educator, parent, and has served on two local boards.  Melissa feels it is a great privilege to live in the natural beauty of Porirua. She wants every child to experience safe water activities so they can develop confidence in the water and a passion for their environment.  

Heidi is a Trustee and is proud to support Te Ara Moana Trust She has enjoyed a diverse career in both the private and public sectors.  Heidi is an expert in system improvement and has been with Te Ara Moana since its inception in 2014.

Anna Gillon has been on the board for two years and brings to the table her skills as an experienced lawyer and mother of five children. She is strongly supportive of Te Ara Moana's programme and knows that the organisation's are deeper than practical sailing and water skills. 

Geoff's childhood was spent on the water, whether fishing with his grandfather on his boat or sailing Sunbirds on local waterways.  A resident of Titahi Bay and Wellington for almost 15 years, he has been a member of the Titahi Bay Community Group and is a former co-chair of the Titahi Bay Beach Festival.

Mike has lived most of his years in Porirua City. All six of Mike and his wife Christine’s children live and are raising their families (all 17 of their grandchildren) in suburbs of Porirua. A Porirua City Councillor, Mike says he has more than a vested interest in seeing Porirua kids get the opportunity to be the best they can at everything the city can offer them.

Katie is our Manager. 

Dean is a senior instruction. He is a local Porirua sailor and has been teaching learn to sail classes throughout Kapiti and Porirua for over ten years. Dean has also taught adult sailing and cruising at Ocean Sports in Wellington. Dean adores boats and the sea and is passionate about working with young people and seeing them grow their confidence in the sea. Dean is also an experienced ocean sailor.

Nick is an instructor.  He is also the Commodore at the Titahi Bay Boating Club.

Jodie is an awesome member of our kaimahi-staff.

We could not do what we do without our volunteers. Our current volunteers are XXX. They give their time and energy to making sure we have enough supervision and care for the young people we serve. To our volunteers - kei te mihi ki a koutou. We totally value you.

Jenni Bedford was a founding member of Te Ara Moana. Sadly Jenni passed away in 2021. Her inspiration and incredible actions live on through every young person, staff and volunteer who has been impacted by the mahi at Te Ara Moana. 

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Also Zena the dog was our general dogs body for many years. She is still missed and students still ask about her. Even those fearful of dogs were able to exercise their compassin and care for this special doggy.