Our People

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, I have experience in a wide range of roles in the social service sector, and through seeing the impact of systemic issues have become increasingly drawn to being part of change at the structural level. I have a strong commitment to social justice and human rights and am passionate about a restorative approach to justice. I hold a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts conjoint degree, a BA (Honours) in Development Studies, and a Masters in Social Work (Professional) with First Class Honours.

I grew up in Ahuriri Napier, now living in Paekākāriki on the Kāpiti Coast. Before coming to JustSpeak I was involved in a range of campaigning, including local body politics, Government and social justice kaupapa. I am passionate about supporting our whānau by taking lived experiences to those in positions of power.

Kia ora, I’m Hayley. Originally from Ōtautahi, I now live in Paeroa with my husband and together we’re committed to working alongside communities who have experienced disadvantage and trauma. I bring experience in finance, human resources, administration, and event management to the JustSpeak kaupapa.  It's a privilege to use my skills to support the organisation and the transformative work across Aotearoa. It’s an honour to stand with others in the pursuit of justice, restoration, and hope.

He uri ahau nō Kāi Tūāhuriri, nō Ngāti Pikiao, nō Ngāti Mahuta, nō Ngāti Maniapoto anō hoki. I am a fourth year student at the University of Canterbury studying towards a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Māori and Indigenous studies, and minoring in Te Reo Māori.

Pākehā, Tangata Tiriti. As a former Police Constable I engaged firsthand with our punitive, broken justice system. Inspired by Tā Kim Workman and the late Moana Jackson I have been fortunate to join the JustSpeak board and am driven to ensure the kaupapa continues its incredible legacy of advocating for transformative change of the criminal justice system.

I am a registered social worker from Tāmaki Makaurau, now based in Pōneke. With eight years of experience in the social sector, I currently work as a Practice Lead, advocating for systemic change that upholds the rights, voices, and wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau involved in the Care and Protection, Mental Health, and Youth Justice systems. I'm also studying towards postgraduate diplomas in Clinical Supervision and Mental Health and Addictions.

I have been honoured to lead Ōtara Health Charitable Trust over five years as their CEO. With my strong background in teaching and education, I am a passionate advocate for community well-being and social equity. My unwavering commitment to uplifting communities is motivated by faith to drive real, transformative change.

I am a public law specialist with over 25 years' legal experience specialising in regulation, administrative law and public law litigation. I was a partner in a UK law firm specialising in local Government, child protection and mental health law, before returning to New Zealand in 2005. My public law experience includes advice on public sector procurement and governance issues, law reform and judicial review. I have long held an interest in evidenced based and rights consistent policy and law reform.

After growing up and studying in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, I now live in the Bay of Plenty. As a lawyer working in the criminal justice system, I've seen first hand the impact of policy decisions on Aotearoa's most vulnerable communities, and I bring this wealth of experience to supporting Just Speak's mahi for systemic justice reforms.

I am a criminologist and PhD Candidate in Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha. I hold a Master of Criminal Justice with Distinction, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Laws. I specialise in researching carceral institutions including prisons, the criminal courts, and the police.

He uri nō Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Te Ata, me Ngāti Maniapoto. Ko Shilo Kino tōku ingoa. I care deeply about justice, which is why I’m passionate about the kaupapa of JustSpeak. I’ve seen the impact of systemic issues in Aotearoa through personal experience within my own whānau and in my Journalism mahi.  Storytelling has shown me how stories can shift narratives and create change and I published my debut novel, The Pōrangi Boy, in 2021. Before writing full-time, I was a journalist for Marae, Newsroom, NZ Herald, The Spinoff, The Guardian, and North & South. I currently live in Tāmaki Makaurau and am working on my master’s thesis at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland.

Ko Kate Tarawhiti ahau. He uri ahau nō Waikato. I am a qualified lawyer with over nine years’ experience across both the legal and policy sectors. At the heart of my mahi is a dedication to advancing system-level change that upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and protects the rights of tāngata whenua in Aotearoa. I currently work as a Senior Policy Advisor at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and have held governance roles within Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (the Māori Law Society) and the Wellington-based Howard League.

I joined the Police in 1958 as a 17 year old Cadet. It led to 47 years in the  public service career, mostly relating to criminal justice. From 1960 I became actively involved in Justice reform leading to the formation of the Rethinking Crime and Punishment project in 2008, and JustSpeak in 2011. I initially led the organisation but in recent times have stepped back, first as its Kaumatua and these days as an Adviser. In my 85th year, I figure it's time to retire.

I qualified as a cardiopulmonary technologist in 1971, travelled and worked overseas, and then joined the Justice Department as an assistant probation officer in Tāmaki Makaurau, stationed in Ōtāhuhu. I worked in many different senior roles, eventually reaching National Manager Community Corrections. Over the following years, I worked in several Government Departments, including Health, National Library, as well as Education.

Using my experiences in the Justice System, I taught in the Institute of Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington before eventually taking the role of Director Student Academic Services.

My focus throughout my career was on restorative practices and social change. Over the years, I have developed many operational, strategic, and governance leadership skills. Now retired, I use my experience to provide services to organisations that help develop and deliver better social outcomes, including in the justice, health, and education sectors.