Meet the Team

Deborah has a background in accounting and law and has always had a great love of the sea. She would like to see all our Tamariki to have the same opportunity she had to experience the sea and benefit from the power and confidence it can give to you.

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.

Katie is our Manager. She is an active member in the Porirua Community. Katie has a great commitment to Te Ara Moana and the lives of every tamariki that hits our shores. She continues to strengthen our organisation.

Dean is a senior instructor. 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 has been an instructor with Te Ara Moana since 2022. In between coaching kids and writing software, he enjoys sports which involve wind and water. He also contributes a lot of his spare time volunteering at Tītahi Bay Boating Club.

Rosie has a deep love for exploring the outdoors. She has worked with tamariki for the last 10 years in educational and non-educational settings. Sharing her passions for nature and water is incredibly rewarding. She loves seeing how the outdoors sparks their creativity and enthusiasm. Rosie approaches her interactions with calmness, patience and playfulness, striving to connect with tamariki in a meaningful way where they feel safe, seen and heard.

Kia ora, ko Matt tōku ingoa. I have been a primary school teacher for ever, and have taught in many Porirua schools, helping our awesome children to grow and learn. I live in Tītahi Bay, and spend my time kayaking, gardening, cycling, and sailing.

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.