Partner facilitators

Ko au ko Ngāti Naho, ko Ngāti Naho ko au, he piko he taniwha, Waikato Taniwharau.

Ko Maurea, ko Horahora ōku ūkaipo, nō te whānau Wirihana me te whānau Manukau tēneki mokopuna e mihi matakuikui ana ki a koutou katoa.

Ko Marley Jenkins ahau

I have worked in the Education Sector for the majority of my working career in varying roles and across a multitude of Institues. In 2014 I was afforded the opportunity to work at an Indigenous Research Centre for the University of Duluth, Minnesota, US. In 2016 I completed my BA in Māori at Waikato University.

My passion is to improve the lives and aspirations of people however that looks for them. Having the opportunity to be a facilitator in the Disability space and to make the ‘process easier' for these abled young people to gain employment/training and or work experience and to feel like they are positively contributing to society really excites me.

The whakataukī below speaks of perseverance and endurance, refusing to let obstacles get in your way while striving to reach one’s goals. Together with the team at Selwyn Cook - Disability Employment, we will strive to help you to achieve your goals and aspiration in the workforce.

Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei

I am passionate about nature – and all her creatures – great and small. I love taking our dog Max, a big goof-ball – for walks – enjoying the beautiful surroundings and admiring Max’s lust for life. I also love sitting down with a good book – and have our cat Tommy snuggle up next to me. Gucci, the pony – is a new addition to our family and I cannot wait to see what antics she will be bringing into our lives.

My children are the love of my life – I admire and adore them – and they teach me a lot about myself – and the world. I have a loving husband who support me in whatever I choose to do. A rare find indeed.

I have always been a caring person – and have always wanted people (and animals) to be happy and to have fulfilled lives. Hence studying Psychology came as a natural choice to me. I completed my Honours in 2001 – and then life took me on a journey that introduced me to the life of the disabled person. I did caring in the UK for 2 years after which I started my own care agency – providing individualised care to my clients. I am still involved in this work and love what I do.

Meeting Selwyn was a big bonus and I am very excited to be working with him – and you – to help you achieve your goals in the employment market. Together – as a team – we are invincible!

My name is Melissa Ngatai.  I am originally from Kentucky and have lived over twenty years in New Zealand mainly in the South Waikato with a five year stint of time in Rotorua. I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2000 with a Bachelor's degree in Human Environmental Science with the focus on family.  I knew this was the right degree for myself as my passion is truly helping people achieve their goals and finding ways to remove obstacles that might  be in the way. I have worked in a Transitional Housing program for homeless mothers, primary school  teacher aide (high behavioural needs child), High School (special needs) and in the past two years with the local Iwi in Family Start and Whanau Ora/DHB helping families receive the best  health care for their under five year olds and making sure they were not overlooked in the system.  I have a real advocacy heart and will do everything in my power to do right by whanau. I have volunteered at a local pregnancy help centre, intermediate school (troubled girls), new mother's support group, facilitated Tool Box learning for parenting, food bank, Lion's Club, music class for small children, respite care for Autistic children and countless other groups at my church.  

I completely agree with the approach that Selwyn Cook and the team use through connection with the family to get the best outcomes through employment for their whanau.  I enjoy the opportunity to serve in this capacity and I know together we can achieve anything.  Kia Kaha!

My journey to this new and exciting role is varied....

I'm a qualified landscape designer and draughts person - but after the arrival of my 2 children I had a complete change in direction.  I became a Childbirth Educator teaching antenatal classes throughout the Waikato.  Alongside that I ran a music class for under 5's in the community.  With a strong foundation in adult teaching, I was approached by a gym instructor about teaching Body Balance (Les Mills - yoga, tai chi, pilates ). I had been doing the class for years, so found myself thoroughly enjoying this new role.  Another conversation with someone from Sport Waikato found me setting up an exercise programme for older people for fall prevention.

During all of this, we entered the world of disability with a "bolt out of the blue" diagnosis for our son.  This certainly changed our focus and direction as a family.

I am excited about being a part of the team that can wrap around our Disabled whanau to help them to live and dream a big life - whatever that is for them.  I look forward to supporting our clients to feel the pride and joy that stems from achieving goals and participating in their communities and building their own support networks.

I look forward to working alongside Selwyn and his amazing team.

He kaha ake ta maua tahi ( we are stronger together).