Our Governance Team

 
 

Danny Mareko | Co-chair

I am of Samoan descent, born and bred in Eastern Porirua and have been residing there for over 50 years. A father of 5 with 3 grandchildren. I have extensive experience working in the community with whanau, Tamariki and community, government organizations in a variety of partnerships. I have worked in diverse roles and have a strong contract and partnership management experience working in the education and community sector.

 
 

Kahurangi Tapsell | Co-chair

My work background is in town planning, primarily in land development, subdivision and consenting in local government and the private sector. I currently work for Kāinga Ora in assisting Māori landowners across the country to develop housing on their whenua, which is something I’m passionate about. I’m also a Trustee on a land block in Maketū. Being able to provide safe and secure housing makes such a difference to so many wellbeing, social and economic outcomes.

 
 

Richard Sinnot | Board Member

I am a real estate agent, based in Wainuiomata and working across both residential and commercial real estate I have worked with a wide cross-section of people and helped many dreams come true – particularly first home buyers who are a strong part of the business that we do. Unfortunately, I have also seen many people get left behind with the growth and pace of the market over the last few years and witnessed what the shortage of housing is doing to families in our community. This is why I wanted to join the board, so that I can be a part of positive change and pushing to provide housing for everyone. I believe a healthy and stable home is a basic cornerstone to success.

 
 

Jordan Vailima | Board Member

I am a proud born and bred local of Wainuiomata, which is where my wife, son and I reside. We have the privilege to serve our community as Pastors through the local church in Wainuiomata and we also provide a free Holiday Program for any children in emergency and transitional housing. I have always been involved in small communities in the Wellington region in helping equip and inspire people of all ages to be the best version of themselves. I’m passionate in helping people and being on the Tuatahi team allows me to serve our aiga in a greater capacity

 
 

Dan Shenton | Board Member

I am a proud Māori, born and raised in the mighty Whanganui, but have lived in the Wellington region for the past twenty or so years, currently residing in Paraparaumu. I whakapapa to Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Rangi and Ngāti Porou. My career has been in central Government having worked in policy, stakeholder engagement, Treaty settlement partnerships and contract management roles across a number of different agencies. I have gained a wealth of experience through my work with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, since joining them in 2019, where I am currently a Principal Advisor. I also have experience in housing investments and developments in my personal capacity and recently working closely with my whānau Incorporation in Whanganui on a papakāinga development on our whenua.

 
 

Vanessa Masoe | Board Member

Vanessa is a respected advocate for Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, with over two decades of experience in community engagement, policy, and leadership. She leads community engagement at the Central Pacific Collective, driving strategy, advising on policy, and strengthening relationships with Pacific stakeholders, churches, and NGOs. Her career spans local government, housing, education, and health—including roles at Porirua City Council, Kāinga Ora, and Capital and Coast DHB—where she has championed Pacific voices in policy, development, and service design. A skilled strategist and cultural advisor, she has co-designed Pacific engagement strategies, led regeneration initiatives, and supported leaders and boards. Deeply connected to her community, Vanessa also serves in voluntary roles and mentors emerging Pacific leaders, bringing integrity, heart, and purpose to all she does.