Our People – Leadership Team

Kelly Manning

Kaiwhakahaere Matua / Chief Executive Officer

Kelly Manning

Kaiwhakahaere Matua / Chief Executive Officer

Kelly strongly believes a leader’s role is to create safe, vibrant and collaborative environments where kaimahi can excel in their work for our communities. Kelly has worked in the social service sector since 1994, and along the way has studied youth work, training & development and Tikanga Māori. A lifelong learner, he gained his MBA in 2021. Kelly is married with two adult children and two grandchildren.

Roxana Taurima

Kaiwhakahaere Rauemi / Chief Operations Officer

Roxana Taurima

Kaiwhakahaere Rauemi / Chief Operations Officer

Roxana is Chief Operations Officer with expertise in family therapy, behavioural support, and pastoral care. Holding a Bachelor of Counselling, she is committed to strengthening whānau and community wellbeing. Originally from Chile, she has lived in Aotearoa for 30 years and shares her life with her husband and two children.

Zabeen Begum

Kaitiaki Putea / Financial Controller

Zabeen Begum

Kaitiaki Putea / Financial Controller

Zabeen has nine years’ nonprofit experience, leading organisational strategy with financial expertise. She also has nine years in the corporate sector, bringing broad knowledge of finance and compliance. Zabeen lives in Te Kauwhata with her husband and two children and is passionate about making a difference in the community.

Stephen Cairns

Kaiwhakahaere Ahurea / Human Resources Manager

Stephen Cairns

Kaiwhakahaere Ahurea / Human Resources Manager

Stephen has 15+ years in Human Resources across diverse sectors including NGOs, iwi, manufacturing, FMCG, health, and community. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and is focused on people and culture, driving outcomes for rangatahi. Of Cook Island (Arorangi) descent, Stephen enjoys time with his two dogs outside work.

Wharewera Koopu

Mana Whakahaere / Cultural Leader

Wharewera Koopu

Mana Whakahaere / Cultural Leader

Wharewera descends from Mataatua tribes Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāti Awa. Raised in a large teaching family, he is committed to Te Ao Māori values taught by his grandparents. He holds an Education degree and qualifications in Te Reo Māori and social work, with experience in teaching, social work, tikanga Māori, and mental health, leading with deep cultural knowledge.

Tessa Madden

Ringa Āwhina a Kaiwhakahaere / Executive Assistant to the CEO

Tessa Madden

Ringa Āwhina a Kaiwhakahaere / Executive Assistant to the CEO

Tessa is Executive Assistant to the CEO, providing high-level support with professionalism and cultural awareness. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (First Class Honours) in Psychology. Of Rotuman (Motusa District) and English descent, Tessa is passionate about uplifting rangatahi and whānau through compassion, inclusion, and purposeful action.

Frances Russell

Kaiwhakahaere Haumanu / Clinical Manager

Frances Russell

Kaiwhakahaere Haumanu / Clinical Manager

Frances is a New Zealand-registered Occupational Therapist with experience in mental health and project management. She is dedicated to Te Tiriti-centred practice and values well-defined systems for great service delivery. Frances is married with four children and was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Chris Curry

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager

Chris Curry

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager – Supported Bail/Flexi Bail, Korowai & Vocational Mentoring, and Fast Track.

Chris has 16+ years in youth work across Youth Justice and community programmes. Of Ngāpuhi and Ngāhengahe descent, he leads with integrity, respect, and communication. Chris is committed to supporting vulnerable rangatahi and serves his community through Elim Manurewa Church. He is a husband and father of four.

Cassanna Uilavai

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager

Cassanna Uilavai

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager – Care & Therapy, and Enhanced Fast Track.

Cassanna has eight years with Reconnect, with experience in care and protection, youth justice, family therapy, and clinical work. She holds a Diploma in Education and a Bachelor’s in Applied Social Science (Counselling). Of Māori (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) and Samoan descent, she is passionate about empowering rangatahi and whānau.

Jacob Paulo

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager

Jacob Paulo

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager – Care Support Taituara Tuhono.

Jacob, a proud Ōtāhuhu native, values service and respect in youth development. Experienced in residential youth care, he has led teams in Youth Justice and Care & Protection. He also has a background in logistics and serves his community as a sports coach and volunteer, fostering safe, team-focused environments.

Vili Lolohea

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager

Vili Lolohea

Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka / Programme Manager – Kaitiaki Residential.

Vili has spent the past six years at Reconnect, drawing on extensive experience in Care & Protection and Youth Justice. He brings a strong foundation in youth work, mentoring, family therapy, and social work, all of which inform his thoughtful, values-led leadership. Proudly Tongan, Vili is guided by the principles of respect, honesty, and famili (family), shaped by his Pasifika upbringing. He lives with his partner, and together they’re raising two beautiful children.
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