Te Matarau Education Trust has provided work readiness intensive support in Northland since 2014, through personalised mentoring, education pathways and employment support. Enrolled participants to our contracted work readiness programs. Together, we’re building sustainable employment outcomes to grow communities.
In 2025, Te Matarau Education Trust entered the category of Not for Profit in Business and won the Te Hiringa Trust and Business Promotions for Te Tai Tokerau Maori Business Excellence.
Te Matarau means “many faces”, reflecting the strength and diversity of the iwi and hapū who come together to support our people.
Our collective includes Te Uri o Hau, Ngātiwai, Ngāti Hau Trust Board, Ngāti Hine, Ngāi Takoto and Pasifika Peoples.
Your journey is unique, and the right support can make all the difference. Through manaakitanga, our Kaiārahi (mentors) provide confidential guidance, encouragement and practical support to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
We take the time to understand your circumstances, strengths and aspirations so we can connect you with the right services, opportunities and pathways.
General Manager
Ko Te Uri o Hau te hapu
Ko Ngāti Whātua
Ko Georgina Curtis – Connelly toku ingoa
I have served our people for over 25 years working in senior management, Crown relationships and Governance with a background in Education, Hauora and marae, Iwi and Hapu development.
I have a deep respect for helping all rangatahi have hope for their future, growing leadership and building strong rangatahi as future leaders.
“Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”
Galatians 6.9
Workforce Development and Industry Connector
I hold a Master’s degree (with Honours) in Communications and have dedicated much of my career to helping young people grow, succeed, and realise their potential.
I’ve worked with rangatahi through the University of Auckland, youth programmes, and employment services across Aotearoa New Zealand. As a passionate youth worker, industry connector, and work readiness coach, I help young people build confidence and connect with meaningful employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
I believe that, “If you can see it, you can be it.” My goal is to help every young person see what’s possible for their future and take practical steps towards achieving it.”
Kaimahi
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.
Ko Shontae Whiu tōku ingoa. I hold a Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social Services) and a Level 4 Community Apprenticeship qualification. With over four years of experience supporting rangatahi, I am committed to empowering young people to achieve positive outcomes in education, training, employment, and wellbeing through strengths-based and relationship-focused practice.
Administration and Financial Support (Kaimahi)
“Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāpuhi.
Being a rangatahi myself I come into this role sharing my lived shared experiences with those we work for. While my background is not defined by formal qualifications in this field, I am deeply passionate about serving and uplifting rangatahi in our community.”
Office & Financial Support Services
As our Office and Financial Support team member, I enjoy helping people and making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes. I love being part of Te Matarau because it feels like whānau—everyone is included, supported, and encouraged to succeed. Being able to help others while working alongside such a caring team is what makes my role so rewarding
Kaimahi
“Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au.”
I am you, and you are me.
Grounded in the teachings and whakaaro of Māori Marsden, this speaks to the importance of connection, relationships and recognising the potential in each person.
Missy brings extensive experience working alongside iwi and community organisations across Te Hiku and Kaipara. Her strengths include building genuine relationships, listening, mentoring, problem-solving
and supporting people to navigate challenges.
She holds a Bachelor of Applied Management and Youth Mentoring qualification, with a background in
business, finance and administration.
As Pastoral Support at Te Matarau, Missy is passionate about supporting learners and whānau through manaakitanga, respect, belonging and connection.
