OUR STAFF
We are here for YOU!
BEN KINGI
Ngati Porou, Ngai Tuhoe Owner, Trainer and Consultant
Ben is an energetic and passionate Trainer and Educator. He is our qualified Instructor of Security and Hospitality training and also holds a Level 5 Qualification in Adult Literacy and Numeracy. Our students thoroughly enjoy his interactive and engaging teaching style and his extensive knowledge of his topics.
LESLEY MAXWELL
Ngaitai, RongowhakaataOwner, Trainer and Consultant
Lesley is a very experienced trainer and runs a variety of short courses in areas such as Health and Safety, Employment Skills, CV Preparation, Communication Skills and Work Ethics. She sets up and maintains many of our business relationships and is well respected for the broad knowledge and passion she brings to her training. Lesley is a qualified Adult Educator, Workplace Assessor.
TONE TE AHURU
Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati HikairoTraining Coordinator
If you are ever wondering about the face behind the friendly voice on our Freephone, this is Tone our Training Co-ordinator extraordinaire. Tone manages many of our training relationships and liaison with all of our valued clients. He organises our course bookings and coordinates operations on training days. Tone is a qualified Adult Educator and Assessor and most important of all he organises our course catering which everyone enjoys!
TAYLA LANE
Office Manager
After graduating Victoria University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy, Tayla joined the Sapphire team as our new office star in early 2020. Tayla takes care of much of our day to day administration to make sure things run as smoothly as possible. Her fun personality and youthful energy helped her to fit easily into our vibrant team.
MOANA HEPBURN
Employment Consultant
Moana has 10 years experience in Human Resources in the corporate and public sectors. She also holds a degree in Psychology. Skilled and experienced in recruitment, caseload management, employment skill development, CV preparation, personal coaching and mentoring, employment placement and pastoral care. Before becoming one of the newest members of the Sapphire team, Moana forged a successful Human Resource career within the NZ Ministry of Defence. She is also a talented young sportswoman and loving mother to her two beautiful children.
JOHN-PAUL TAUTE (JP)
Employment Consultant/ Mentor
JP joined our team to extend his successful career as an awesome Mentor, particularly for our rangatahi and interns that are part of our Pukana Internship programme.
Before joining our team, JP was already working as a Mentor, inspiring youth across the Wellington region, helping them find employment and keeping them motivated.
With a background in the military firstly as a soldier, JP was also an Instructor for the Limited Service Volunteer programme.
JP brings a wealth of life experience to our team, and his extra-curricular activities such as Diving, Gym Training and and Rugby League make him a big hit with many of our active young trainees.
