Hōkai Tahi is delighted to announce the appointment of Renee Renata as its new Service Manager. Hōkai Tahi provides free support services and counselling to parents from conception to one year postpartum, and offers clinic rooms in Masterton and Featherston.
Renee, wife to David and proud māmā to Brook, Jayce, Carter, Beau, and Eden, brings both heart and experience to her new role. Her journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to community, creativity, and connection – values she has carried through her work in education, health, and business. Guided by kaupapa Māori principles and her own lived experience of early parenthood, Renee understands the challenges and the beauty of those first years, and is passionate about walking alongside whānau as they navigate them.
Speaking about her new role, Renee says, “I am honoured to step into this role and continue the incredible mahi that Hōkai Tahi is known for. Having seen first-hand the profound difference that compassionate, wraparound care makes for whānau, I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated team, whose passion and commitment already make such a meaningful impact, as we continue providing these essential services to our community.
This kaupapa is deeply personal to me, and I look forward to building on the legacy of those who have led before me.”
Chris Martin, Chairperson of the Hōkai Tahi Board, says: “We’re really excited to have Renee Renata on board. She is strongly invested in the work Hōkai Tahi undertakes, has wonderful community relationships, and is passionate about supporting women in difficult circumstances. With an experienced background in both community and business roles, she brings skills and insights that will be an asset to our team of counsellors, support coordinators, and volunteers. Together they will ensure that whānau across the Wairarapa receive the best support during the pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Current Service Manager Rebecca Vergunst has taken our service to new heights in many ways and built on mahi of the previous managers with her policy and strategy skills. She has been an extremely dedicated advocate and has truly helped the service to grow and take on a confident strategic direction. We are so thankful for all that she has done for this service, and wish her all the very best in the exciting overseas adventures that her and her family now embark.”