Honouring our past,
weaving a stronger future.

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For over 40 years, Weave Hawke’s Bay has been empowering whānau and individuals to thrive, by building connections and supporting wellbeing.
Guided by our founding statement, Te Awhina, Te Aroha (To Help is to Love), we provide inclusive, wraparound services to strengthen whānau and communities in Te Matau-a-Māui / Hawke’s Bay.

Our Journey

Our story began in 1983, when an inter-church group recognised the need for greater support for local families. Their research revealed whānau facing severe social pressures, isolation, and hardship. In response, Napier Family Centre was born, offering budgeting support, family assistance, and early childhood programmes. For many, it became a lifeline, creating opportunities for tamariki to grow and thrive.

While our origins are in Napier, our work now spans the entire region, and we are involved in many aspects of whānau and community wellbeing. In 2024, Napier Family Centre became Weave Hawke’s Bay – a change that reflects our broader services and reach in the Hawke’s Bay community.

Today, we honour the 40 year legacy while looking to the future. Our name reflects our kaupapa of connection, collaboration, and resilience. Like a whāriki (woven mat), each strand—our people, services, and partnerships—strengthens the whole. Together, we are weaving a future where every individual and whānau can realise their potential.

Our Mahi

Every year, we support over 2,500 individuals and whānau across Hawke’s Bay, from Wairoa to Central Hawke’s Bay. Our qualified professionals deliver tailored programmes and services that adapt to meet the needs of our community. These include counselling, financial mentoring, family support, early childhood education, and programmes for both adults and tamariki.

Weave is a trusted partner in Hawke’s Bay’s social services network. Collaboration is at the heart of our mahi, and we work closely with schools, healthcare providers, iwi, government agencies, and other community organisations to ensure no one slips through the cracks. By working together, we build stronger, more connected communities.

Why Weave?

Weave is not just a name; it’s our kaupapa. It reflects our commitment to whānau-led solutions and collaboration with partners. Together, we are weaving a future where every thread has value, and every whānau is supported along life’s journey. Weave Hawke’s Bay is a name that embraces our history while setting the course for a connected future, making it a powerful symbol of who we are and what we are here to do.

Grounded in our history and guided by our values of compassion, integrity, innovation, and teamwork, Weave Hawke’s Bay is here to support you along life’s journey. Together, we can create positive, lasting change for whānau and communities across Hawke’s Bay.

Learn more about our mahi and impact in our Annual Report.

Meet the people behind Weave Hawke’s Bay.

Our team includes around 60 dedicated kaimahi, contractors, and volunteers, all working together to support whānau and strengthen communities. We are guided by a volunteer Board and Finance Committee, made up of inter-church representatives and co-opted members, who help steer our vision and mission.

Our Executive Team

Kerry Henderson

Tumuaki | CEO

Lee Cartwright

Social Services Operations Manager

Sam Paterson

Fundraising & Communications Manager

Hayley Whitaker

Education Manager

Pam Bicknell

Finance Manager

Our Financial Mentors

Debbie

Financial Mentoring Team Lead

Jill

Financial Mentor

Fran

Financial Mentor

Jae Whelan

Healthy Homes Assessor

Our Counselling Team

Sharon Jenkinson

Counsellor

Sara Eaton

Counsellor

Stacia Jensen

Counsellor

Missy Bedford-Rolleston

Counsellor

Our Whānau Support Team

Sandie Speeden

Social Services Team Lead

Rachel Hughes

Course Facilitator

Naomi Rae

Social Worker

Angela Lalonde

Whānau Support & Course Facilitator

Our Administration Team

Leigh McGahey

Finance & Administration Officer

Amanda Field

Sunny Days Administrator

Emma Shepherd

ECE & Healthy Homes Administrator

Kay Perez

Receptionist / Administrator

Our Early Childhood Teams

Bright Futures

Home-based Childcare and Education

Sunny Days Early Childhood Education Centre

Our Board Members

Christine Scott

Co-opted Member (Chair)

Alyson Bullock

Anglican Māori Mission

John Waldin

All Saints Anglican Church of Taradale

Marla Alexander-Ward

Co-opted Member

Ofa Taukolo

Trinity Methodist

Sue Webb

Co-Opted Member

Victor Saywell

Co-Opted Member

Murray Arnold

St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Napier (Deputy Chair)

Bill Ahern

Catholic Charities of Napier

Emma Pullen

Co-opted Member

Susan Jacobs

Co-Opted Member

Doug Nielson

Co-Opted Member