Te Aka Puaho
Te Aka Puaho is the Maori Synod of the PCANZ. They are the kaitiaki or guardians of our church Marae at Ohope. They are our hosts for Te Whakakotahitanga Connect 2019. Members of Te Aka Puaho will teach us about Tikanga Maori, the story of the partnership between Te Aka Puaho and the PCANZ, and they will share lots of whakatauki (proverbs) and wisdom that we can apply to our lives, faith and ministry.
Matai’a Salatielu Tiatia
Sala has been in youth work for 25 plus years from South Auckland to Porirua to Christ Church. He has served in different youth work spaces from church ministries to Alternative Education to Pacific Island and Maori Leadership in High Schools.
Sala is married to a Maori Queen who he refers to has his heart – and has 6 amazingly talented Tamariki that he refers to as his 6 heartbeats
Sala is currently working for Te Ora Hou in Otautahi (Christchurch) a Youth Work and Whanau organization that has been around for the last 30 odd years. Sala is still a youth work practitioner but also operating at a governance and pastoral level – caring and loving on youth workers as well regionally and nationally
James Beck
James Beck is the Kaihanga o Ngā Mea/ Director of Development and Deliver at the Parenting Place where he’s been part of our team for over 10 years now. James started his time here as an Attitude presenter and he has reached over 200,000 people in schools, prisons and workplaces all over the country. You may have caught him on radio, TV at Easter Camps or even read one of his many articles. James has also recently authored a (very funny) children’s book, Eliza Loves Rocks.
Anyone who’s heard James speak will remember him for his unique sense of humour, which he credits his rural upbringing for. It has been a key to helping him connect with people from all walks of life. James is passionate about helping people reach their full potential. When he isn’t working, James is hanging out with his wife, Rebekah, and their kids, Eliza, Tilly and Freddie.