Debbie is Mum to a blended family of eight children who are of Samoan, Tongan, Māori and European decent. She has extensive experience working with Māori and Pacific communities from business mentoring for adults and young entrepreneurs to fundraising and providing water tanks, libraries, foot-ware, educational scholarships and jobs in Samoa. Her partner has been bestowed the Tuala title from Leauva’a, Samoa.
Debbie owned and operated a successful business in Onehunga and has held a variety of roles across commercial, government and not-for-profit organisations. Her most recent experience as an Executive at YWCA saw her manage fundraising, marketing, public relations, communications, sponsorship, social enterprise and programme innovation. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Maungakiekie Tamaki Local Board which takes her out of the InZone office every Tuesday.
Debbie has a reputation as a change maker with a strong passion and influence to make a difference – helping others receive equal opportunities and enabling them to reach their full potential.