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.

Wayne joined InZone in 2018.  He and his wife Mere live in the boys’ kāinga and his 3 children attend InZone.  Wayne is of Ngati Porou te iwi. He was born in Gisbourne, went to primary school in Kawerau and Te Awamutu and attended Tauranga Boys’ College.  From there he attended Auckland College of Education in Epsom and started teaching when he was 20.  Wayne taught Health & Physical Education and Maths.  Prior to joining InZone he was the Deputy Principal at Alfriston College.

Wayne enjoys sport and is an avid supporter of the All Blacks, Hurricanes in Super Rugby,  Queensland in State Of Origin and the Warriors.  His personal sporting highlight was being a member of NZ Mens Dragonboat Team in 1995 (World Cup China).  He’s also a keen chef.

As Head of Boarding, Wayne’s role is to provide leadership around day to day operations in both the boys and girls kāinga.  It is also to ensure that our rangatahi and staff are able to function to the best of their ability.  He enjoys the opportunity to provide that provide leadership, support and encouragement to enable our rangatahi and staff to be the best people that they can be.

Wayne’s favourite quotes are: “Work Hard – Play Hard!” and “Do The Mahi, Get The Treats!”

As Academic & Pathways Manager, Joy’s brief is to develop and oversee an academic and transitional support programme so each InZone student is empowered to achieve their academic best and has a preferred career path.

Joy joined InZone in 2019 and her passion is to actively lead and participate in enabling youth to become the best versions of themselves.  She studied at The University of Auckland and gained a Bachelor of Arts (Education & Psychology) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary).  Joy brings 18-years’ experience in Auckland as a Secondary Teacher, Careers Advisor and most recently completed 11 years as Faculty Manager – Vocational Pathways before looking for her next challenge. Prior to working in education, Joy worked in the banking sector and early childcare. She is the youngest of 11 children and is grateful for her Samoan Kiwi upbringing in Mt Roskill. Her Dad’s family hail from the villages of Malaela and Sapaali’i in Samoa and her Mum is of Scottish Presbyterian stock from Dunedin.

Joy is a keen sports follower and sportswoman in her day. Over the years, Joy has been actively involved in managing numerous school sports teams in badminton, rugby, softball and netball. Sports management also extended to the Panmure Netball Club, Auckland Netball age group rep teams and Auckland Netball Samoan age group teams.  And with 10 siblings, she is a dedicated Aunty (and career counsellor) to an ever-growing number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews across the globe.

Tracey joined InZone in 2017 and is currently the Development Manager.  In this role Tracey works across a few areas including database development, co-ordinating our annual fundraiser and supporting whānau in meeting their financial obligations.

Tracey was born raised and schooled in Wellington.  She has 4 children and has lived around the world including in Australia, USA and London, and she now lives in Auckland.  Tracey has an accounting degree and a strong philanthropic nature, which means that she has always volunteered her time for charities while parenting her children.  She has chaired her children’s school board, co-ordinated volunteers, helped with administration and finance for charities and is a companion at a local rest home.

Tracey is an avid skier and has recently taken up lawn bowls. Tracey is passionate about InZone and enjoys working for a place and with people who have the same values as her.

Julia joined InZone in 2020 as Fundraising and Communications Coordinator. Her role is to further develop the Foundation’s online presence as well as support the team in raising funds.

Julia began her career working in event management after graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts (History and European Studies). Julia then enjoyed several years overseas as a self-employed English Teacher in Kosovo and Georgia, as well as a stint in Ireland on a working holiday. Since returning to Aotearoa, she has been working in the marketing and events space. Julia has volunteered her time to non-profit organisations abroad as well as locally serving the community through Rotaract as a student.

Julia has a love of languages and has been studying te reo Māori since June 2019. She is proficient in Swedish and Albanian, and has a smattering of French. On the weekends she can be found baking or trying to stay upright while windsurfing.