Te Arawa Mahi’s new Operations Assistant, Ngapera Nicholls, is always looking to push the boundaries and challenge herself.
Some could say this spirit of adventure is genetic, with her mother packing up her Rotorua life and moving to the remote Christmas Island when Ngapera was a baby.
“Not many people can say they spent the early years of their life with the rainforest as their backyard.”
Moving back to Rotorua, Ngapera completed her schooling before before jet-setting to Europe with her partner.
Her time abroad was unforgettable, but home – and motherhood – was calling her name, and the decision was made to return to Rotorua.
Now, with the titles ‘journalist’, ‘globetrotter’, ‘mum’ and soon to be ‘psychologist’ under her belt, Ngapera has taken on this new role to make a positive impact on her people’s lives.
“Working for an iwi organisation was a big drawcard for me as its holistic work culture fits in well with my life as a mum of two.
“Doing my degree in psychology, I also liked the human aspect of this role, and working with rangatahi to help them gain long-term, consistent employment.
“I’m always keen to learn new things and I look forward to absorbing everything Te Arawa Mahi can teach me.”
