Manaaki Temara-Benfell was educated at Te Kura o Raukura in Rotorua, where he was both a prefect and the Student Trustee to the Board. With a strong passion for rangatahi development, te ao Māori, and haka, Manaaki brings valuable cultural insight to his role. He is currently a guide and cultural ambassador for Te Puia, a leading Iwi-owned cultural centre, where he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for Māori traditions, helping visitors connect with the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

As an Operations Coordinator, Manaaki plays a crucial role in supporting our day-to-day activities, ensuring smooth operations, and supporting the team to achieve key objectives. His responsibilities include overseeing logistical processes, coordinating resources, and maintaining a high standard of service delivery. Manaaki’s leadership and organisational skills contribute to the success of the operations team, and to the ongoing development of our rangatahi.