MEET THE TEAM
AROHA SHELFORD
DIRECTOR
Aroha is the founder of AKA Productions, established in 2001, following her work with major production companies like Greenstone Pictures and Pipi Productions. With extensive experience in drama, reality, documentary, and studio-based programming, she aims to expand the non-broadcast arm of her company. Aroha's background includes significant roles in Māori community and youth development, where she honed her skills as a health promoter, youth worker, tutor, and manager. She has led numerous community initiatives, music concerts, and fundraising projects, and has produced radio jingles and waiata. After two decades in television, Aroha returned to her roots to work on sustainable Papakainga development and has held senior roles in social services, communications, and marketing for Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō Ngāpuhi and Te Pūni Kōkiri. She has also dedicated her time to various community positions, including serving as a Mārae Trustee and an assessor for the Whangarei District Council Creative Communities.
MARLENE ATAWHAI RICHARDT
DIRECTOR
Marlene Atawhai Richardt is one of the Directors of Kaupapa Collective Limited. She has over 20 years experience in the corporate and customer service industry, including training, real estate and contracting. Most recently, Marlene has worked for The Ministry of Māori Development (Te Puni Kokiri) as an Administrator/EA, Business Analyst, Business Advisor and more than 5 years in the management and delivery of community projects; Tuia250, Matauranga Mobile Exhibition and Whariki Maori Business Network to name a few.
As she loves organisation, efficiency, and structured processes, she says community project delivery suits her character. However, it’s the variety, excitement, the people and of course the end-product she really loves. For Marlene
"there’s nothing better than working with people who create and design cool stuff".
Passionate about whānau, whenua and living the best life possible, Marlene always uses her intuition and instincts as she knows this brings the best results. She has a keen eye for detail and excellent time management skills. Her superpower? Marlene can read a room within minutes.
Miriam Vance
DIRECTOR
Tēna koutou katoa
Ko Whangārei Terenga Paraoa te moana
Ko Ngāti Pukenga ki Whangarei te iwi
Ko Pakikaikutu te kainga
He uri ahau o Ngāti manu, Ngāti Pikiao hoki
Ko Miriam Vance tōku ingoa
Toko toru aku tamāhine, ko Hinengaro, rātou ko Rangimarie, ko Mahina
Ko Hiwa-i-te-Rangi tāku mokopuna
Miriam has been privileged to work with individuals, whānau, and communities, contributing to positive social and equitable outcomes in various roles across both the public and private sectors.
As a business owner, she established and operated an early childhood learning centre and has experience in programme and project management, community development, and housing development.
For the past 7 years, Miriam has worked for Te Puni Kōkiri in Māori business growth, skills and employment, housing, and most recently as a Senior Regional Investment Advisor. She currently works with Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services, supporting their Strategic Innovation programme of work and as a member of the Kaupapa Collective team.
Miriam is interested in challenging thinking and exploring new ways of cooperative working that creates change for good.
Mauri ora!
