Housing Management with Heart

More Than Housing—A Foundation for Flourishing Lives.

At Te Wawata Kāinga, we believe everyone deserves more than just a home—they deserve a place to thrive.

As part of the Home Foundation group, we’re guided by a shared mission: to empower people, care deeply, and help create communities that are connected, resilient, and full of life.

Our purpose is clear: to ensure that housing serves as a platform for wellbeing. That means safe, secure homes. It means building trust. And it means nurturing community connections that last. Our approach is deeply relational. We take time to understand the needs and aspirations of each person and partner we serve. Our team brings expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment—because we know that lasting change starts with meaningful relationships.

This is housing with heart. This is community in action. This is Te Wawata Kāinga.

We invite you to join us—whether as a partner, funder, tenant or supporter—and be part of creating a future where everyone belongs.

With Heart

Our Team

Matt web

Matthew Mark

Chief Executive Officer

I am privileged to lead Te Wawata Kāinga, where our mahi is grounded in building connection, restoring dignity, and creating spaces where individuals and whānau can truly flourish. My work has always been shaped by a deep commitment to people, purpose, and place—and a desire to see real, sustainable change across our communities and housing system.

 

My leadership is values-led and relationship-driven. I care deeply about the wellbeing of others, and I’m focused on enabling outcomes that are meaningful and enduring—particularly for those who have long encountered deep and often layered challenges to securing a home—challenges shaped by circumstance, not character.

 

At Te Wawata Kainga, we operate across the housing continuum, combining tenancy and property services with wraparound supports that create not just homes, but real pathways to belonging and hope. I’m honoured to work alongside a capable, passionate team who lead with heart and uphold the mana of every person we serve.

Female staff member.

Lizel Jeptha

Tenancy Manager

With a strong background in tenancy and property management, I believe in building relationships and collaborating to ensure that properties are cared for and tenants thrive in their homes. 

 

What I enjoy most about my role is the incredible team I get to work with every day. Coming to work is always a pleasure, surrounded by supportive colleagues who share a deep commitment to our mission. The importance of my work is reinforced by seeing the positive feedback from the community and its tenants.

 

Outside of work, I enjoy moments that bring balance and joy, whether it’s quality family time, walking our dog Brownie or baking. 

Anna Mc Pherson

Anna McPherson

Community Lead

I specialise in supporting communities in our builds and developments, while ensuring smooth operations within the group. Working closely with our CEO, I lead community engagement, organise events, and connect tenants with local networks and resources. 

 

What drives me is becoming part of these communities – building relationships, making meaningful connections, and creating spaces where people truly thrive. I'm proud to work alongside such passionate people. 

 

Outside work, I'm a proud mum to Frankie – a hilarious, sassy toddler. I cherish making memories with my husband, going on adventures, attending concerts, and occasionally cutting shapes DJing solo!

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Cassidy Willetts

Marketing & Communications Assistant

It’s my role to support our team by crafting impactful copy and managing digital content. I thrive on turning ideas into engaging narratives and refining a message for clarity and impact. 

 

What I love most about my role is knowing my work makes a lasting impact. When I edited a comprehensive handbook for residents moving into a new development in Ōpōtiki, I knew I was helping them feel confident and welcomed in their community. It's fulfilling to know my work contributes to a smoother, more welcoming experience for residents.

 

Outside of work, I find balance by prioritising my health and wellbeing. Whether that means a challenging workout, a peaceful walk outdoors, or baking some treats for friends and family.

Madeline Ellerm TWK

Madeline Ellerm

Branding & Communications Lead

I lead brand and communications across all Home Foundation entities, developing strategies, managing our digital channels, and ensuring our messaging remains clear, consistent, and mission-aligned.

 

I feel lucky to work with a team that’s driven to make a real difference. It’s a big task, but one the team takes on with boldness and bravery, always leading with compassion, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose. Being part of that mahi is both inspiring and energising.

 

When I'm not working, I prioritise slowing down and connecting with what matters: family time, ocean swims, dancing with friends, community choir, photography, gardening, house projects, and adventures with my rescue greyhound.

Male staff member.

Israel Cooper

Director of Te Wawata Kāinga Co-Founder of Home Foundation Group

As a Trustee and Co-Founder, I focus on creating innovative housing solutions that meet real community needs. I work closely with talented, passionate individuals across the housing ecosystem to develop projects that help individuals, whānau, and communities flourish socially, economically, and spiritually.

 

I’m proud to be part of a mission-driven team that tackles real-world housing challenges. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of this work on people’s lives.

 

Outside of work, I focus on my most important roles as a husband to Jessica and father to Zion, Alethia, and India. Family is my foundation, and I value the time spent together making memories and supporting each other.

Female staff member.

Lissa Birse

Director of Te Wawata Kāinga CEO of Home Foundation

I specialise in business strategy, operations, and community development. I’m passionate about ensuring not-for-profit organisations are not only impactful, but also financially sustainable—securing the future of their mission, their people, and those they serve.

 

What I enjoy most about my role is the 'bigness' of the housing challenge and finding ways to innovate and enable change that serves the people most in need. Solving big problems is daunting, but seeing whānau move into a healthy, affordable home and knowing that home will help them flourish is what keeps driving us forward, every day. 

Mae staff member.

David Monk

Director of Group Strategy & International Projects

I’m proud to lead impactful, mission-driven projects for the group, focusing on fostering personal growth and building sustainable communities. I develop strategic initiatives to address housing challenges, empower our partner organisations, and drive innovative solutions, ensuring everyone has access to secure, healthy homes. 

 

I'm passionate about creating environments where individuals and organisations reach their full potential—it's incredibly rewarding to work alongside others, encouraging growth and building relationships that enable communities to thrive. 

 

Outside work, I stay active, connect with those I care about, and contribute positively through personal coaching, creative pursuits, and spending time in nature.

Our Advisors

Female member of the board of trustees.

Alison Cadman

With over 20 years in the community housing sector, including experience as Chief Executive of a registered provider, I now channel my knowledge into consultancy, advisory, and governance roles. 

 

'Everyone has a home' has been my lifelong vision, and it's deeply rewarding to collaborate with others who share this commitment. At Te Wawata Kāinga, I provide strategic advice to the governance team, contributing through board meetings, and supporting specific initiatives throughout the year. Working with such an amazing team of creative, inspiring people makes this role truly special – their energy and passion for our mission are contagious. 

 

 Outside work, I love being creative with my hands, finding joy in nature, and cherishing quiet moments of gratitude for home.

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Nick Clark

My background spans leading organisations, international aid, sustainable development, and emergency response, helping purpose-driven organisations maximise their impact. I bring expertise in housing and community development consultancy, strategic planning, and governance to my advisory role with the Board of Te Wawata Kāinga. 

 

What drives me is bringing people together to create lasting community impact. I'm particularly proud of leading affordable housing initiatives in Aotearoa New Zealand, developing vibrant community hubs, and building strong partnerships with for-purpose organisations. Finding innovative funding approaches for meaningful projects brings me great satisfaction. 

 

When work wraps up, you'll find me outdoors having adventures and enjoying quality time with family and friends.

Property management that puts people first.

Discover how we support long-term outcomes for you, your property and the whānau who call it home.

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