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 work spans housing and commercial property management, always grounded in the same commitment to care, clarity, and strong relationships. Whether we are supporting tenants, working alongside owners, or managing places where people live and work, our goal is the same: to ensure the properties we manage are safe, well cared for, and positioned to support people and communities well.
Our approach is deeply relational. We take time to understand the needs, aspirations, and responsibilities of the people and organisations we work with. Our team brings expertise, empathy, and practical oversight, because we know lasting outcomes are built through trust, consistency, and meaningful relationships.
This is housing with heart. This is community in action. This is Te Wawata Kāinga.
More than management
Our work is shaped by a wider commitment to accountability, support, and long-term outcomes.
Registered Community Housing Provider: as a registered Community Housing Provider, Te Wawata Kāinga operates with integrity, transparency, and deep community responsibility. Our registration allows us to work alongside government, iwi, community organisations, and private owners to deliver housing outcomes that are sustainable, well governed, and built for the long term.
Access to social support: we know that life is complex. That’s why we walk alongside tenants, connecting them with trusted support for financial wellbeing, employment, mental health, family support, and more. Our goal is to equip people with the tools and confidence to manage life’s challenges, so that a temporary hardship does not become a threat to housing stability. We create tailored pathways of support, ensuring no one is left to struggle alone.
Community engagement and ownership pathways
We believe good housing creates not only stability, but also belonging, confidence, and opportunity.
Community engagement: a home is not complete without a sense of belonging. At Te Wawata Kāinga, we invest in people and place to help communities flourish. We take time to understand local context, strengthen relationships, and help people connect with the communities around them.
Pathways to ownership: everyone deserves the opportunity to move toward ownership if they choose. We support pathways such as Progressive Home Ownership, shared equity models, and rent-to-own pathways, helping create greater confidence, stability, and long-term success. Our wraparound support can include financial mentoring, goal planning, and post-purchase assistance, helping people move forward with greater confidence and support.
Who we work with
Our partners range from private owners and investors to social housing providers, councils, community housing organisations, and commercial property owners.
We work with government, private owners, investors, social housing providers, community housing organisations, councils, and commercial property owners who want a management approach that is thoughtful, proactive, and grounded in strong relationships.
Across both residential and commercial property, we bring together practical management, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to the people connected to each place.
Explore our services
Our Team
Matthew Mark
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.
Lizel Jeptha
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 McPherson
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!
Cassidy Willetts
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
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.
Israel Cooper
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.
Lissa Birse
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.
David Monk
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
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.
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.
