The Whai Rawa Team
The Whai Rawa team manage the day to day operations of the scheme, engaging with whānau to support their application process to join and when whānau have reached their goals and are able to withdraw their funds. The team have a future focused lens and work closely with the Whai Rawa Fund Limited (WRFL) Board and Te Rūnanga to continue to maximise the benefits of the scheme for whānau. An ongoing key focus for the team is regulatory requirements ensuring the scheme is compliant with the FMC Act.
General Manager Sam Kellar (Kāi Tahu, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Te Rūnanga o Taumutu)
Sam is the General Manager of Whai Rawa. He is of Ngāi Tahu descent (Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Te Rūnanga o Taumutu) and he is very passionate about encouraging and assisting saving and financial education amongst Ngāi Tahu Whānui. He brings a pragmatic and solution focused approach, and he leans on his broad financial services experience, where his focus has been on wealth management.
Prior to joining Whai Rawa, he has worked for more than 14 years across financial services and professional services organisations, where he has held roles in product management, project management and governance, risk and compliance.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Canterbury, where he majored in Economics.
Project Manager Thomas Horton (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Kāti Kuri, Kāi Tahu, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura)
Thomas is the Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Project Manager for Whai Rawa. He works across a range of areas including membership administration, business systems, and supporting the delivery of key strategic projects. Thomas has a deep knowledge of the Whai Rawa kaupapa, a strong passion for connecting with whānau, and a willingness to go above and beyond to support our whānau.
He holds a Bachelor of Applied Management from Otago Polytechnic, a New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5 – Investments), and a UC Certificate in Professional Project Management.
Legal Risk & Compliance Manager Jess Thomson (Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu)
Jess brings over 14 years of legal experience across both the public and private sectors. She joined Whai Rawa from her role as Legal Counsel at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, where she worked closely with the Whai Rawa team and developed expertise in managed investment scheme compliance and governance.
Prior to working for her iwi, Jess spent nine years at Inland Revenue, specialising in tax debt, enforcement and both criminal and civil litigation matters.
A proud Ngāi Tahu wāhine, Jess is passionate about kaupapa Māori and is committed to embedding te reo Māori and tikanga into her mahi. As both a Whai Rawa member and investor alongside her tamariki, Jess is deeply invested in the long-term success of Whai Rawa mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
Jess holds a Master of Laws with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury, is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and holds a current practising certificate.
Risk & Compliance Coordinator Hana McLean (Ngāi Tahu)
Hana McLean is the Risk and Compliance Coordinator within the Whai Rawa team at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. A proud Ngāi Tahu descendant, Hana affiliates to Waihao Marae. She is deeply passionate about serving her iwi and giving back to whānau.
Since joining Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in 2022, Hana has held several roles within Human Resources. Now part of the Whai Rawa team, Hana brings a people-focused and process-driven approach to her work, with a strong commitment to integrity and kaupapa Māori values.
Member Experience Manager Julia Naylor
Julia is an experienced engagement professional with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Accounting, from Lincoln University. With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, Julia has developed a strong foundation in regulatory work environments.
Passionate about education and community engagement, Julia has successfully connected with tamariki and rakatahi in both Aotearoa and Vietnam. As the Engagement Lead for global public health initiatives, she implemented medical diagnostic and learning tools to support health care in developing countries. Additionally, Julia served as the primary care COVID-19 Engagement Lead in Canterbury, facilitating effective communication and outreach during a critical time.
Dedicated to making a positive impact, Julia combines strategic insight with a commitment to fostering community connections to help facilitate growth for our Ngāi Tahu iwi.
Member Benefits Advisor Jordan Phillips (Kāi Tahu, Te Rūnanga o Wairewa)
Jordan was born in Ōtautahi, and is a proud descendant of Ngāti Irakehu (Wairewa Rūnanga). She also has whakapapa to Wharekauri and Taranaki.
She most recently worked for Mahaanui Kurataiao Limited, a TRoNT business, in an administration and finance role where she gained a lot of experience in finance and knowledge around Takiwā and Kaitiaki.
She is a mother to two beautiful girls. Jordan feels very fortunate to be a part of the Whai Rawa team and is excited to learn and grow.
Marketing Manager Josie Crimmins
Josie is an experienced coordinator of design, strategy and delivery solutions. She is responsible for creating and coordinating high-quality marketing and communication content across all Whai Rawa channels including website, social media and all scheme documentation.
Josie was a finalist in the Financial Services Council 2022 Awards for Emerging Leader, recognising outstanding commitment, achievement and passion in the financial services industry. She was also a member of the group that won Team of the Year 2022 for their campaign ‘It Starts with Action’, assisting wāhine to grow financial wellness.
Prior to joining the Whai Rawa tīma she was working in the financial services sector in Tāmaki Makaurau, managing communications and delivery for Superannuation and KiwiSaver schemes. She also has a background in Marketing and Advertising Management for retail and trade brands and previously ran her own Marketing Consultancy business.
Josie is a graduate of the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Arts and a PostGraduate Diploma in Management.
