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.
Risk and Compliance Manager Sam Kerry
Sam is the Risk and Compliance Manager at Whai Rawa, facilitating better financial outcomes for Ngāi Tahu Whānui by maintaining Whai Rawa’s robust risk and compliance approach. With half a decade of experience in professional service firms, specialising in risk and compliance functions within the financial service industry, Sam brings a practical and insightful methodology to ensuring Whai Rawa meets it’s regulatory obligations.
Sam’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Economics and Psychology from the University of Auckland (ā e ako ana au i ngā marau o Psychology me Economics, i te Whare Wānanga o Tamaki Makaurau).
Sam takes great pride in using his education, previous work experience, and dedication to Ngāi Tahu Whānui to materialise Whai Rawa’s mission to create better wealth and wellbeing for you and your whānau.
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.
Risk & Compliance Coordinator Kelsie Harris (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki)
Kelsie is of Kāi Tahu descent (Te Rūnanga o Taumutu, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki). She was born and bred in Christchurch and has recently completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Canterbury. She is excited to be working with Whai Rawa and the opportunity the mahi provides to contribute to the financial wellbeing of whanau.
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.
Marketing Coordinator Abby Dickinson
Abby joins the Whai Rawa tīma as Marketing Coordinator with a strong background in marketing, including a focus on radio and digital platforms across a number of exciting industries.
She’s proud to have grown up and studied in Ōtautahi, graduating from New Zealand Broadcasting School which led to an exhilarating chapter in Te Moana a Toi (The Bay of Plenty). Having recently moved back home, Abby is excited to join the team and focus on solidifying past experience in a role creating positive impact for whānau and hapori!
