Our Heritage / Whakapapa
Te Hakiro Whanau Services is inspired from our tupuna, Kaka Porowini who hailed from the far North – Nga Puhi. Born at te Tii around 1857, he was the youngest son of 4 children to Naki and Wi Te Hakiro who were both of Ngati Rehia. Kaka was seen by his peers and whanau as a visionary entrepreneur and strategic leader.
Kaka Porowini held a RANGATIRA VIEW OF LIFE, which was to sustain and progress the wellbeing of others. He created a huge commune in the Orakau Valley known as Namatahi which drew together many whanau that had been alienated from their lands and who could be better provided for through a collective. The village had a whare hui or community hall at its centre, which was named Hanuere (from the month January). He also established another settlement at Pokapu.
“Mahia te mahi, hei painga mo te iwi” – Strive every day to do the work for the betterment of the people.
The values our Tupuna, Kaka Porowini, lived by make up the foundations upon which we have built our business kaupapa. The name “Te Hakiro” stands as a reminder to all of us that it’s all about the people and sustaining and progressing the wellbeing of others, the “RANGATIRA VIEW OF LIFE”.
MEET OUR TEAM
Jevan Kaka
Co-Founder
Jevan’s journey began in construction, but his passion for empowering rangatahi led him to merge his technical expertise with a deep commitment to social impact. As co-founder of Te Hakiro Whānau Services, Jevan is dedicated to providing youth with holistic, culturally grounded support, addressing both immediate needs and long-term success.
Beyond Te Hakiro, Jevan is also the driving force behind KMF Training, which has provided training and career pathways for rangatahi for over seven years. Through government contracts with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), and the Māori Trades and Training Fund (MTTF), KMF Training has equipped countless young people with the skills and opportunities needed to build sustainable futures.
Jevan envisions a future where the youth we support today become leaders, mentors, and contributors to society tomorrow. Through Te Hakiro and KMF Training, he continues to be a catalyst for change, proving that with the right guidance and opportunities, every young person can thrive.
Jackson Kaka
Co-founder
Jackson brings a dynamic blend of sports science, technology, and social impact to Te Hakiro Whānau Services. With a degree in Sports Science and experience playing professional rugby in the United States, Jackson understands the power of discipline, teamwork, and resilience—values that are deeply embedded in his approach to supporting rangatahi and whānau.
Beyond his athletic career, Jackson has years of experience in the tech industry, having worked at Lucid Software, where he developed expertise in business operations, strategic growth, and innovation. His entrepreneurial spirit extends into the social services sector, where he successfully built and managed a company that provides care support for adults with disabilities and youth services, ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the specialized care and opportunities they need to thrive.
Jackson is committed to bridging the gap between innovation and social care, using his diverse expertise to create sustainable, effective programs that empower rangatahi and strengthen whānau across Aotearoa.
Ramari Kaka
co-founder
Ramari is a passionate educator, mentor, and mother of six, dedicated to empowering rangatahi through education, cultural connection, and whānau-centered support. Having attended Rotongahere, she developed fluency in Te Reo Māori and a deep appreciation for Māori culture, which has guided her throughout her career
With a teaching degree and over 15 years of experience in Kōhanga Reo and primary education, Ramari has served as a chairperson, kaiwhakahaere, kaimahi, and kaiako, playing a pivotal role in fostering Māori language and learning.
As a co-founder of KMF Training, she has spent the last seven years providing administrative leadership, training support, and mentorship for rangatahi, helping them access opportunities for growth and success. Now, as co-founder of Te Hakiro Whānau Services, Ramari continues to uplift and guide Māori youth, ensuring they have the foundation, skills, and cultural identity needed to thrive.
Paora Dennis
Team leader
Paora is a dedicated leader and mentor, committed to empowering rangatahi through training, employment, and personal development. As Team Leader and Training Manager for KMF Training, he has played a pivotal role in shaping career pathways for Māori youth, helping 200+ rangatahi secure employment—particularly in the construction industry.
With years of experience working in training, workforce development, and corporate environments, including time at Fonterra, Paora brings strategic leadership and hands-on expertise to his role. A father of two and an avid combat sports enthusiast, he understands the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork, qualities he instills in the rangatahi he mentors.
Paora continues to bridge the gap between education, employment, and personal growth, ensuring rangatahi are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a successful future.