Soifua currently works for the National Public Health Service, Health NZ. She has an extensive governance background and currently serves as Co-Chair of SociaLink (Social Sector Innovation WBOP Trust), Deputy Chair of Amanaki Trust, and a board member for Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support, Bay Financial Mentors, and Hui!E Aotearoa. A dedicated advocate for community development, Soifua also mentors emerging leaders through the LEAD Centre for Not-for-Profit Leadership. Her extensive connections across the Bay of Plenty span the arts, councils, sports, iwi, health, and social services sectors, and she is committed to fostering resilience and inclusivity in her leadership roles. 

'I am a passionate governor especially when it comes to organisations with a direct impact on the wellbeing of our people.'

Dip (Māori Gov), Dip (Te Reo), LLB, LLM, MInstd

Ngāi Tūhoe, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whakaue me Ngāti Pikiao

Te Rika is an accomplished leader with a diverse background in governance. His experience spans charitable, Kaupapa Māori, political, private research, and, more recently, public/statutory contexts. Te Rika has built his career in both Māori land administration and the public service and currently serves as a Kaitohutohu Matua (Iwi Partnerships) at Te Puni Kokiri. He was recently appointed as an Advisory Board Member for Toi Kai Rawa (Māori Economic Development Agency, Bay of Plenty) and is a trustee for Toi Matarua Indigenous Research Trust. Additionally, he is a member of the Global Advisory Council for the LEGO Foundation (SPIRIT) and proudly represents his whānau and hāpori as a board member for his Marae, Hapū, and Tribal Authority.

‘As a determined and results orientated leader, I am strongly committed to driving sustainability, building community resilience, and making mokopuna focused decisions that support the resilience of our uri whakaheke.’

Sam is the Manager: City Partnerships for Tauranga City Council. Outside of this, Sam has considerable experience in governance and held positions of Chair and Deputy Chair across different networks, including Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Momenta Charitable Trust, Institute of Directors Branch Chair and Zimbabwe Rural Schools’ Library Trust. He provides his governance support to the disabled community, education and rugby.

‘The ability to support Fire and Emergency to do the best for our community and be part of something that supports our community is something I am looking forward to being involved with.’

Clinton is from South Africa, where he held various positions in the South African Police Service. In New Zealand he held senior and strategic positions as Director, Group Manager and Group Controller within Civil Defence Emergency Management in the Bay of Plenty before beginning his own consultancy – Strategic Blue Consultancy (an advisory consultancy specialising in emergency and crisis management). Clinton has experience operating in governance environments and holds strong connections across the region.

‘Having recently moved into the private sector after nearly 40 years of public service I would like to continue to share my skills, knowledge and experience to the benefit of my community.’

Mike, until 2021, was Chief Executive for Horticulture NZ. He has extensive commercial horticultural industry experience, more recently in governance roles and holds wide-reaching connections. He has lobbied Ministers and Central Government, including advocacy for changes to employment and immigration laws and to benefit the horticulture industry.

‘Being able to represent the community, its need and aspirations is what drives me to be involved with the Local Advisory Committee.’

Georgia Mischefski-Gray is deeply passionate about the Bay of Plenty, and highly committed to fostering a sustainable and equitable future for all communities. Actively engaged in her local area, Georgia contributes her time and expertise to various boards, trusts, groups, committees, and charitable organisations. Georgia is currently working as a Strategic Policy Analyst at Whakatāne District Council with a focus on climate change and has previous experience as a farm manager. Georgia brings her connections within the rural sector and passion for driving impactful change in her community.

‘I am very passionate about our community and getting the best outcome possible. Fire and Emergency’s services are a critical part of the fabric of our society.’

Jay has held many senior leadership roles and maintains his broad connections across a variety of sectors, in particular tertiary education, Iwi, central government, Chamber of Commerce, and business. While CEO for a security company, he stepped in to be coordinator for the Whakaari White Island response in 2019. He has extensive experience working with, and being part of, advisory committees and boards.

‘The ability to use my broad background to help shape local service, policies and response is something I am excited to undertake.’

Whakapapa to multiple Iwi, including Tūhourangi (Rotorua)

After moving to the Bay of Plenty six years ago to be closer to whanau, Carey has embedded herself in the local community.  She has fostered connections through her employment with Zespri International, and in governance with Bay Venues, as a Trustee at Te Kura o Matapihi and Digital Seniors, and Board Chair of Te Kohanga Reo o Te Akau in Pāpāmoa. She has insights and networks into vulnerable sectors, business and industry, and rural communities.

‘The Local Advisory Committee presents an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community while advocating for its needs and interests.’