Meet Shilane Shirkey, the dynamic force joining our Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau whānau, as our new Kaiārahi Business Navigator. 

I te taha o tōku māmā
Ko Manaia to maunga
Ko Tererenga Paraoa te moana
Ko Takahiwai te whenua
Ko Takahiwai te marae
Ko Rangiora te tūpana whare
Ko Patuharakeke te hapū
Ko Ngātiwai te iwi

I te taha o tōku pāpā
Ko Ngararatunua te maunga
Ko Maruarua te awa
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Ngararatunua te marae
Ko Te Paea toku ingoa te whare
Ko Ngāti Kahu o Torongare te hapū
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi

A Mission to Empower

Shilane is here to bridge gaps, open doors, and light the way for our pakihi, offering a listening ear and a wealth of resources. Her mission? To empower our pakihi whānau, ensuring they have the tautoko and tools needed to thrive.

A Wealth of Experience

Shilane's path to Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau is paved with invaluable experiences, particularly in the financial sector. Her tenure as a Business Partner Māori Sector at BNZ Whangārei saw her working hand-in-hand with iwi, hapū, marae, and pakihi Māori throughout Te Tai Tokerau. This, coupled with her active involvement in her hapū, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare and Patuharakeke Iwi Trust, has equipped her with a deep understanding of our people's unique needs and aspirations.

Beyond the Office

Outside her professional life, Shilane’s role as a Credit Manager for Lending Hub, complements her work at Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau, offering a rounded perspective on the economic challenges our pakihi face.

A Journey of Connection

Shilane's connection to Whāriki runs deep. Having been an active member and supporter since her days in Tāmaki Makaurau, she witnessed firsthand the network's power to unite and uplift Māori in business.Upon returning to Te Tai Tokerau in 2020, Shilane seamlessly transitioned her passion and dedication to Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau. Her proactive role in organising and presenting at key networking events, including the BNZ-hosted Te Wā Hā, highlights her deep-seated commitment to nurturing our hapori.

Why Whāriki?

For Shilane, joining the Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau team is a homecoming. It's an opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of pakihi Māori, fostering a sense of community and connection that's at the heart of everything we do.

As we welcome Shilane Shirkey to our Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau whānau, we look forward to the innovation, inspiration, and wairua she brings to our tīma.

Nau mai, haere mai, Shilane!