Te Tauihu Waka Whakakitenga
Our journey to shared leadership
At Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, we are on a transformative journey to embody the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The journey has led us to establish our Tauihu Shared Leadership, aptly named ‘Te Tauihu o te Waka Whakakitenga’. The Tauihu symbolises the leadership prow of our waka, representing our Tiriti covenant relationship as we navigate our vision and mission together.
Being guided forward under the wisdom of Te Tauihu o te Waka Whakakitenga, our shared leadership model represents a bold step into new horizons. These horizons reflect the evolving aspirations of Visionwest – our desire to be a catalyst for Te Tiriti centred transformation across Aotearoa New Zealand. Rooted in our values of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and mana, our shared leadership model endows us to support whānau and each other. As we explore new possibilities together, we remain committed to our faith-led identity and purpose and the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that our journey is marked by aroha, mutual respect, collective growth, and unwavering dedication to the inspired kaupapa of Visionwest across the motu (nation).
Click here to read more on Our Shared Leadership
Lisa Woolley
CEO, Tumu Whakarae
Lisa Woolley is the CEO / Tumu Whakarae of Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, one of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest and most trusted community service providers. Each year, Visionwest supports over 50,000 people through a team of 1,800 kaimahi and volunteers, offering wrapround, compassionate support across housing, health, food support, and social services.
Lisa joined Visionwest in 1998 and became CEO in 2001. Since then, she has led the organisation through significant growth, enabling lasting transformation in the lives of individuals and whānau across the country.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Practice, with a ground-breaking thesis on Supportive Housing in Aotearoa. A recognised voice in the sector, Lisa brings more than 20 years’ experience as an advocate, policy advisor, and leader. In 2020, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her service to the community.
Under Lisa’s leadership, Visionwest has made Kaupapa Māori a core priority. Working closely with Tumu Fred Astle, Lisa has championed the development of Māori-led services, partnerships, and learning initiatives.
Lisa contributes to key sector groups including the Auckland Housing First Collective, MSD Housing Reference Group, and the West Auckland Collaborative Marketplace as well as being an advisor to the Baptist National Leader of NZ. She is a recognised expert on social issues and continues to be a passionate advocate for social justice across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fred Astle
Deputy CEO, Tumu
Fred Astle (Tainui) is the Tumu of Visionwest serving in a shared leadership model alongside Visionwest’s CEO, guiding the organisation’s whānau-facing services and leading its Kaupapa Māori strategy. As Tumu, Fred has played a central role in embedding tikanga Māori and strengthening Māori partnerships across the Trust.
Previously Visionwest’s Head of Māori Development and Education, he led the Māori leadership team in supporting the growth of Māori-led services and establishing the Trust’s Kaupapa Māori approach. His work has been instrumental in ensuring Māori development is woven throughout Visionwest’s services and culture.
Fred brings decades of experience in Māori healthcare and education, having held senior roles with the Auckland District Health Board, Māori mental health services, and tertiary institutions. He is the Director of Kaupapa Māori at the University of Auckland’s Surgical and Translational Research Centre and an Honorary Professor Teacher Fellow in Surgery.
With deep roots in Māori Baptist ministries, Fred was part of the first Māori Baptist fellowship, Huia Mai, which later became Puna o te Ora Māori Baptist Fellowship. Through his upbringing at Kingitanga marae, he carries a lifelong commitment to Māori advancement through education, and whānau wellbeing.
Fred continues to be a respected leader and advocate, working across sectors to support transformational change and improve outcomes for whānau Māori across Aotearoa.
Visionwest - The First 30 Years
Building Hope Together – The story of Visionwest’s 30 year journey to transform its community.
Team McLean have been training hard for the Auckland Marathon and raising funds for kai support at Visionwest. There's only 3 days left till the big day – show them your support!
visionwest-auckland-marathon-2025.raiselysite.com/mcleans
They will also be at the Glen Eden Community House car boot sale (Sat 9-12) to add to their fundraising goal. Go Team McLean! 🚶♂️🚶♂️
#TeamVisionwest #AucklandMarathon #TeamMclean #WalkForACause
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Visionwest was proud to attend Sunnyvale Primary School's inaugural Manaaki Whānau Community Day to share our services with the community, along with Noho Ahuru, Te Puna Manawa, Salvation Army, Te Whānau o Waiperaira, and Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring. There were games for the kids as well as clothes, sausage sizzle, haircuts and food donations. What a great way for the school to support their community and have fun at the same time 👏
#communitysupport #visionwest #SunnyvalePrimary
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This week Judy Matai'a, Director of Housing and Pasefika Development at Visionwest was a keynote speaker at Te Matapihi – National Māori Housing Conference at Waitangi. The 'Exploring Pacific Housing Pasts, Present and Futures' session examined the unique housing journeys of Pacific communities, reflecting on historical experiences, current challenges and future aspirations.
Waimarie katoa mātou o Te Waka Whakakitenga I te momo I a koe Judy, anei mātou e mihi atu nei.
Visionwest is lucky to have someone of your abilities, Judy. We send our heartfelt thanks.
#PasefikaHousing #Visionwest #PasefikaDevelopment #AotearoaHousing
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Thanks to the Whau Local Board for making a grant towards Visionwest's Christmas From The Heart event ❤️ We appreciate your partnership in helping to make Christmas brighter for families in our community.
#Visionwest #WhauLocalBoard #ChristmasFromTheHeart
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Join Hoani Waititi Marae for their 45th Anniversary Celebrations starting with a free whānau community event - night market and entertainment, Friday 5.30-9pm at Te Pai Place Henderson. Come and support local businesses and help celebrate this milestone ✨🎂BIRTHDAY WEEK!
45th | HOANI WAITITI MARAE
🎪PŌ WHĀNAU
📅 Friday 24 Oct @ 5.30pm
📍Te Pai Place, Henderson
🎟️ FREE Entry
Hei Reira!
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