OUR PEOPLE
Eva Wongchiu
HUB Coordinator
Talofa lava. My name is Eva Wongchiu.
I am Samoan, born and raised in Samoa. I am a mother of 6 and a grandmother. We have lived in our own family home in Blockhouse Bay for the last 17 years. I have been the Glenavon community Hub coordinator since 2018 and my role is to support the Glenavon Community Trust to help deliver the mission of “doing good stuff together” to support residents to live happy healthy lives. It is a real privilege to be journeying with the people of Glenavon where I have learnt so much about myself, my purpose and life in general. What I appreciate the most is that I get the opportunity to experience different cultures, build deeper connections with our families and establish strong relationships with different organisations who share the same values of caring & loving others. I am a huge rugby fan and a loyal supporter of my favourite team of all times “The All Blacks” In our family life with our children, we like to go out for lunch/dinner, take road trips around NZ, hiking and enjoying nature in our beautiful Aotearoa, and we love travelling as in our time away we experience different cultures and be away from our norm.
Richard Stirling
GCT Trustee
Hi! My name is Richard Stirling, born in Melbourne, Australia. I came to New Zealand in my second year of hospital work as a doctor, met my wife Kathryn & am still here 41 years later, with three very kiwi kids. I have been a trust board member since 2019 and lead our community gardening projects. I feel deeply passionate about helping the community live healthy and happy lives, believing gardening & composting are some of the ways to enhance health through whole foods, exercise, exposure to nature, sharing activities, and produce. Although you will find me at our Glenavon community garden much of the time, you will also
find me at the local church, spending time with family, playing tennis, or volunteering with Medical Aid Abroad.
Mike Mishriki
Glenavon Community
Trust Chair
Hi! My name is Michael Mishriki, I am originally from Egypt and moved to New Zealand when I was 13. I am the Chairman of the Glenavon community board and am also the local pharmacist. I am deeply passionate about helping make a difference within the community and playing my part to help drive our mission of ‘doing good stuff together’. I could see a real need and took it upon myself to help provide opportunities that would help better the community. When I am not working you will find me spending time with my family or on the squash courts.
Tepano Tauia
GCT Trustee
Hey everyone!! I’m Tepano. I was born in the Cook Islands in the village of Nassau.
Many of you may already know me as the caretaker from Glenavon School,
however, I am also a Trust Board Member and have been for 11 years. My purpose
and mission is to facilitate opportunities beneficial to helping the youth. I have a big heart for my community and enjoy helping when I can. I am involved in the Walking Men’s Club every Saturday morning. I love to play the Ukulele. I also teach it at a beginner level for the kids at Glenavon school and members from the community. This is a video of me playing click on the link below to check it out!!
Johreena Sekene
Assistant Coordinator
Hi! I’m Johreena, I am a 20-year-old student, from the Whau local area, born and raised in Avondale. I attended Avondale Primary, Intermediate, and College and am currently studying at The University of Auckland towards a BA degree in Psychology and Art History. I am Niuean, Maori, and come from a big family. I am the Glenavon assistant hub co - ordinator and am new to the role. I feel incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to serve and give back to the community. I am also working through the My Pathways programme with Eva as a mentee, honing new skills and developing as an individual. I am a member of the sports committee team and help run the Glenavon community Sports every week. I like to play sports and enjoy going on road trips with family and friends.