At the heart of Ngā Tai Whakapūmau are two leaders who bring their strengths, experience, and passion to the kaupapa every day. Together, they guide the organisation with intention, cultural integrity, and a shared commitment to supporting rangatahi and whānau toward stability, identity, and long-term wellbeing.

Kylie Heke – Co-Founder & Strategic Lead

Kylie is the strategic mind behind Ngā Tai Whakapūmau, bringing extensive experience in Quality Improvement, Compliance, Health & Safety, governance, and kaupapa Māori programme development. Her background across whānau, iwi and quality compliance has shaped her understanding of how safe, culturally grounded systems must operate to truly serve whānau and rangatahi. Kylie is known for her ability to design frameworks that reflect lived realities, strengthen organisational capability, and create meaningful, sustainable pathways forward. Her approach is grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and a deep belief in the potential of our young people.

Basie Pikimaui – Director

Basie is the Director of Ngā Tai Whakapūmau and the steady, grounded presence within the organisation. His experience spans sales, mentoring, whānau harm support, and frontline mahi within the community, giving him a unique ability to connect with rangatahi and whānau in a way that is authentic and relatable. Basie’s recent completion of Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work Degree adds academic depth to his already rich lived experience, allowing him to walk in both indigenous and non-indigenous circles. He leads with compassion, resilience, and cultural strength, walking alongside rangatahi with calm, consistency, and dedication. Basie embodies hard work and humility, and his commitment to supporting young people is evident in every part of his mahi.

Working Together

Kylie and Basie bring together different strengths that perfectly complement each other. Kylie provides the strategic direction, systems thinking, and organisational structure that ensure Ngā Tai Whakapūmau remains safe, accountable, and future-focused. Basie brings the relational insight, cultural grounding, and day-to-day leadership that keep the kaupapa connected to the community it serves. Together, they create a balanced, unified leadership team that holds both the vision and the practical mahi required to uplift rangatahi and whānau with integrity and heart.