At Massey Matters, our heart is rooted right here in the community—a place I’m proud to call home, where I grew up and where my own children are now making memories.

I’ve always believed in the immense potential of our neighbourhood and the incredible people who live here. Massey Matters is more than just an organization; it’s a living part of our community, a place where we work together to build a brighter, more connected, and thriving future for all.

My passion comes from a deep and personal connection to Massey, and West Auckland. It’s what drives me and our team every day to create a space that empowers our neighbours, celebrates our shared heritage, and strengthens the very fabric of our community. I know that by working together, we can make this already great place even better.

I grew up in Massey and though I now live further out near Muriwai Beach , I love the Massey area so much I’ve returned here to work, managing day-to-day details of running the Massey Hub, creating a safe, welcoming and fun environment for our diverse community to come and KNOW they belong. I believe the best way to lead is to walk alongside our community, therefore I’m always keen to create new connections, strengthen existing collaborations with and meeting community where they’re at to help enhance their mana and work together to make Massey Hub a meaningful place to learn, live and love.

Kia ora, I’m Lauren.
I have the privilege of managing the day-to-day life at Manutewhau Community Hub, where my focus is on creating a space that’s genuinely welcoming, supportive, and connected. Before stepping into this role, I worked as an early childhood teacher and ran a small business with my husband—experiences that taught me a lot about community, adaptability, and the power of relationships. My whānau live just down the road in Massey, and we’re raising two awesome kids, aged 10 and 12 who attend West Harbour School – our neighbour at the hub. I truly love my job—it makes me feel deeply connected to the place I call home. I get to be part of something bigger than myself, giving back to the community and supporting people in meaningful ways. It’s a real privilege to walk alongside others and help make a positive difference right here in our neighbourhood.

As a Youth and Family Coordinator, my goal is to build a vibrant, community-led space where young people and families feel empowered to lead. People know me as Aunty Tua, and my love for people fuels my work every day. I believe that our best ideas come from within the community, and I’m here to help bring them to life ” Less Hui, More Dui” is my motto. Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to five kids, a wife, and a nana to two precious mokopuna, and I live in West Auckland.

I’m so fortunate to have role that enables me further develop my life long passion for back to basics, tasty and nourishing homemade kai.  The kitchen and the vegetable garden will always be my “happy place” and having the opportunity to share the essential skill of nourishing one self and whanau is a blessing.  To see the look of pride and achievements as new cooks taste their dishes, makes me smile everyday.  To quote a chef and food writer who’s beliefs taught me that you don’t have to be a chef to share your skills to empower others.

“I do think the idea that basic cooking skills are a virtue, that the ability to feed yourself and a few others with proficiency should be taught to every young man and woman as a fundamental skill, should become as vital to growing up as learning to wipe one’s own ass, cross the street by oneself, or be trusted with money.”  – Anthony Bourdain

As the Accounts Administrator for Massey Matters, I have the pleasure of looking after the financial operations that keep our community organization running smoothly. I love my role because it allows me to directly support the fantastic programs and initiatives that make Massey a better place for everyone. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work behind the scenes contributes to the vibrant community spirit we all share.

In my role I manage the day-to-day details of running the Manutewhau Hub creating a welcoming environment for our community to come and be a part of, I take pleasure in working within a community environment and find fulfilment in assisting and supporting our people whenever they require help.

I am one of the friendly faces you will meet at the Massey Community Hub, my role consists of assisting the hub manager in operating and maintaining the hub. Whether that be setting up a school holiday program or assisting with hire room bookings etc, or meeting with contractors, and community providing information and support on their specific needs to the best of my ability.  Even if it’s just a friendly chat and coffee while people go about their day. My overall goal in this role is to try leave the person feeling better before they arrive in our hub.