Kaimahi Kōrero: Kema Hawke, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Last year, we put a pānui out looking for someone to help bolster our team. We’re really excited to share the recent addition of Kema Hawke starting as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator.
Previously working at the Auckland District Health Board as an Executive Assistant , Kema took the opportunity to a career change she had destined for a long time and has fulfilled this at Whai Rawa as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator.
While Kema’s career experiences are mainly in Executive Assistant roles, she found a longing interest in digital marketing while managing her whānau food truck business – Kai Hiwa Rā. Her interests grew in the marketing space as she also dabbled with creating content and marketing for other side hustles that she also manages.
Kema describes the kai at Kai Hiwa Rā as “Māori soul food, traditional kai with a street food twist”. Her whānau was delighted to be able to take their business to Te Matatini late last month which was a huge success!
The food truck and catering business is a gem to those lucky enough to know the whānau, as they all work ordinary jobs so Kai Hiwa Rā is a business they pursue in their spare time when everyone is available to jump in and help where they can.
In her new role, she’ll also be working with whānau in the Whai Rawa team and the Trust who are next door to the Whai Rawa office. This, combined with the opportunity to try something new, was enough to sell Kema on this role, as she was ready for a challenge and always had an interest in digital marketing.
“I don’t just see this as a job, it's somewhere I can come to every day where something different and creative is always at the table – best of all, I get to work alongside my whānau.”Working for the iwi and with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Group staff has Kema excited to be a part of the team and eager to learn more following her first few weeks.
“Kaupapa always leads back to the marae, which is what I enjoy. It’s more than just a job - I am working for my hapū,” says Kema.
We are so excited to have her and to see what amazing work she will bring to the team! Nau mai Kema!
