Kaimahi Kōrero: Reihana Gillman, Assistant Residential Asset Manager

Raised in and still an active member of the papa kāinga in Ōrākei, Reihana Gillman has been at Whai Rawa since 2022, initially joining as a Project Manager for the Residential Property team. Recently, he was promoted to Assistant Residential Asset Manager, taking on new responsibilities – though Reihana is quick to downplay the shift.

“It’s what I was always doing, except now there’s a lot more reporting!” he laughs. “At the core, my job is to make sure that whenever whānau report any issues with their whare, we respond promptly and according to schedule.”

One of Reihana’s favourite parts of the role is diving into the full maintenance scope of the houses, getting into the detail of what needs upgrading. He finds real satisfaction in solving some of the problems that arise and bringing the whare up to our Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei standards.

“We’re taking these whare that need a bit of aroha and making sure that they are healthy and warm for our whānau. Sure, there are challenges and some things take longer than expected, but our goal is to ensure the homes are safe and comfortable for our whānau to live in.

For Reihana, being able to give back to his hapū is the most rewarding aspect of his job.

“The best part is knowing I’m helping my whānau – it’s work that matters.”

Another highlight is the team he works with. “When I first applied in 2022, it was because my uncle Arepa recommended it. He said it was a good environment to work in, so I applied.

“And I’ve enjoyed it so far! The job is done by whānau, for whānau. And uncle is a good boss,” he adds, smiling.

Outside of mahi, Reihana has been in training mode, preparing for an exciting opportunity. Next month, he’ll join a contingent heading to the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona to celebrate a special moment.

A few months ago, it was revealed that the newly built Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei waka, Te Kawau, will travel to Barcelona to lead Emirates Team New Zealand to the starting line at each race. It’s a significant moment showing the connection of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to the whenua and moana surrounding Tāmaki Makaurau, where Team New Zealand trains.

“It’s an opportunity that puts Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on the world stage,” says Reihana. “There is a kapa haka group and a waka crew, and I’m in the latter. We’ll be walking

around, being ambassadors of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Aotearoa, and talking to the general public about our waka and journey.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our culture, and it’s something special to my heart. We don’t take these opportunities lightly, and the support from our hapū has been awesome.”

The team will land in Barcelona around October 9th and stay for two weeks, covering the race.

Back home, and away from his duties, Reihana says he is a simple family man. He loves sport and plays touch, hoping to inspire his kids with the same.

“My kids are teenagers. I want to keep them motivated to love sports too and get excited for it.”

And whenever he has a break, he takes time to appreciate life the best way he knows how.

“I also like going for long walks with my wife, although sometimes she has to force me! We are so fortunate that where we live probably has the nicest whenua in the world. We love walking along Mission Bay and back down Ōkahu.

“Why walk anywhere else when you have this in your backyard?”