Nau mai: Reihana Gilman, Project Manager

We are pleased to welcome Reihana Gillman to the Whai Rawa whānau, as Project Manager for the residential maintenance programme. We had a kōrero with Reihana to learn a bit more about him, his experience and what he hopes to bring to the role. 

Prior to joining the team, Reihana was at the Department of Corrections where he had been for the past nine years. That role required shift work, so Reihana is looking forward to having a more settled work life and a be able to spend more time with his whānau.

He also has a background in construction and cabinet making and jokes, “I’m a jack of all trades but master of none.”

A team-focused culture is important to Reihana, along with the opportunity to learn and grow his skills. Reihana lives in Orākei where his mahi will be largely focussed on whanau homes requiring maintenance and upgrades.

“Effective communication to whānau is important in this role, because upgrading whānau homes requires lots of coordination.  We’ll be trying our best to quickly carry out maintenance work on these whare and keeping disruption to a minimum.

Reihana explains that a typical day on the job usually starts by ensuring projects are running smoothly, followed by site walks with contractors to make sure they are keeping to plan and timelines.

He says he was drawn to this role because it provided the opportunity to work for the iwi alongside a great team who had the same goal: to provide whānau with safe, warm and healthy homes.

“Everything is set up and running well, which is a testament to Uncle Arepa who leads our team. I’m keen to look at ways we can do things better for our whānau. .”

On the weekends Reihana enjoys playing golf, going fishing, and spending time with his whānau. He says he is extremely blessed and humbled to be able to work for his iwi and has enjoyed getting stuck into the role.