Meet our Team
My experience caring for my mother sparked a transformative journey, inspiring Project Village.
Fuelled by my caregiving journey and driven by a passion for community support, Project Village empowers caregivers and families to thrive, during some really tough times, emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. With a foundation in HR and a focus on Community Health, Wellbeing, and Diversional Therapy, I'm driven to support families and build stronger communities.
FA'ALAGILAGI FINAU
Founder / Secretary
Glenda is Councillor for Central Ward, Hutt City Council.
Having spent 13 years as a Councillor she will continue to listen and advocate for you and the residents. For the past 14 years, she has successfully held the role as Manager of an international company based in central Lower Hutt. In addition to her roles, she is also a J.P. Rotarian, Wedding and Funeral Celebrant, Former Chair Community Accessibility Advisory Committee and Author of childrens books.
She is a beautiful mother & grandmother who gives tirelessly. Her precious heart is filled with so much love for her family and community. She is a great teacher of compassion, love and fearlessnes.
GLENDA BARRATT
Chair
ORQUIDEA
TAMAYO-MORTERA
Deputy Chair
Orquidea is a Mexican New Zealander. Orquidea is a Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapist (RDRTh) -current President for the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists Inc
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She has 15 years of experience in the therapeutic recreation area and has worked in mental health, community, developmental disabilities, and aged care. Gained a BA on International Relations and Human Rights, National Certifications inDRTh, Business Growth and Development, Leadership and Management, Operational Health and Safety, Adult Education (Vocational /Workplace), Dementia, Gerontology, Assessment Practice, Disabilities Support, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Mental Health First Aid – LifeKeeper, Mobility Transport.
Orquidea believes DRThs are hidden treasures in plain sight. To learn more about Orquidea visit;
Web: https://diversionaltherapy.net.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NZSDRT/
Josh is a Chartered Accountant based in the wider Wellington area. With 7 years’ experience working with many other charities and non-for-profits, Josh is excited about using his skill set to work with a charity with an amazing mission and vision.
Josh is passionate about working with start-up charities and businesses and gets a lot of reward out of seeing them succeed. Having a farming background, Josh loves to get outside and enjoy the sun but also cannot miss out on the latest Formula 1 race.
JOSH BOYACK
Treasurer
Linda is the Managing Director of Quality Life. Founded together with her husband in 2013, the aim of improving the Quality of Life for people living with age related frailty and dementia.
Quality Life continue to provide ongoing support to many home care residents and individuals.
To learn more about Linda visit www.qualitylife.org.nz
COMPASSION, DIGNITY, AND RESPECT
LINDA HOOGENBOOM
Board Member
Vaelupe Hill, of Samoan Desent, is a Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapist and the first Pacific Islander to be registered under the NZ Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists. With 20 years of experience in aged care services.
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Vaelupe currently leads the Diversional and Recreational Therapy team at Oceania Healthcare in Elmwood Village. She conducts residents assessments and designs programs aimed at improving the quality of life and enhancing the wellbeing of the community.
Family, culture and Christian faith are significant aspects of Vaelupe’s life, guiding her values and commitment to her work.
LUPE HILL
Team Leader and Registered Diversional & Recreational Therapist
Stephanie Etuata-Taylor is the Director of Set Creative Art + Design, a full-service design and branding agency for nearly 10 years that’s based in Wellington. A proud Niuean - she is a mother and grandmother, Stephanie is a passionate creative professional who brings heart and purpose to everything she does.
Through her work, she combines graphic design, front-end web design, photography, videography, and content creation to help communities, organisations, and businesses tell their stories with impact. With a strong sense of cultural identity and community connection, Stephanie leads with both creativity and entrepreneurial drive.