Clayton Rangitutia

Whānau Ora Projects Manager | Te Puna Hauora o Te Raki Paewhenua

Client: Te Puna Hauora o Te Raki Paewhenua
Industry: Māori Health & Social Services
Engagement: Leadership Coaching, Strategic Advisory, Governance Support
Focus: Leadership Development, Strategy, Governance, Organisational Sustainability

The Challenge

Clayton had rapidly progressed from frontline mental health worker to a senior leadership position within a kaupapa Māori organisation. While the opportunity was exciting, the transition demanded an entirely new way of thinking and leading.

He needed to confidently bridge the gap between operations and strategy while maintaining the trust, relationships and cultural integrity that are fundamental within a whānau-led organisation.

The Focus

Transitioning from frontline practitioner to senior leader
Strengthening governance and Board reporting capability
Building confidence to lead courageous conversations
Developing strategic thinking and organisational leadership
Balancing operational responsibilities with long-term sustainability
Leading change while preserving strong relationships and kaupapa

The Reality

On paper, Clayton had earned a significant promotion. The reality was that he was learning to lead at pace while carrying the responsibility for his whānau, his people, and the organisation.

He wasn't just managing projects anymore. He was expected to think strategically, communicate confidently with the Board, influence government stakeholders, and make decisions that could shape the organisation's future.

The challenge wasn't capability; it was having the confidence, practical frameworks and trusted support to grow into the leader the organisation needed.

What We Did Together

Together we focused on building both the leader and the organisation which involved:

Leadership coaching tailored to Clayton's role and stage of development
Strategic thinking and organisational planning
Governance support, including Board preparation and reporting
Coaching for courageous conversations and stakeholder engagement
Accountability and leadership development between sessions
Practical leadership tools and a personalised "Leadership Handbook"
Support navigating kaupapa Māori leadership and organisational dynamics
Building confidence to engage with government agencies, community leaders and key stakeholders

The Outcomes

The impact extended well beyond leadership development; it included:

Successfully transitioned from frontline practitioner to senior leader
Strengthened governance reporting and strategic decision-making capability
Built confidence leading courageous conversations while protecting relationships
Retained a significant government contract, strengthening organisational sustainability and avoiding potential redundancies
Developed stronger relationships with key government decision-makers and community stakeholders
Created practical leadership systems and planning tools that continue to guide daily leadership
Increased confidence, credibility and respect as a senior leader within the organisation
Established a long-term trusted advisory relationship

In Their Words

"Kim helped me quickly adjust my thinking from being on the frontline to someone handling multiple areas of responsibility. She understood exactly how kaupapa Māori organisations work and tailored everything to where I was at as a leader.

Whether it was preparing for Board meetings, working through governance reports, navigating organisational challenges or having courageous conversations, she helped me see the bigger picture while staying true to who I am.

One thing I'll always remember is Kim saying, 'Go and meet with them. Tell them your story.' It sounds simple, but it gave me the confidence to build relationships with key government decision-makers and advocate for the impact our organisation was making. That advice ultimately contributed to securing a significant government contract that strengthened the future of our organisation.

She created what I call my ‘Leadership Handbook’ - practical tools, reminders and frameworks that I still use today. It wasn't theory; it was practical leadership that I could apply immediately.

What made the biggest difference was that I didn't have to explain where I was coming from. She understood what I was navigating at my age, within a kaupapa Māori organisation and alongside whānau. She understood the dynamics, the relationships and the responsibility that come with leading in that space, and she tailored everything accordingly.

My leadership has developed because of a lot of her mahi. I feel more confident as a General Manager, better equipped to lead difficult conversations, and respected as a senior leader within our organisation. Kim has become more than an advisor; she's a trusted sounding board who genuinely wants to see Māori leaders, our people and our organisations succeed.

Clayton Rangitutia
Whānau Ora Projects Manager | Te Puna Hauora o Te Raki Paewhenua