Our Team
luke thompson - Chairman
Kia ora e te whānau,
I’ve been in education for over twenty years, with more than fifteen of those as a principal in area schools across Aotearoa. I’m currently the Principal of Onewhero Area School, where my focus is on transformational leadership, growing authentic relationships with whānau and mana whenua, and creating spaces where every learner feels valued and connected.
My mahi is guided by the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, mātauranga, and hauora. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen identity, build belonging, and empower our young people to reach their full potential.
As a trustee of Ngā Toa Aotearoa Trust, I’m proud to contribute to a kaupapa that reflects who we are as a people, grounded in tikanga, connected through whakapapa, and united in the vision of uplifting our communities through knowledge, culture, and care.
Ngā mihi,
Luke Thompson
derwyn fail (DEZ) - secretary
Born and raised in Napier, I moved to Wales at age 11 where I completed both my high school and university studies before returning home to Napier in 2011. Since 2014 I have worked in the intelligence and security sector specialising in intelligence analysis and corporate security.
I now live in Port Waikato with my wife and three children. My previous governance experience includes serving on the boards of Onewhero Area School and Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Puaha.
As an active lifeguard at Sunset Beach Surf Life Saving Club I see every day how valuable surf education and physical activity are for community wellbeing. I have witnessed the positive impact of surf-based programmes on my own whānau and our local community. I believe everyone in Aotearoa should have access to these kinds of opportunities regardless of financial social or family circumstances to strengthen their hauora and connection to the moana.
justin dwen (Jae) - treasurer
Raised in Te Pūaha o Waikato (Port Waikato), I have spent much of my life driven to connect to both people and the natural environment. I have been director of Maxwell Clinic Ltd a private practice located in central Auckland since 2009, where I have led the delivery of evidence-informed holistic medicine to support the health and wellbeing of individuals and families. Through this work, I have developed a passion for integrative healthcare and community-centred wellness.
Alongside my professional practice, I have served in governance and leadership roles within the Chinese Medicine sector, including as Founding Chairman of Allied Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Aotearoa and Chairman of the New Zealand Acupuncture Standards Authority.
I currently live in Te Pūaha o Waikato with my family and have been active in the surf and local environment since my teenage years, a passion that continues through my three children, who all surf, fish and hunt.
I am passionate about building community resilience and strengthening connections, between people, and between people and nature. I believe that once a genuine connection is made, it can deliver lifelong positive outcomes for individuals and their wider communities. Living in Te Pūaha o Waikato, I see the river, ocean and the bush as powerful teachers that foster confidence, wellbeing, and belonging. My aspiration is to help support initiatives that connect tamariki and whānau with these opportunities, so all can benefit from the physical, mental, and social wellbeing that comes through engagement with nature.