OUR TEAM

OUR CARE CONSULTANT – RANJITA

Meet Ranjita, the first of our Care Consultants to start with us at Care Upfront. Ranjita has a wealth of knowledge and experience as she has been a key member within the health space for many years.

Who are you?
Bula! My name is Ranjita, a proud Indo Fijian; I consider myself fortunate to be born and raised in Fiji where we value cultural diversity, food, music and generally celebrate all festivals and customs despite the ethnicity. I have 3 children, been in NZ for 16 years now and embracing it.

The driving force behind my every day is that I love to contribute to the community and family in any way possible. I am a people person, empathetic, and get great satisfaction in being a team player to achieve positive outcomes, most times I would go an extra mile. As much as I love keeping myself busy, I value family- work balance and a healthy lifestyle.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?  
A 3 course meal as I cannot decide on one; Satay Chicken Kebabs, Chicken in pineapple and cashew nuts with rice and Salted Caramel Cheescake with a Chivas Regal drink.

OUR CARE CONSULTANT – AROHA

Aroha brings with her a wealth of knowledge having worked in the industry for over 9 years.

Who are you?
Kia ora, my name is Aroha. I am Maori/Pakeha raised in Manurewa. I have 4 kids and I’m nana to 2 beautiful moko. I have also been looking after my sister’s kids for the last 4 years. My whakapapa lead to Otaua about 10 minutes outside of Kaikohe in the heat of the Hokianga.

Before coming into the home care industry 9 years ago, I was an at home mum looking after my kids. I know how to milk cows, and love decorating. But most of all I love looking after people, I’m the aunty that has the kids over at my house for the school holidays or weekends.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Lasagne, salad, and fries on the side.

OUR CARE CONSULTANT – FRAN

Our newest Care Consultant here at Care Upfront, Fran brings lots of smiles and good times as well as her diligant hard work and love for the work.

Who are you?

Bula/Talofa my name is Fran Hennings (I do have a longer first name but only to be used if I am in trouble).  My dad was born in Fiji and Mum in Samoa both came to Aotearoa in their 20s. They met out one night at a dance and from there stayed together to create the loving family I know today. I am a proud mum and nanny of 3. I do try to take life seriously but suffer from “Peter Pan” syndrome, adulthood is hard.

I am excited to be part of Care Upfronts Journey, with a refreshing look of how to help in the best way, to assist those to maintain and/or improve their quality of life, and definitely, have some fun times on the way.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?

It would not be a meal it would be a feast – KFC Wicked Wings, mouth-watering Pork Belly with crackling, gravy, raw fish, mainese, chop suey, scotch fillet, double cooked fries, Salt and Pepper Squid, sashimi, batter fried flounder, oysters you get the picture….if it can’t take off, its it is on the menu.

OUR CARE CONSULTANT – JOTISHWARI

Meet Joti, one of our amazing Care Consultants. Joti is gentle, calm, relatable and caring. Joti has served and worked in the health space for many years both inhome and community. She is driven to help our community move ahead and to help individuals live full lives.

Who are you?
My name is Jotishwari, an Indo Fijian decendant and residence of NZ. I believe I am a hardworking individual who likes to live life with a positive attitude. I have seen a lot of ups and downs in life but always believed in that light at the end of the tunnel. My current role as a care consultant is an enhancement of what I have been doing and my past experience gives me clarity in my decision making. I believe everyone deserves love and respect and have right to happiness in life.

If you had your last meal, what would it be? 
If it’s my last meal, it has to be something amazing. I wouldn’t mind seadfood, preferably lobster or crab meat prepared in coconut milk…yum!

OUR AFTER-HOURS CARE CONSULTANT – AGGIE

Meet Aggie, the calm and caring voice you’ll hear if you call during our after hours.

Who are you?
Born and raised in the south of Auckland! I am a young mother to 3 rascals, so life is always full of colours and chaos. I am a proud Samoan kiwi and find joy in quality time with my family and friends. I have a variety of experiences in different fields, most recently Care Coordinator. Throughout my life experiences and challenges I have always tried to radiate positivity, compassion, and respect. I hope I bring all that energy plus more to Care Upfront and hope to make a difference wherever I can.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Vietnamese café in Otahuhu, Spareribs pho, fried spring rolls and wontons.

OUR CLINICAL COORDINATOR – CAROLINE

Meet our amazing Clinical Coordinator, a kind caring and dedicated Nurse who is devoted to caring for individuals with spinal injuries.

Who are you?
Kia Orana Tatou. Ko Caroline Rota Toku Ingoa. My background is Cook Island Māori, born and raised in Aotearoa in a small timber town called Tokoroa, known for its forestry, timber, paper industries and Pacific Population. Moved to the big city ‘Auckland’ to further my education as an 18 year old in Accounting & Management, then in 2013 obtaining a Bachelor of Pacific Nursing Degree. I work in the community as a registered nurse in the Homecare Services sector providing support to high complex clients under the ACC contract. I have been working in this Industry ‘Homecare Services’ for the last 9 years, specializing in Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury. I am also involved in networking with our pacific nurses groups in Auckland to help and support our pacific populations within the community.

If you had your last meal, what would it be? 
Chicken fried rice, ice cream and heaps of CHOCOLATES, pudding topped with custard.

OUR CLINICAL COORDINATOR – MAGGIE

Meet Maggie, one of our Clinical Coordinators at Care Upfront.

Who are you?

Born in Motueka, a long, long time ago. Scots father, mother hybrid European Scots, French, Irish, Maltese and English. I have 1 sister, 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

I grew up on a tobacco farm situated up the Baton Valley in a place called Pokororo at the foot of Kahurangi National Park. The boundary our farm was the Motueka river which was also my mode of transport to my friends farm 5 kms down river, a strong current to drift in or bump through rapids on my behind.

Typically for our area we (the kids) were co-opted into the labour force early helping on various farms whether tobacco, berry, hops (yes folks, the very same hops that flavour your favourite brew) naturally sheep and cattle also featured.

My first ‘official’ employment was Lab Technician for Unilever and from there I drifted into healthcare and nursing, ACC and homecare.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?

OMG! Really, only 1 last meal?

Entrée –  A cheese platter.

Main –  Roast wild pork, kumera, pumpkin, parsnip, yams and onion gravy. Oops better add cabbage for greens.

Dessert – Tiramisu with a decent amount of Masala.

OUR CLINICAL COORDINATOR – MEGAN

Meet Megan, one of our Clinical Coordinators at Care Upfront.

Who are you?

Kia ora! I was born and raised in a small rural town near Blenheim, surrounded by the ocean. Though somehow, I still manage to get seasick! About ten years ago, I moved to Wellington to study and work as a registered nurse. Since then, I’ve gained experience in burns and plastics, rehabilitation, clinical coaching, and moving and handling education.

Recently, I spent a year working and travelling overseas, but I missed my whenua and am happy to be back home. I’ve just moved up to Auckland to begin this exciting new role and can’t wait to get stuck in.

Outside of work, I’m a proud aunty to three energetic nephews and one niece. I love getting lost in a good fantasy book or heading outdoors to soak up nature. I like to keep busy and pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and genuinely caring. I’m passionate about making a positive difference and look forward to supporting people to live fulfilling lives in the community.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?

What a question! If I could time travel, I’d love to return to one of my favorite childhood memories, enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal made by my Grandma. It would probably be roast lamb with silver beet, carrots, and her legendary mashed potatoes (which, no matter how hard I try, I’ve never been able to replicate, even with her recipe!). I’d wash it all down with a big glass of her homemade lemonade, then finish with her apple crumble and cream. Pure comfort, and full of love.

OUR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR – LAUREN

Meet Lauren, our organisiton behind the scenes.

Who are you?
I am origionally from England, but I’ve happily called Aotearoa home for the past 20 years now. Recent mum to one, I am excited to juggle this next chapter of motherhood with work life and teach my daughter the importance of equality for all. Seeing people reach their potential is a massive driver and one of the reasons I’m so happy to have joined the team at Care Upfront.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Okay, so it’s not technaically a meal, but Chocolate and Tea is my happy place, so it would be that all day long!

OUR CO-CEO – ANDREW

Meet our compassionate co-CEO. For the last 15 years he has spent most of his career working within the disability community.

Who are you?
I am a family man who enjoys spending time with my children and wife. I was born and raised in South Auckland Otara, and I am a proud Samoan. I was raised in a family that have strong values and included a strong religious background implemented by my parents. Staying connected to my roots and having a humble upbringing has made my life more meaningful. In the last 15 years I have spent most of my career working within the disability community and I have a deep respect for those involved. I’ve always wanted to make a difference and especially with those who have had their lives impacted by a lifelong injury. I hope to make changes that will future benefit those in the disability healthcare industry and to leave it better than how I found it. I would like for the people I know and those I have yet to meet to achieve a better version of themselves and I hope we make this journey a lifelong friendship. 

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Island food and my mum’s homemade pineapple pie. 

OUR CO-CEO – LEE

Meet our extraordinary co-CEO, a compassionate and dedicated Maori leader who is devoted to caring for individuals with spinal injuries. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those affected, our CEO brings a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and expertise to ensure the well-being and empowerment of each person under our care.

Who are you?
I am a proud South Auckland boy with my bloodlines leading back up Waikato and Waipa awa. I had my accident at the age of 13 and it shaped my world in a massive way. Thankfully my family and friends held space for me to be able to grow and learn more. I have had and have many struggles to contend with in day to day life and as frustrating as it is I try to find some lesson from it in some way in the hopes that the lesson could give insight to help one of my peers in the future.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
A roast lamb with mint sauce and loads of roasted veges would be my go!

OUR DIRECTOR – SIMON

Meet Simon, one of our Directors at Care Upfront. With a great sense of humor and down to earth attitude, he embodies what we are all about here at Care Upfront.

Who are you?
I’m someone who needs to be around people as people give me energy and my family and friends give me a real purpose.

My background is Chinese, born in Vietnam, raised in Taupo, and then moved to Auckland in my teenage years. Coming to NZ as a refugee with absolutely nothing, I have experienced firsthand how a community can come together and make a positive difference to people’s lives.

In my professional life, I have held several Executive and Board roles, including as the Group CFO of the largest home and community service provider in New Zealand. I am passionate about being part of Care Upfront, we are driven to make a meaningful difference to our community, the disability sector, and, in time, the wider health sector.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Easy. If bought – KFC. If homemade – my mum’s Vietnamese Stewed Pork Belly or Beef Pho. I bet that mum could figure out the Colonel’s recipe and make it even better!

OUR DIRECTOR – MARLON

Meet Marlon, one of our charismatic leaders focused on building culture and delivering results.

Who are you?
I’m of Pākehā, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua descent.

I am very fortunate to be involved with Care Upfront Limited. While continuing a successful business career, my ‘why’ for being involved in Care Upfront is a little deep and philosophical.

We are defined as a society or community by how we thrive within it. There are no disparities, or weak links and the strengths shine through. Those that do well, share their knowledge and resources. Those less fortunate are helped in times of need: whether it is ensuring safe, reliable water or safe, reliable care. We do it to protect the basic needs of everyone in that community. The trick is doing it as efficiently and effectively as we can whilst maximising the benefits to that community.  We are a niche provider of home-based care. The CE is a friend that has a vision and we have utilised the best resources we have available to achieve that vision. Knowledge and expertise will help Care Upfront get there but passion will help the community thrive. My passion is knowing that we can achieve that. I bring 30 years of commercial experience to Care Upfront in senior private and public sector roles. My business understanding will not only ensure Care Upfront is successful, but maximise benefits to clients. A key part of this for me is supporting the CE, and his team, as we help our community to thrive and continuously improve as we enable individuals and connect communities.

I look forward to enjoying the journey!

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
My last meal would be something savoury like a Cottage Pie with maybe some poached eggs.