Meet the Mahi Tika Team

Our team includes Waikato-based Kaitiaki | Enhancers who work with participants both in workshops and one-on one. The project is overseen by DPA Chief Executive Prudence Walker and managed by Anja Hajdarevic in the role of  Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa | Project Manager. 

Amber-Krystle Stier

Kaitiaki | Enhancer

Amber-Krystle was born and bred in the Ruapehu district; because of this she is passionate about supporting rural disabled people. 

Due to circumstances at birth Amber-Krystle has mobility problems, so uses a wheelchair as well as having multiple other health conditions. 

Amber-Krystle was a participant in the first Mahi Tika cohort. She had found it had to get a job due to her disability, as well as because she lives rurally. Amber-Krystle found Mahi Tika helped her gain confidence and support that she didn't have previously. Her aim is to do pass that on now as a Kaitiaki.

Outside of work Amber-Krystle enjoys quilting, reading, spending time with family, and being on multiple arts committees. 
Read Amber-Krystle Stier's bio

Roger Riley

Kaitiaki | Enhancer

Roger lives in Hamilton with his wife and their three-legged dog, 2 cats and numerous tropical fish. 

He was born in Warwickshire, England and moved to New Zealand 27 years ago. 

He worked in marketing for British Gas in Keynsham near Bristol prior to moving to NZ. Since then, he trained and worked as an architectural draughtsman, a Case Manager for MSD, a Support Worker, and an Employment Consultant. 

He is an active member of Hamilton DPA and a peer supporter for My Life My Voice. 
Outside of work you will find Roger making things in his shed, his latest projects being a belt sander and a small yacht (his wife says he just makes a mess!). 

Read Roger Riley's bio

Anja Hajdarevic

Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa | Project Manager

Anja is of Slovenian-Bosnian descent and was born in Slovenia - a small country in Central Europe. She moved to New Zealand 8 years ago and currently lives in Hamilton.

She is neurodiverse, has a physical disability from birth and developed autoimmune disease as a teenager. Representing a good number of minorities, she is passionate about bringing to light the inequality not only in workforce, but also in society.

Anja's background is in Management, Small Business Ownership and Hospitality. Outside of work Anja enjoys photography, design and spending time with her partner Gina and their Miniature Dachshund Fritz and a pet rat, Dexter.

Read Anja Hajdarevic's bio

Ayla Naidoo

Manaaki | Support

Ayla lives in Sunny Whakatāne with her family and beloved Maltese-Shih Tzu Chica (and is a frequent visitor to the Waikato Region where her Partner lives.)
She was born in (the even sunnier) Zimbabwe and moved to Aoteaora New Zealand 20 years ago. 
She is currently studying her Masters of Law having just completed her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. 
She has experience in the legal, banking, hospitality, recruitment and social services industries and is very excited to be joining the Mahi Tika – Equity in Employment Team pursuing equitable outcomes through a human rights framework - which is her passion, alongside advocating for social justice and equality. 
Aside from studying, she will most likely be found with a good book, in the sunshine and fresh air while spending time with her loved ones. 
Read Ayla Naidoo's bio