Team

Jade Kake

Director & Registered Architect (NZRAB registration no.: 5805)

Ngāpuhi (Ngāti Hau me Te Parawhau), Te Whakatōhea, Te Arawa
B Arch Des, Grad Cert Dig Des, M Arch (Prof), Dip Māori Language Fluency

Jade Kake is an architectural designer, writer and housing advocate. Her design practice is focussed on working with Māori organisations on their marae, papakāinga and civic projects, and in working with mana whenua groups to express their cultural values and narratives through the design of their physical environments.

Jade is fortunate to live and work within her home area of Whangārei, where she is currently leading several projects to support the re-establishment and development of papakāinga within the district, and leading the cultural narrative integration component on a number of public space, civic, commercial and education projects within the city.

In establishing Matakohe, her aspiration is for the kaupapa to grow to a mid-size kaupapa Māori multidisciplinary design practice, and to build and attract a team of skilled hapū kaimahi who are able to contribute their technical and cultural skills and service of their own whānau, hapū and iwi.

Kiri McKenna

Principal Registered Architect (NZRAB registration no.: 6060)

March(prof) UNITEC, Bas UNITEC

Kiri has joined Matakohe as a principal and leads our architecture department. She has a background working in residential architecture design. Studied at UNITEC in Auckland obtaining her bachelor of architectural studies, and then her master of architecture (prof) with distinction in design.

She spent a semester of her masters studying at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She has also had teaching experience at both UNITEC and The University of Auckland Architecture schools.

Kiri grew up in Hawkes bay and having spent the last decade in Tāmaki Makaurau she is looking forward to settling into Whangārei with her partner, and supporting the growth of Matakohe.

In her spare time she likes creating art, spending time in nature and reading. Kiri is interested in architecture that is meaningful, responsible and beautiful.

Talia Rikihana

Business Development Manager

Ngāpuhi (Ngāti Hau), Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Hine

Talia has a passion for connecting people and business with a background in sales & marketing where she has helped various businesses develop and grow financially and personally.

Talia lives with her 3 tamahine and husband in Hikurangi, Whangārei.

Her experience across industries has enabled her to grasp what it takes to influence and enhance business relationships so that everybody benefits.

Since leaving Whangārei in 2006 she has been filling her kete abroad and is very excited to be home with her small whānau and apply those skills in a kaupapa Māori pakihi that really lives and breathes her values.