Nicole Uipo-Tagaloasa

Trustee and Chair of the Connect Healing Hub Board

Born and raised in Auckland, Nicole moved to Tauranga four years ago with her family and now proudly calls the Bay of Plenty home. At 43, she is a wife and proud mum to two beautiful girls.

Nicole’s husband is Samoan and works supporting survivors of childhood trauma. Through her family, community and lived experiences, Nicole has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of recognising cultural differences and ensuring people are supported in ways that respect their identity, values, family and individual experiences.

Nearly five years ago, Nicole was diagnosed with a brain tumour — an experience that gave her firsthand insight into navigating the health and wellbeing system and highlighted some of the gaps that can exist for individuals and families trying to access the right support.

These experiences have shaped Nicole’s passion for the work of Connect Healing Hub and her belief in a more connected, compassionate and culturally responsive approach to wellbeing and healing.

As Chair, Nicole brings strong leadership, compassion and a community-focused perspective to the Board. She is passionate about helping Connect Healing Hub grow into a space where people feel heard, respected and supported, and where meaningful connections can create pathways towards healing and positive change.

Penny Gamble

Hi, I’m Penny Gamble, and I’m proud to be a Trustee & Treasurer of the Connect Healing Community Hub Trust.

I’m Bay of Plenty born and raised and have lived in the Mount Maunganui and Papamoa area my whole life. I’m a local business owner, running Boutique Rentals BOP, and family is a huge part of who I am. Gene and I have a blended family of five adult children and three grandsons, so life is always busy and there’s never a dull moment!

Community and people are incredibly important to me. I believe in supporting others, building genuine connections and helping create a community where people feel welcomed, valued and supported.

As a Trustee, I’m pleased to bring my business experience, practical approach and strong local knowledge to the role, while working alongside others who share a genuine passion for making a positive difference in our community.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, travelling and making memories. Motorsport is also a big part of our family life, so you’ll often find us trackside supporting our kids racing.

I’m proud to be part of the Community Hub and look forward to contributing to its continued growth and the important role it plays in bringing people together.

Elianna Neketai

Trustee of the Connect Healing Hub Board

A little about me 

Kia ora, Ko Elianna Toku Ingoa. 

I’m passionate about our community, our Tamariki and creating positive opportunities for the people around me. I work in early childhood education and am currently studying towards my Bachelor of Teaching, which has strengthened my passion for learning, leadership and supporting others to reach their potential. Through my work, study and experiences, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for the importance of listening, working collaboratively and making decisions that have a meaningful impact. 

I value whānau, connection, inclusivity and creating spaces where everyone feels heard, respected and supported. As a trustee, I hope to bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to listen and a genuine commitment to our community. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute, learn from others and help shape positive outcomes for our future within Connect Healing Community Hub Trust.

Shiree Galvin

Founder / CEO 

An exciting time for the community that I am passionate about, has just come to reality, the birth of something very dear to my heart!

Connect Healing Community Hub

Kia Ora, my name is Shiree and it is my privilege and my absolute honour to be a part of something so beautiful that will support, nourish, teach, encourage, bloom and nurture our community.

I am a woman of faith, a mother to 4 beautiful children, a Nana to 4, absolutely amazing moko's, a wife and a business owner, right here in Papamoa. I am of Te Arawa, Ngati Whakaue descent, I was born in Rotorua and raised in Pukehina.

My life has always been at home with helping others, encouraging, supporting where I can, teaching, embracing, especially towards women. Lived through anxiety, depression, narcissistic relationships, grief and loss, only to become a strong, capable Wahine Toa that loves to embrace change for good, change to strengthen myself and those around me. What I do I didn't chase after, it comes with a burden to be better, to do better within my community and to encourage others and I look forward to creating some amazing and special moments within our community, together with you.