We simplify complex processes
and work programmes, providing
clarity for our clients and partners
We’re experienced planners and policy advisors
We're a boutique team, senior by design. You get access to highly skilled consultants, with strong experience across both te ao Māori and mainstream environmental policy and RMA planning, government policy advice and implementation.
As a wahine Māori-owned enterprise, Mahea is committed to actively honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by fostering genuine partnerships, mutual respect, and shared decision-making with both Māori and non-Māori communities.
Our Team
Technical Director | Principal Planner
Jacky Bartley
Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Rongowhakaata
With 22+ years' experience in NZ and the UK, Jacky is a seasoned Planner and trusted local government advisor.
Jacky guides local and central government, iwi authorities, and private firms in strategy, policy, resource management, and stakeholder engagement. Jacky's comprehensive approach explores all avenues for each project, instilling client confidence in short and long-term impacts.
A co-design expert, she engages stakeholders and communities for genuine involvement while safeguarding project outcomes.
Technical Director | Principal Planner
Keita Kohere
Ngāti Porou, Ngai Tahu, Rongowhakaata
With 20+ years of expertise, Keita is a skilled Planner and strategic leader in government operations, stakeholder engagement, and Māori heritage protection.
Thriving in complexity, Keita blends her extensive skills with a relational approach, advising stakeholders from Ministers to iwi leadership. An aspirational leader, Keita adeptly builds trust, recently overseeing the Te Ao Māori Policy and leading a Land Use Inquiry in Tairāwhiti for the Ministry for the Environment.
Principal Associate
Tanya Sorrell
Tanya has 20+ years of experience working in resource management in various policy, implementation and leadership roles.
As a public historian, Tanya has deep subject-matter expertise in cultural heritage management and resource management policy gained over multiple jurisdictions. Tanya offers a global perspective on indigenous and cultural heritage preservation, with international experience leading heritage impact assessments and developing historic provisions within policy. Tanya's significant focus in recent years has been on understanding and improving the provision for Māori under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and other legislation.
Principal Associate
Will Collin
Ngāti Pāoa
Will is a Te Tiriti and te ao Māori policy expert and thought leader. He has particular expertise in applying Te Tiriti and te ao Māori policy in the environmental and resource management space.
Will has previously worked as a principal advisor at the Ministry for the Environment - Manatū Mō Te Taiao, and has worked at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Hīkina Whakatutuki and the Waikato Regional Council - Te Kaunihera ā Rohe o Waikato. Will has a Master of Public Policy degree, and has delivered training courses and presentations on Te Tiriti, including guest lectures at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.
Senior Associate
Rebecca Payne
Rebecca has 15+ years of planning experience across a wide range of projects including resource consents, policy and spatial planning for local government, private organisations and individuals.
Rebeccas experience includes contributing to substantial development initiatives, including the Future Planning Framework, Unitary Plan and Rodney District Plan changes and Auckland’s Waterview Connection. Rebecca is pragmatic in her approach and effectively navigates complex planning processes to achieve positive outcomes.
Principal Consultant
Mārire Kuka
Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Tūhoe
With over 20 years of experience in journalism, communications, public relations, and engagement, Mārire Kuka is a leader in her field. A former reporter for TVNZ, Waatea News, and Māori Television, she has also held senior roles at the Ministry for the Environment and Gisborne District Council. Her career spans government, broadcasting, and education, reflecting her commitment to fostering collaboration and amplifying Māori voices.
Mārire brings a unique skillset to culturally safe consultation, ensuring iwi and hapū perspectives are accurately represented. Her respectful and effective engagement with Māori communities supports discussions that uphold their rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These skills were instrumental in incorporating iwi and hapū views into the 2022 resource management system reform. Outside of her professional work, Mārire is dedicated to revitalising te reo Māori among second language learners. A qualified secondary school teacher, she brings her teaching strengths to mentoring and guiding emerging talents in her field.
Intern
Ella Pita
Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Rongowhakaata
Ella is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student at te Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, majoring in Politics and International Relations, as well as Employment Relations and Organisational Studies.
As an intern at Mahea, she is developing hands on experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, and mana whenua and stakeholder engagement.
Office Manager/Accounts
Brenda Sinden
With experience in accounts and office management, Brenda oversees the operational coordination of Mahea. While new to the resource management and policy space, she offers organisational expertise and an attention to detail.
With a background in managing business accounts and administration, she ensures support for the team and maintains efficiency across projects.
What we stand for
Collaborative
We work closely with project stakeholders to build understanding and create value. It’s our priority to support you to make sustainable decisions.
Adaptive
We don't do rigid, inflexible approaches. We really listen and work with you to develop a unique, robust approach that will deliver the best outcomes for your situation.
Experienced
A proven track record spanning over 22 years’ experience across all areas of resource management, central and local government, te ao Māori Policy development, engagement and co-design.