About hcet

Janet Nixon is a New Zealand educator, business mentor, and community volunteer. With a Master’s in Education and 25 years of tertiary teaching experience, she previously ran a film catering business and now mentors creatives through Creative Northland. She has served on three community trust boards, supporting arts, education  and community initiatives. She works with HCET leading strategic planning initiatives and as part of a funding team.

Janine McVeagh is a writer, researcher, and educator with over 50 years in Hokianga. She designed, set up and taught on the Northtec Diploma of Applied Writing for 20 years, at first in a classroom, then online. 

 She has published children's and non-fiction books, co-founded Hokianga Publishers, and still occasionally mentors writers. A former NZSA executive member, she also helped establish book and film festivals, fostering literary and creative communities. Janine is our treasurer, and secretary support.

Kara Dodson is a creative activator with a background in architecture, arts mentorship, and event organizing. She has worked across film, music, and food industries, founded multiple businesses, and now lives in Omapere, balancing art-making with community projects—alongside her cat, dog, chickens, and whānau.

Reva Mendes is a contemporary mixed-media Māori artist with a background in traditional weaving and fibre arts. Founder of Kōrari Enterprises, she aims to revive Te Tai Tokerau’s fibre industry, exploring local papermaking. Her work blends tradition, sustainability, and innovation, fostering cultural resilience and community reconnection through Māori knowledge and practice. Reva is our current trust facilitator.

Debbie Upham, an experienced educator and registered early childhood teacher, has worked in sustainability education and nursing. A former Starship and Kidsfirst Hospital board of trustees member, she has returned to Hokianga to support community projects that uplift people, culture, and the environment through collaboration, storytelling, and care. Brings experience with organisational development to strengthen our trust.

Karen Browne currently resides in beautiful Rawene, working as a Registered Social Worker for Hauora Hokianga. In previous roles, she has worked atTu Kaha, a sub acute unit, as well as Te Pu O Te Wheke Art Gallery, both situated in Kaikohe. Karen has a background in music and art. She is passionate about raising  consciousness in her community, both environmentally and socially.

Trustee

Wally Hicks. After graduating university Wally worked in Auckland theatre for 18 years and ran his own rental car business for nine. Wally moved to Kohukohu in 1999 and became involved in local arts, community-building, governance and ambulance; co-founded Village Arts in 2005, co-led 2 FNDC Visioning processes and is current Chairperson of Creative Communities Scheme. Wally is Secretary for HCET.

Mike Albrecht. A Hokianga resident since 1973, this 78-year-old semi-retired woodworker and former Maths and Science teacher has taught Tai Chi and Qigong locally since 2007. A passionate advocate for sustainability, climate education, and community well-being, they support local food, energy, and housing initiatives, including the Ara Rongoa project. HCET coordinator of the Hokianga Science Festival for local kura for the last 3 years

Simi Paris is a practitioner of Toi Maori and a kaiako (tutor) of 15 years. Actively involved in her marae her whakaaro is that the world of Toi not only embodies whakapapa but is a translation of knowledge, of Rangahau and a space to celebrate traditional and contemporary narratives.

A contemporary and traditional, mixed media artist herself, Simi is continuously inspired by the skills of her tupuna (ancestors) and the Taha Wairua (spiritual aspects) that are intrinsic to Toi Maori. She is interested in bringing workshops that not only support local artists but workshops that deliver a true sense of the AKO experience.