Success Stories
St Stephen’s and Queen Victoria kura have seen several graduates go through their doors, each leaving with a set of values and skills that shape their character as SSQV graduates.
Read the stories of some of our alumni and alumnae below to find out how their time at SSQV kura helped mould them into who they are today.
Tama Potaka
Alumni – St Stephen’s | Tīpene
He has held multiple high-titled jobs such as, being a direct investment advisor at the NZ Super Fund, and as the former head of corporate services for Tanui Group Holdings. Prior to these roles, Tama utilised his legal qualifications practicing as a solicitor.
In 2023 Tama was a member of the Māori affairs committee from February 2023 to August 2023, and a party spokesperson for Housing (Social Housing) as Māori development from January 2023 through to November 2023.
His current roles consist of, Conservation Minister, Housing (Social Housing) Associate Minister, Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister, Māori Development Minister, and Whānau Ora Minister.
Karleen Everitt
Alumnae – Queen Victoria | Kuini Wikitoria
She is proud to be the Deputy Chair of the St Stephen’s and Queen Victoria Schools Trust Board, elected in 2018.
Te Kani Kingi
Alumni – St Stephen’s | Tīpene
After spending much of his early academic career at Massey University in Wellington, he recently returned home to Whakatane in order to take up a role as Professor of Research at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. His specialist areas of expertise are mental health, psychometrics, longitudinal research, and public health. He has been an executive member of a number of national health and scientific boards and is the former Chair of the New Zealand Mental Health Commission.