06/06/2026
🎉 Another special announcement! ☺️ I've recently accepted a position as a Community Job Coach at Noaia 🙌🏽
Initially, I was only going to help for a few weeks, covering for my good friend while she was on leave. But as the time flew by I quickly recognised the many ways that this mahi was filling my cup, and the many ways my unique perspective and particular skill set could be a blessing to others.
As a business owner and employer, employee with a full time and now part time job; and a wahine Māori who is also a solo Māmā; I've got a broad and diverse range of experiences to draw from when walking alongside those who are having difficulties securing employment.
There are so many layers. So many barriers. So many overlapping reasons one might struggle to get their foot in a door; find a path that supports them; live a life that fufills them. To be seen, heard and held is a need not met in many spaces. In this space, I hope to be a supportive place people land while they navigate the season they are in and explore the options available to them.
The other amazing side of this mahi is that I get to rub shoulders and collaborate with some of the most incredible wāhine, tāne, and kaupapa, I've ever had the privilege of working with! I'm learning SO much!! So much mātauranga has been poured into me since being apart of this kaupapa.
Kai Connoisseurs will continue to evolve supported and strengthened by connections with others who share the same values and visions for collective wellbeing as we do. As the world opens up and the things I prayed for continue to come to fruition I am forever grateful for this journey ❤️
Staffing pānui. Sachiko Shimamoto (Sachi) (Kai Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Japanese), has accepted a permanent position, Kaitohutohu Aramahi - job coach/case manager within the Noaia community job coaching program. Sachi is the founder of the catering company Kai Connoisseurs. She has specialised in empowering kaimahi who have struggled in the traditional job market ensuring they have a sense of belonging and support. She leverages her skills and experience from a range of community and coaching contexts to help job seekers to prepare for, secure and stay in employment. Tau ke Sachi!
