Tararua REAPs new GM on steep learning curve

Claire Chapman, general manager, Tararua REAP. Photo / Christine McKay

Taking up the role of general manager of Tararua REAP is something of a homecoming for Claire Chapman.

Claire (Nilson) grew up around Dannevirke, the youngest of five. Her father was manager at Pukemiro Station, but died when Claire was young. When she left school she was one of the first two females accepted into Flock House in Bulls.

After becoming an agronomy technician at Massey University, where she obtained a Diploma of Agriculture, Claire travelled overseas, then married and had four children.

"My husband had a farm job at Papatawa and our children went to Ruahine School and Dannevirke High School," she said.

"We did a stint in Hawke's Bay and then came back to Kumeroa, before purchasing a lifestyle block at Pohangina."

Claire then worked for the Primary ITO, starting as a training adviser before working her way up to national field manager.

"During my 22 and a half years with the ITO, staff grew from 27 to 200," she said.

"Through all those experiences, what really, really gets me going is helping people develop. Where do they want to go and where do they want to be?"

Claire said she loved being part of people's journey and it was that desire which attracted her to the role of general manager at Tararua REAP.

"Helping people fulfil their potential is what does it for me," she said.

With Tararua REAP providing a raft of social services, as well as education, Claire admits she's been on a huge learning curve.

"This community is hugely rich and helpful, with people willing to embrace the community and do what's required," she said.

"I'm still discovering REAP and where the gaps are, because if there is something positive we can do, I see collaboration as the absolute key."

However, Claire said funding was a challenge.

"With more funding we definitely could do more. But I am in awe of the team we have who are so generous with their time.

"I hear from people about things REAP did previously and don't do any more, so very soon we are going out to the public to see if there is a need for one-on-one reading with children again.

"I just love this job. You don't know what is going to come through the door. Everyday there are things which are just so cool."

But Claire said while some did know of the services REAP provided, others didn't, and she urged people to tell the organisation what they wanted.

"We will try and figure out a way," she said.

Stephen Paewai, chairman of the Tararua REAP board, said he was very happy with where the organisation was at the moment.

"We meet and exceed all our outcomes and we are in a very sound financial position," he said. "Our staff are happy and positive and this is a very good organisation to be involved with."

Claire said it was important for her to learn what people wanted and maintain and strengthen what Tararua REAP offered.

"It's certainly been a steep learning curve, but it's been fabulous," she said.

What is Tararua REAP?:

• Tararua REAP is a non-profit community based organisation located in Dannevirke. It serves the northern half of the Tararua district. Tararua REAP is unique in its role as a provider, facilitator and broker of lifelong learning opportunities for the communities of the district. Programmes, resources and services are based on filling gaps in the provision of education through innovation and the use of an extensive and comprehensive needs analysis process.

• The organisation is split into four operational sectors, early childhood, schools, adult and community education, and social services and community development. Each sector is led by a co-ordinator who is responsible for delivering programmes to local communities.