Kaiwhakahaere - Manager
Hahna Briggs (she/they)
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I grew up just outside Te Oha-a-Maru (Oamaru) on a poultry farm in Ardgowan with my parents and four brothers. I now live in Ōkāhau (Warrington) with my partner and two young children.
My professional background spans tertiary education, community dance education, student support and advocacy, and disability support and recreation. Outside of work, I enjoy dancing and was honoured to be the 2013 Caroline Plummer Fellow in Community Dance.
As Manager of Te Whare Tāwharau, I provide leadership and guidance to our team of permanent staff, peer facilitators, and peer supporters. I also support students and staff across the University who have been impacted by sexual harm or intimate partner violence.
I enjoy working alongside students and feel privileged to witness their growth and development throughout their studies. As a member of the rainbow community, I understand the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the spaces where you seek support. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students and staff feel comfortable seeking support, information, or simply stopping by for a chat and a cup of tea.
Email hahna.briggs@otago.ac.nz
Mob +64 21 279 3794
Kaiwhakarite Takawaeka Ākoka - Engagement Coordinator
Ellena Zellhuber-McMillan
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I am Ōtepoti (Dunedin) born and raised with strong family ties to Munich, Germany. I studied Media and Film at the University of Otago, before completing my degree on a semester abroad at the University of Exeter in England, where I stayed for two years.
I am interested in how we communicate and connect with one another. Earlier in my work life, that interest led me to work in film and television, and more recently it has brought me to the community engagement sector. As the centre’s Engagement Coordinator, I try to help connect the University community to information about our support services, workshops and how we can all work together to create a consent culture on campus.
I believe education is empowering, helping us to have better relationships with one another and the world around us. I love being a part of the unique vision of Te Whare Tāwharau and using my skillset to help the university community connect with this important kaupapa.
Mob +64 21 279 0802
Kaiwhakahaere Akoraka, Whanaketaka - Training and Development Manager
Frankie Gaston (she/her)
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I grew up in Ōtepoti (Dunedin) but spent much of my adult life in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington), where I met my husband, completed a Master‘s in Forensic Psychology, and began my career in the community support sector. In 2021, I returned home and feel fortunate to live in beautiful North Dunedin, close to my wider whānau. Outside of work, I love tramping, camping, biking, and going on adventures with my dog.
I had the privilege of joining Te Whare Tāwharau in January 2026, and my mahi is focused on supporting and mentoring our dedicated Peer Supporters as they awhi students, staff, and whānau affected by sexual harm and intimate partner violence. I also provide direct support to survivors and their networks, and I work closely with our Engagement Coordinator and Peer Facilitators to deliver prevention and education programmes across the University.
Empowerment, growth, and wellbeing have always been at the heart of my work. My professional background in lived experience, mental health, addiction, and disability support has strengthened my belief in mana motuhake, connection, and inclusive support. I am passionate about helping people navigate trauma and build the confidence and skills to move forward. What I value most about Te Whare Tāwharau is our commitment to survivor-led support and the powerful role peer support plays in fostering understanding, empowerment, and connection.
Mob +64 21 279 3791
Senior Peer Support Lead
Yani du Plessis (she/her)
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Having grown up in South Africa, I migrated to Rotorua with my whānau in 2019 and later moved down to Ōtepoti (Dunedin) to complete a Bachelor of Honours in Psychology and begin my career in wellbeing and support. Outside of work, I love exploring the natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand, being creative with arts and crafts, and spending quality time with my whānau and friends.
I joined Te Whare Tāwharau as a peer support volunteer in 2023 and have had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team to provide support, advocacy, and prevention, within our community. In my current role, I support students and staff across the University who have been impacted by sexual harm or intimate partner violence.
My mahi within multicultural communities and Brightside Aotearoa has shown me the importance of community and connection when facing challenges. Creating a safe and supportive environment through compassion, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment therefore drives everything that I do. I am deeply passionate about helping people on their journeys, and supporting them as they move forward, towards growth and healing.
Ākonga Tauwhiro - Student Social Worker
Beau White (he/him)
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Social Work degree here at the University of Otago and am completing my course placement at Te Whare Tāwharau. This role involves taking part in the support, engagement, and education that Te Whare Tāwharau provides on campus. Being a student at the University of Otago myself, I really appreciate the service Te Whare Tāwharau offers and feel privileged to contribute to this kaupapa while completing my degree.
I started the social work degree in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) in 2022. I completed the first two years before deciding to take some time off from study to gain experience in the field. During this time away from study, I moved to Ōtepoti and worked various roles across different organisations, mostly in the areas of youth work, support work, and case management. My work experience in these areas of social support work has given me an appreciation for advocacy, empowerment, and policy. I was initially going to take just one year off from study and then return home to Ōtautahi to finish the degree, but I feel at home here in Ōtepoti and decided to continue studying here instead.
Outside of the work I am doing with Te Whare Tāwharau, I am passionate about art and engage in lots of creative hobbies like sculpture, graphic design, and DIY electronics. I love the art and music scene here in Dunedin!