MEET THE TEAM

Who we are

Educate Whakaako is an Aotearoa based education, training, and workforce development organisation focused on real world outcomes. We exist to help people build practical skills, gain confidence, and move into meaningful employment, while supporting businesses to grow capable, reliable teams.

Our approach is hands on, people first, and grounded in real experience. We believe learning works best when it is relevant, supportive, and connected to real opportunities.

What we do:

We deliver practical training, employment support, and workforce solutions for individuals and organisations across New Zealand.

  • Industry relevant training and workshops

  • Employment and job readiness programmes

  • Support for young leavers, graduates, and upscalers

  • Licensed Controller Qualification and hospitality training

  • Digital skills and artificial intelligence education

  • Customised workplace training for businesses

  • Refer Me and Refer Us, connecting people and employers

Everything we offer is designed to be accessible, practical, and focused on outcomes, not just certificates.

Our kaupapa

Our kaupapa is simple. Learning should create real impact.

We focus on

  • Practical skills that can be used immediately

  • Confidence and capability, not just compliance

  • Supportive pathways into employment

  • Strong relationships with learners and businesses

  • Community connection and contribution

We work alongside people, not above them, and we take pride in being approachable, flexible, and responsive.

Jason Kennerley

Managing Director

Alana is a key driver behind Educate Whakaako, with a strong background in leadership, facilitation, and corporate education. Beginning her career in banking, where she led teams and coached high performers, she has since built a reputation for creating practical, engaging learning experiences that are purposeful and learner focused.

Known for her calm, inclusive approach, Alana creates environments where people feel supported to grow and succeed. Her work is grounded in the values of ako, manaakitanga, and whanaungatanga, with te reo Māori and tikanga woven throughout. Whether leading training or shaping programmes behind the scenes, she consistently lifts others and creates meaningful impact.

Alana Smith

General Manager of Operations

Alana is a key driver behind Educate Whakaako, with a strong background in leadership, facilitation, and corporate education. Beginning her career in banking, where she led teams and coached high performers, she has since built a reputation for creating practical, engaging learning experiences that are purposeful and learner focused.

Known for her calm, inclusive approach, Alana creates environments where people feel supported to grow and succeed. Her work is grounded in the values of ako, manaakitanga, and whanaungatanga, with te reo Māori and tikanga woven throughout. Whether leading training or shaping programmes behind the scenes, she consistently lifts others and creates meaningful impact.

Cheralyn Sorrell

Executive Director & Advisory Board Member

Cheralyn brings extensive experience in vocational education, curriculum design, strategic leadership, and governance across both Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. At Educate Whakaako, she supports organisational vision, guides programme development, and ensures quality and industry relevance across all areas of work.

Alongside her role with Educate Whakaako, Cheralyn is an Academic Staff Member and APL Assessor at Open Polytechnic NZ and UCOL. Her background includes senior roles with Open Polytechnic, UCOL, LearningWorks, and GET Group, and her leadership is grounded in integrity, connection, and a strong commitment to empowering others through education.

Jason Torrey

Strategic Learning Advisor

Cheralyn brings extensive experience in vocational education, curriculum design, strategic leadership, and governance across both Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. At Educate Whakaako, she supports organisational vision, guides programme development, and ensures quality and industry relevance across all areas of work.

Alongside her role with Educate Whakaako, Cheralyn is an Academic Staff Member and APL Assessor at Open Polytechnic NZ and UCOL. Her background includes senior roles with Open Polytechnic, UCOL, LearningWorks, and GET Group, and her leadership is grounded in integrity, connection, and a strong commitment to empowering others through education.

Audy Tanjung

Growth and Impact Lead - Marketing Executive

Cheralyn brings extensive experience in vocational education, curriculum design, strategic leadership, and governance across both Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. At Educate Whakaako, she supports organisational vision, guides programme development, and ensures quality and industry relevance across all areas of work.

Alongside her role with Educate Whakaako, Cheralyn is an Academic Staff Member and APL Assessor at Open Polytechnic NZ and UCOL. Her background includes senior roles with Open Polytechnic, UCOL, LearningWorks, and GET Group, and her leadership is grounded in integrity, connection, and a strong commitment to empowering others through education.

Stuart Sorrell

Leadership Development Programmes Executive

Cheralyn brings extensive experience in vocational education, curriculum design, strategic leadership, and governance across both Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. At Educate Whakaako, she supports organisational vision, guides programme development, and ensures quality and industry relevance across all areas of work.

Alongside her role with Educate Whakaako, Cheralyn is an Academic Staff Member and APL Assessor at Open Polytechnic NZ and UCOL. Her background includes senior roles with Open Polytechnic, UCOL, LearningWorks, and GET Group, and her leadership is grounded in integrity, connection, and a strong commitment to empowering others through education.

Herb Verstegen

Frontline Safety Specialist Advisor

Cheralyn brings extensive experience in vocational education, curriculum design, strategic leadership, and governance across both Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. At Educate Whakaako, she supports organisational vision, guides programme development, and ensures quality and industry relevance across all areas of work.

Alongside her role with Educate Whakaako, Cheralyn is an Academic Staff Member and APL Assessor at Open Polytechnic NZ and UCOL. Her background includes senior roles with Open Polytechnic, UCOL, LearningWorks, and GET Group, and her leadership is grounded in integrity, connection, and a strong commitment to empowering others through education.

Tawhiti Henare

Security, Conflict & Asset Protection Lead

Cheralyn brings extensive experience in vocational education, curriculum design, strategic leadership, and governance across both Aotearoa and the United Kingdom. At Educate Whakaako, she supports organisational vision, guides programme development, and ensures quality and industry relevance across all areas of work.

Alongside her role with Educate Whakaako, Cheralyn is an Academic Staff Member and APL Assessor at Open Polytechnic NZ and UCOL. Her background includes senior roles with Open Polytechnic, UCOL, LearningWorks, and GET Group, and her leadership is grounded in integrity, connection, and a strong commitment to empowering others through education.

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