Waiatarua Residents and Ratepayers Committee

Born and living in Waiatarua from the 1960s apart from six years away in the 1980s, with three generations of the Holibar family name having gone through Oratia District (Primary) School. I have lived in Cascade Ave since 1995, and was previously in Turanga Rd.

I work full time in Ellerslie as the HR and Operations manager for a large nationwide company in the Health Sector running a team of HR professionals and the Operations Team which cover the day to day  stuff like Health and Safety, Customer / Client issues, Systems and processes, Help desk, Privacy Officer, legal compliance etc.

I have extensive management experience across several industries running both small teams and large.

My father was the WRRA president involved with the initial setting up of the Waiatarua hall in the 1970s and my mother was the initial librarian that set up the Library we still have today under the hall.

Since 2019 I have worked with WRRA and Auckland Council closely on maintaining and enhancing the hall facilities.

I am keen to ensure that we get greater community engagement and use out of both the library and the hall , so welcome hearing from you all on how to achieve this.

Born in West Auckland, I grew up in Green Bay. I spent 8 years living in the UK from the early 90’s where I met my English husband. We returned in 2001 and lived in Henderson for another 8 years before moving to Waiatarua 15 years ago where we have a 2 acre lifestyle block (or “life sentence block”, as my husband calls it).

We have two sons, 10 chooks and 2 cats. I have always had a passion for reading, writing, spelling, grammar and the English language generally. I have been your Newsletter Editor for 8 years and really enjoy putting this publication together once a month. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I like creating it for you.

Hello, I grew up in West Auckland and have enjoyed living in Waiatarua since 2011. I own and manage a small business in the CBD, and have served on the boards of several incorporated societies and trusts. I have experience managing startups, raising finance, ensuring regulatory compliance, licensing, bookkeeping and (unfortunately for me) form-filling galore. I’m happy to help out by taking care of the accounts and looking after the books for the WRRA

I have not lived in Waiatarua my whole life, but being married to one who has lived here since birth, makes me feel that I have a share in a little bit of the of history of the area. My two sons have lived in Waiatarua since they were born and followed in their father’s and great uncle’s footsteps by attending Oratia Primary School.

Working for a large retailer in South Auckland as an analyst, I always look forward to the drive home, leaving the noise and bustle of the city behind me as I start the climb the foothills of the Waitakare Ranges.

My husband has been part for the WRRA committee for a number of years. I see the satisfaction he gets from the involvement and feel that I could contribute in a similar way.

Waiatarua is a very special place to call home.

Maria Wager is a high-energy, results-driven professional with a passion for bringing people and projects together. Recognised for her organised approach, positive outlook, and can-do attitude, she thrives on creating momentum and clarity in everything she takes on.

With a strong track record of delivering successful outcomes, Maria has coordinated a range of events, most recently organising a Mid-Winter celebration for over 50 colleagues that received outstanding feedback. She enjoys the interaction, collaboration, and sense of accomplishment that comes from turning ideas into reality.

Whether managing timelines, solving challenges, or supporting others to shine, Maria combines efficiency with enthusiasm—ensuring success feels not only achievable but enjoyable for everyone involved.