Lifeskills
Training + Education
Support + Employment
Mō Mātou

About us

Our purpose is to inspire great change in one, through the power of many, to lift all.
Lifeskills graduate

At Lifeskills, we believe poverty, trauma, and systemic barriers should never define a person’s future. Every individual has potential, mana, and mauri - and we’re here to nurture that.

Formed in 2024 from the unification of two trusted, NZQA-accredited organisations - Skills Update and QES - Lifeskills brings together decades of experience in community-based training and education across South and West Auckland, the North Shore, Tauranga, and Christchurch.

Part of LIFE Community, we’re supported by a network of faith-based social impact organisations committed to education, wellbeing, and whānau support across Aotearoa.

We believe people aren’t broken - systems are. Through practical skills, belief-building, and unwavering support, we help restore hope, uplift futures, and redefine what’s possible.
7
Locations throughout New Zealand.
28+
Years of helping a diverse range of students from all backgrounds.
45K+
Graduates who gained valuable real-world skills.
We're for anyone looking for change who may feel stuck, unseen or unsure, wanting to step onto a new path.
Our Vision
To provide help and hope and reverse the poverty cycle in Aotearoa.

Our Mission
Creating opportunities through education, support and employment services.

Rooted in purpose and people, these values guide how we work and who we are:

Whakawhanaungatanga - Connection
We build genuine, respectful relationships - because real change begins with real connection.

Ngākau Pono - Integrity
We do what’s right, stay true to our word, and hold ourselves accountable.

Moemoeā - Aspiration
We dream big, encourage bold thinking, and support every journey toward potential.

Ringa Raupā - Diligence
We lead with care, work with commitment, and always give our best.

Aroha - Love
Love drives us - in how we welcome, support, and put people first.
Lifeskills team
Our History
2008
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2009
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2014
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2018
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2022
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Message from the Directors

Supported by stakeholders including the Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Social Development, NZ Police, Iwi, schools, polytechnics, sports organisations, and thousands of employers, we’ve achieved results beyond our early goals. Over 28 years, more than 45,000 students have graduated and gone on to employment or further education. Our diverse campus welcomes staff and students from many cultural backgrounds.

In early 2021, Skills Update was acquired by LIFE Community, a faith-based agency behind initiatives like Christmas Box, LIFE Community Kitchens, LIFE Homes, and QES, another South Auckland training provider.

LIFE Community is dedicated to bringing help and hope to generations through social services and education, in partnership with government. We are proud to carry forward Skills Update’s legacy of excellence and to support the next generation of learners and leaders.

Nick Edwards & Paul Schnell

Directors, Lifeskills

Meet the Team
Reana Maney
Careers & Pacific Pathways Manager
Reana Maney
Careers & Pacific Pathways Manager
Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Whakatohea me Te whanau-a-panui
I have over 10 years of experience in people development, with a deep passion for uplifting others. I am dedicated to empowering individuals, supporting them into employment, and fostering growth, collaboration, and success. My goal is to help end cycles of poverty, while always upholding the mana of our people.
Kirimangu Tautogia
General Manager of Lifeskills Employment & Support
Kirimangu Tautogia
General Manager of Lifeskills Employment & Support
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa me Kuki Airani
Kirimangu is dedicated to strengthening whānau, empowering vulnerable communities, and driving systems change with real, lasting impact. With 15 years in leadership, governance, and programme design, she delivers practical solutions that help whānau heal, grow, and take control of their futures. She believes when communities have the right tools and opportunities, they build strength not just for today, but for generations to come. A former board member of Dress for Success and a trustee for Te Huia and Rangiwherowhero Trust in the Waikato, Kirimangu contributes to the development of papakāinga on whānau land. She understands the dual responsibility of driving impact in urban settings while ensuring the ahi kā (fires) remains strong on her papakāinga (home land). A proud māmā of three multicultural tamariki of Māori, Niuean, Cook Island, and Pākehā heritage, Kirimangu is driven to create a future where they—and all mokopuna—experience the privilege of equity. Areas of specialisation: Cultural Competency & Capability, Trauma-Informed Services, Governance, People & Culture, Youth Development, Co-Design, Commercial Acumen, Strategic Development, Business Performance, and Change Management.
Kendra Hamala
Youth Development Manager
Kendra Hamala
Youth Development Manager
Tainui, Ngāti Tahinga, Ngāti Tipa
11 years of Youth Services experience with 4 of those spent dedicating time and aroha to address the crisis of Youth Homelessness in Aotearoa. A fierce and passionate advocate for empowering and encouraging Rangatahi to be who ever it is they want to be and to achieve whatever it is they dream of achieving. Walking alongside each individual to support them in paving the way of the future they all deserve.