Kōrero with Jonathan Manns
Hear from our CEO, Jonathan Manns, as he reflects on his first three months at Te Toi Mahana. Check out the full interview below to learn more about Jon and how we are working together to support our tenants.
Kia ora Jon, thank you for your time. Tell us a little bit about your whakapapa and background - where did you grow up and what were you doing before joining Te Toi Mahana?
Kia ora. I grew up in Birmingham in the United Kingdom and lived in London before moving to
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara in 2021 to be closer to my partner’s family. Before joining the Trust I held roles as Head of Wellington and national Head of Strategic Advisory, Government and Public Sector at global real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).
How did you become the Chief Executive of Te Toi Mahana?
A big focus in my career has been the design, development and management of housing. I’m passionate about the importance of good quality and affordable homes, which alongside my work experience has taken me into various positions as a campaigner and advisor. For the last decade, I’ve also had senior leadership roles managing teams and organisations. For me, the Trust provides the perfect balance of professional expertise and personal values.
How have you found your first month or so in the job – anything surprising or unexpected?
What I find most striking about Te Toi Mahana is its organisational culture. This is a team that’s filled with kindness and care, for each other and everyone they work with. It gets results. There’s
nobody who won’t go the extra mile to get the best outcomes and that shows immediately.
What direction are you hoping to take Te Toi Mahana?
The Trust is built on strong foundations and a great track-record. I’m focused on making sure that we continue to put our tenants at the heart of everything we do. In practice, this means minimising any disturbance from forthcoming housing upgrades and growing our portfolio to
unlock more affordable homes and wrap-around services for ever more people.
What do you see as some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for Te Toi Mahana?
At least three generations of my family have lived in social housing, so I fully understand there is always a pressure to do more with less. That’s why I’m focused on our internal performance and external partnerships. The opportunities for our success and expansion are reliant on collaboration and a growth mindset.
Anything else you'd like to share?
That depends on what you want to know! Past roles have included everything from potwash to
live music roadie. I live in a busy home with my partner, two tamariki, an elderly cat and newly acquired puppy. I’m an unashamed history geek, keen swimmer, slowing tramper, enthusiastic language learner and terrible bass guitar player.