Group Directory

I’m Laura Leaf, a Wairarapa-based business owner with a strong background in hospitality, property, and construction. I hold a degree in Hotel Management and spent six years managing hotels and restaurants across New Zealand and Australia. After starting a family, I returned home and continued in people-focused leadership roles, including managing the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park and coordinating weddings and events. These roles built my skills in organisation, communication, and creating exceptional client experiences.

Today, my husband Tama and I own New Leaf Builders, a Masterton-based building company specialising in new builds, renovations, and government housing projects, and I’m also the owner of Propertyscouts Wairarapa, a property-management franchise launching in 2025. Balancing two businesses, three kids, and a busy household, I’ve learned to lead with both structure and empathy. My work is grounded in community values, long-term relationships, and a commitment to quality, helping people create, improve, and protect their homes.

Up until 12 years ago, Property Management hadn’t been on my radar. With a strong background in customer service roles, both call centre and retail, I had been looking for my next challenge when I came across an Administration role in a Wellington based Property Management Company. Starting part time, working in the admin and invoicing side of the industry, I worked my way through several areas within the company, and now have experience in all aspects of Residential Property Management. In May 2023 I started Haven Home Rentals with my business partner Lisa and we've never looked back.

George Orsborn is a Director and eLearning Designer at Pipi Learning. 

A Registered Nurse with a Master of Nursing, she has an extensive background in Primary Health Care across both Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK. After returning home, George became a Nursing Educator, spending over 23 years in undergraduate and postgraduate education. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for online teaching, where creativity, connection, and clever design can make learning deeply engaging and effective.

George believes there’s very little that can’t be taught online. With captivating, well-curated content and a focus on active learning, she knows learners can achieve great results. She thrives on finding imaginative ways to spark curiosity and keep people hooked from start to finish. 

Outside of work, George enjoys life on her farm in Gladstone, Wairarapa, balancing her time between ferrying kids to sports and renovating investment properties.

Not your usual lawyer, I’m a partner at Gibson Sheat in the Masterton Office, specialising in property, commercial and rural law.  If you are buying or selling a house or business, have questions about your relationship, or you’re a farmer and have leasing, financing or purchasing to deal with, I’m your person.

I’ve been a lawyer for about 15 years, and have lived in the mighty ‘Rapa for the past 4 years.  Coming from a small town (Hawera in Taranaki) Masterton really suited me and my family and we quickly made a home for life here.  I live here with my partner and daughter, and my son has flown the nest and living in Wellington.  If I’m not working or with family, I’m playing softball, netball or reading – my only hobbies!

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

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April is a qualified, internationally certified dog trainer and behaviour professional specialising in positive-reinforcement methods that support dogs through every stage of development, from early puppyhood to the challenges of adolescence. 

Her work centres on helping guardians understand how dogs learn and how behaviour is shaped, creating practical, welfare-focused solutions that strengthen relationships. 

Alongside her training services, April brings her behaviour expertise into the grooming space, offering low-stress, one-to-one grooming that supports a dog’s emotional comfort and confidence and prioritises calm, positive experiences for the dog.

As the owner of All About the Hound, April is committed to raising awareness of evidence-based practice within both training and grooming communities. 

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys training with her own dog Monty, and spending quality time with friends, whether that’s dinner out, a trip to the cinema, attending local events, or exploring a good market.

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry,  Amanda specialises in Rural and Business Insurance. She takes the time to thoroughly assess each client’s unique needs, ensuring they have the right cover in place to protect what matters most.

Amanda has built a strong reputation for her hands on support, particularly in managing claims and guiding clients through every step of the process when things don’t go to plan.

Born and raised in the Wairarapa, Amanda has a deep understanding of the local community and the unique needs of those who live and work in the region. Her friendly, practical approach has made her a trusted adviser and a go to source of insurance advice and support.

Rumour has it Marisa came into this world with a pen and paper in her hand. She won a short story contest at the age of 12 and had her first article published in a national magazine two years later. Since  then, she has been a journalist, marketing copywriter, communications specialist, librarian, and retail business owner.

Marisa has written everything from feature articles and business newsletters to annual reports, marketing collateral, and web sites. She aims for clear, stylish writing that gets its point across with a minimum of fuss. Marisa is also a crack editor and proofreader. 

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Wairarapa based photographer, videographer, and content creator specialising in weddings, events, and small business storytelling. 

I focus on intuitive, cinematic visuals that feel natural and emotionally grounded, with fast turnaround and a high level of professionalism. I work with brands, venues, and clients across Aotearoa to create refined, purposeful content that elevates their story and strengthens their presence. 

I also work alongside Māori businesses and kaupapa, supporting their stories with culturally grounded, respectful, and intentional content.

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

Coming from a customer service and administration background I landed myself a part time admin role in a Wellington based Property Management Company that suited my needs perfectly. Allowing me that all important time with my growing family.

I was never content to be “just the office girl” and took on anything and everything that was thrown at me, including managing projects such as healthy homes compliance for the entire company.

While the workload and hours changed and grew, so did my confidence in all areas of the property management industry. After six years working with Amy, we decided it was time to go it alone and start our own adventure and so, Haven Home Rentals was born! In my down time, I’m kept busy with family and friends and plant shopping for my ever expanding garden (the best way to keep the weeds down is to fill it with plants!). Eight years in and I’m still kept on my toes with the ever changing industry that is property management.

Phillippa is a dedicated Business Advisor at Thryv, with a passion for empowering women and businesses. 

With more than 20 years in sales and marketing, Phillippa has a wealth of business knowledge to share, alongside a life story shaped by diverse experiences; from a childhood spent overseas, being a single mother to building a blended family of five, and from big-city business circles to community life in the Wairarapa.

Phillippa would love to help you get your businesses higher visibility online and help you save time, money whilst growing your revenue.

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

COMING SOON