Five new faces join the whānau: renovators, a chef, an Olympian and more
Our whānau just got bigger. Meet the five creators joining the WeAreTENZING team — a wool-shed reno duo, a chef and MasterChef judge, an Olympian, an entrepreneur and a creator changing the conversation on chronic illness.
The Current Place — Damien and Chanelle
Damien and Chanelle are recent stars of #NZRenoTok, having taken on the challenge of renovating a wool-shed. Along the way they have discovered a true passion for DIY and adventure.
Their journey started with travel, exploring the world and learning about sustainable practices through fashion. When the pandemic hit they returned home to Aotearoa, turning a setback into a new beginning. Now they are living out their dream of building a life that is as sustainable as possible, striving to live off the land.
Aliya Rawle
Aliya is an Auckland-based content creator and comms student living with type 1 diabetes — and she is not letting it boss her around. She is all about keeping it real, sharing her story and raising awareness in a way that is honest and inspiring.
Between uni and her online hustle, Aliya is obsessed with the latest beauty, wellness and health trends, and loves expressing herself through clothes, makeup and creative style. Her mission: live a balanced lifestyle, stay positive, and show that nothing can hold you back.
Hannah Koumakis
Hannah is a storyteller and entrepreneur who loves sharing her life experiences and practical tips. She is the creative force behind Dear The Series, a set of guided journals that help people explore themselves through thoughtful prompts.
Hannah owns the digital marketing agency Seven Content Studio and founded Dear Community, a non-profit bringing women together across New Zealand, as well as Dear Brides, New Zealand’s first wedding content creation service.
Gillies Kaka
Olympian #1292 Gillies Kaka is a former All Blacks Sevens star who is just as comfortable in gumboots as in rugby boots. These days you will find him somewhere between the bush, the farm and the odd home renovation project — results may vary, but the cowboy hat is always on point.
While Olympic gold was just out of reach, there is usually one lying around the house thanks to his wife Shiray’s Black Ferns heroics, so he is never short of inspiration. Now semi-retired, Gillies is a wannabe cowboy and content creator, teaming up with his wife for plenty of laughs on and off the field.
Ray McVinnie
Ray McVinnie is a New Zealand chef, food writer and educator with a passion for creating and sharing simple, flavourful food. His journey started in Auckland’s top kitchens, where he honed his skills and built a reputation for excellence.
A judge on MasterChef NZ and the author of five cookbooks, Ray loves sharing his expertise with a wider audience — these days through recipe content and online cooking classes taught alongside his son Alex.
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This story was first sent to WeAreTENZING subscribers on 4 August 2025. View the original email.
