Vernette Shapland | Systems Doer at Reach Design
Vernette Shapland (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa and Ngāti Rakaipaaka)
Wāhine Maori walking gently with whenua, holding space for wairua, whakapapa, and whānau.
Joined TKW Membership on: 25 July 2025
I’m a wāhine Māori, wife, mum, and gran walking a path grounded in whenua, whakapapa, and wairua. My current life is shaped by the whenua I live on Memory Iwa Grove, a place that honours my mum’s legacy and nourishes people through olives, stars, and stillness. I care deeply about systems that support rather than overwhelm, and about holding space for others to reconnect with what matters; their people, their purpose, and their own inner knowing.
I believe in the power of blending tradition with innovation. Whether I’m building processes, tending to the Grove, or guiding others through change, I carry forward a quiet but determined belief that our mahi should reflect our values. For me, that includes aroha, whanaungatanga, sustainability, and reclaiming identity not just for myself, but for my mokopuna and generations to come.
I want to be known as someone who made things easier, not by cutting corners, but by bringing clarity, calm, and connection into spaces that need it. Someone who gave back more than she took. Someone who stood tall in her truth, even while still becoming.
My experience
I bring decades of experience working across business systems, digital platforms, and operational design, with a heart firmly rooted in whenua and whānau. My mahi spans both the practical and the purposeful, helping others build sustainable, values-aligned businesses through clarity, structure, and strategy. With a background in systems thinking and a passion for making things work smarter, I support people to streamline their workflows so they can focus on what truly matters.
My mahi
Through ReachDesign, I offer services that help SME and kaupapa-driven businesses strengthen their foundations, from digital tools to standard operating systems. My Koha service ensures small businesses and community organisations can still access expert support, no matter their budget. And through Nnette Ltd, I welcome manuhiri to the Wairarapa through unique accommodation and star-gazing experiences on our olive grove, nestled beneath the Dark Skies Reserve.
What ties all my mahi together is a commitment to integrity, sustainability, and uplifting others. Whether I’m creating a process map, planting kai between olive trees, or supporting a pakihi to grow, I bring the same intention: to do good work, with good people, for the long haul.
Connect with me
Website: Reach Design | Memory Iwa Grove
LinkedIn: Vernette Shapland
Facebook: @ReachDesign
Instagram: @reach.d3sign
Connect with other wāhine: