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Belong.
Become.
Thrive.
Where people belong, communities thrive.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, become and thrive. For more than two decades, our leadership has walked alongside charities, schools, government, businesses and community organisations, strengthening capability, developing people and creating opportunities. Guided by Māori and Pasifika values, we bring together experience, partnership and practical action to help people, whānau and communities shape their own futures.
Our Story
Sector3 was born from a journey that began long before the organisation itself. Growing up in the Cook Islands community, I spent countless hours in the back seat of my parents' car travelling to church, community events and gatherings. It was there I first learned the values of service, sacrifice and community.
My late parents, Terepii and Tuarangi Michael, lived lives of quiet generosity. Through their example, I came to believe that while communities are built by extraordinary people, we can always strengthen the organisations and systems that support them.
I have been fortunate to walk alongside remarkable leaders, friends and organisations throughout my career, particularly the CIDANZ family and the many pioneers whose vision and sacrifice created opportunities for generations of Cook Islands people. My time there reinforced a simple belief—that there was an opportunity to build on that legacy by strengthening community organisations and creating new pathways for future generations.
That belief became the foundation for Sector3 in 2019.
Today, together with fellow directors, Rouruina Emil'e-Brown and Thomas Tarurongo Wynne, we continue that journey—honouring those who came before us while helping people, organisations and communities belong, become and thrive.
Ina Michael
Founder & Executive Director
What We Value
At Sector3, we believe life is a journey of becoming. We value people for who they are and who they have the potential to become, recognising that every individual is a limited edition with unique gifts to contribute. We believe in stewardship—caring for people, communities and opportunities with humility, responsibility and purpose. Just as those before us passed the baton to our generation, we are committed to investing in others and passing it on stronger than we received it. Our success is measured not by what we achieve alone, but by the lives, organisations and communities that thrive because of the journey we share together.
01
Family First
We put families at the centre of everything we do, working alongside them to create practical solutions that strengthen lives and build lasting impact in the community.
02
Partnership
We believe the best outcomes are achieved through collaboration, building trusted relationships with communities, organisations, businesses and government.
03
Capability
We strengthen organisations and develop people by building the knowledge, skills and systems needed for long-term success.
04
Opportunity
We create pathways that connect people with education, employment, enterprise and opportunities to thrive.
05
Innovation
We embrace new ideas, technology and community-led thinking to design practical solutions for today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.
06
Impact
"Everything we do is focused on building stronger communities."
Leadership Group
Founder & Executive Director
Ina Michael
Inspired by his family, a passion for business and community, and a heart to serve others, Ina founded Sector3 to help organisations, communities, and people realise their potential. A visionary and natural organisation builder, Ina believes that, together with the complementary strengths of Rouruina and Thomas, the team has the leadership, capability, and shared purpose to make a lasting difference.
Director
Rouruina Emil'e-Brown. KSM.
A respected Cook Islands leader, Rouruina has dedicated her life to public service, leadership and community development. Her wisdom, humility and commitment to serving others have earned her the King's Service Medal. She is passionate about building partnerships, growing leaders and ensuring communities are empowered to shape their own futures.
Director
Thomas Tarurongo Wynne
Proud of his Cook Islands and Māori heritage, Thomas is a natural navigator and connector of people, ideas and cultures. With decades of leadership across government, education and communications, he is respected for bringing people together, championing what is right, and creating lasting change for communities and future generations.