Jontel has whakapapa to Ngātiwai, Ngāti Hine, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Koāta, Ngati Tahinga and Ngāti Whakamarurangi. She comes from a whanau of wāhine toa and a long line of tāne in the military, providing a deep life experience with organisational systems and an equally wild streak. Through her world travels she observes people in their environment and has been welcomed into many communities, which always re-enlivens an appreciation of the breadth of mana, opportunity and abundance that exists in Aotearoa, her turangawaewae. Through mahi in education, government, NGOs, holistic health and the health sector she has developed and continues to grow her kete of relationships, connections and dynamic approaches to change across micro and macro scales.
Jontel is passionate about empowering people with the tools, knowledge, language and mindsets needed to claim mana motuhake for themselves, communities and generations to come, which is why she is drawn to Collaborative Aotearoa – the mahi and the team.
Jontel is a qualified Naturopath and Medical Herbalist, Kaimirimiri, PADI Divemaster, jazz singer and holds a Bachelor of Natural Medicine and Master of Health.