Sonja Barrett
Chairperson
Originally from Germany, Sonja has been involved with MCT since the trust's inception. She's a Justice of the Peace with a background in hospitality, and now works as an insurance adviser.
About us
Started by the community, for the community
Migrant Connections Taranaki has been a free point of contact for migrants, cross-cultural families and international students since 2014.
We began in 2014, when Immigration New Zealand's Settlement Support service was discontinued and a gap opened up. A round of community consultation decided the answer: keep a dedicated support service running for the people who needed it, so a group of locals set about doing exactly that.
There were no funds to pay rent, run workshops and events, or pay the coordinator. Taranaki Community Law and Bishop's Action Foundation provided support to run the organisation initially. Geetha Kutty, founding Coordinator
Twelve years on, the kaupapa hasn't changed. We're still a point of contact for migrants who choose to make Taranaki home — we organise workshops and events to promote inclusion, and connect people with the support services they need, one person and one conversation at a time.
In memory
Geetha Kutty
A golden thread binding newcomers and cultures together.
For many years, Geetha Kutty was the heart of Migrant Connections Taranaki. As our long-serving Coordinator, she welcomed newcomers from every corner of the world and helped them find their feet, their people, and their place in Taranaki.
Geetha had a gift for making people feel seen. Migrants who arrived not knowing a single soul in New Zealand remember her as the first friendly face they met, the person who helped them navigate a new culture, a new system, and a new life.
Her work reached far beyond MCT. Geetha was a Justice of the Peace and a long-time member of the Taranaki Multi-Ethnic Council, and before leading MCT she was a familiar, trusted presence at the New Plymouth Volunteer Centre and Settlement Support NZ. She spent decades building bridges between cultures, one person and one conversation at a time.
Geetha passed away on 20 March 2026, aged 65, and the loss was felt across Taranaki and well beyond. Her family, her MCT whānau, and the many people she helped settle into this community carry her legacy of manaaki and quiet, tireless service forward.
Ngā mihi nui, Geetha. You will always be part of this place you helped so many call home.
Our trustees
The volunteers who govern MCT
Migrant Connections Taranaki is led by a volunteer board of trustees who guide our direction and keep us accountable.
Duncan Yeow
Trustee
Originally from Malaysia, Duncan is Managing Director of Global D'Bay Resources New Zealand. He brings wide hospitality and hotel management experience, speaks three languages, and is a certified badminton coach.
Marcia Paurini
Trustee
Marcia coordinates the Taranaki Rural Support Trust. She holds a Bachelor of Business and has a background with BNZ, Inland Revenue and a local accounting firm.
Carol Allen
Trustee & Secretary
A former International Director at WITT, Carol brings skills in relationship building, strategic planning and event management.
Our coordinator
Narayanan Kutty, KSM
Narayan took over as Coordinator of Migrant Connections Taranaki, continuing the work he and his late wife Geetha built together.
In 2025 he was awarded the King's Service Medal for his work with Taranaki's migrant community.
If you need support, get in touch — he's happy to hear from you.
Want to know more, or need support yourself?
Get in touch. It's free, and there's no wrong question.