Henare O’Keefe is a compassionate community leader, renowned for his tireless commitment to love, justice, and transformation. In 2024, he was named PAN PAC Hawke’s Bay Business Awards Leader of the Year, a recognition that celebrates decades of unwavering service to his people.
Henare is a humble, loving and caring man of the people, proactively working against violence. He has a self-driven, hands-on approach that spearheads practical initiatives to build community, especially in disadvantaged areas—reversing negative stereotypes with a can-do energy and a deep belief in the goodness of people.
Raised in a low socio-economic household in Ruatoria, Henare grew up with few material possessions, but his upbringing instilled in him strong values and a profound sense of purpose. These values have fuelled his mission to combat family violence, mentor youth, and support the reintegration of prisoners. Together with his wife Pam, he has fostered over 200 children, offering stability and unconditional love—most notably to Phillip Rhodes, who rose from hardship to become a world-renowned opera singer.
Henare's community initiatives are numerous and far-reaching. He led the powerful "Enough is Enough" hikoi in 2008 to galvanise action against local violence, drawing over 4,000 people. His mobile BBQ, Tunu Tunu, has fed countless families across Flaxmere and beyond—often in the darkest hours of the night—and even served as a relief station during the Christchurch earthquake.
He established the Flaxmere Community Garden in 2010, which remains open 24/7 and continues to feed hundreds. In 2012, he founded the Flaxmere Boxing Academy, nurturing 150 members and promoting discipline and dignity through sport.
Henare has long worked alongside the New Zealand Police, fronting safety education programmes and advocating for social housing. For more than two decades, he has personally supported prisoners re-entering society, finding them homes, jobs, and community connection.
His annual Flaxmere Heroes Calendar is delivered by hand to every home in the suburb, often serving as their only Christmas gift. Known affectionately around Aotearoa as the "International Ambassador of Love," Henare shares his message with schools and communities nationwide.
His accolades include the Queen’s Service Medal (2011), Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Community Hero Award (2012), and Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow Award (2013). In 2017, he was appointed official Ambassador for Hastings, and named a Keep New Zealand Beautiful Ambassador.
Henare O'Keefe is one of the best people around. He is genuine, caring and had the audience engaged the whole time. He stayed around for a coffee afterwards and chatted to the audience. Woul ... keep reading Edge Learning
Henare was exceptional, he had the audience in the palm of his hand. So much emotion in the room and from Henare. He talked his truths and it struck a chord with many in the room. So many after his talk went up to him to express how moving and powerful his words were - simply inspiring and very on point for the theme for our conference.
Henare was wonderful and made our evening very enjoyable for everyone, lots of lovely comments from our Guests. Henare is a truely special man and was lovely for his daughter Jody to accompany him.
Warm, authentic, inspiring and fun.
Henare gave a deeply moving & inspirational talk to our guests, who have unanimously congratulated us on our choice of such an exceptional speaker for the evening!!
Henare was an engaging, motivating and heartfelt speaker. He challenged us to think differently. He was humble, warm and able to connect with our audience. He brings life experiences to the table in a very moving way. He spoke to the matters we had set out in our brief. I can without reservation recommend him to those considering him as a speaker.
