Meet Amy Rice: Tāmaki Regeneration's new General Manager for Social Transformation

For Amy Rice, the path to leadership has always been grounded in the Samoan proverb ‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua - The path to leadership is through service. ’

It’s this very spirit of service that has defined not only her career but her commitment to community development, and Tāmaki Regeneration is delighted to welcome Amy as the new General Manager for Social Transformation.

Over the past seven years, Amy’s professional journey through TRC has seen her involved in nearly every part of the organisation; from Business Support and Strategy to Placemaking and Development Engagement. It’s her newest role however, that truly aligns with her passion: helping to establish pathways for long term, inter-generational equity.

“This space carries incredible opportunities to make a difference. To support the Tāmaki community to grow into the future,” Amy shares. “On a personal level, I feel a deep connection to this kaupapa.”

The Social Transformation team leads initiatives that support whānau through affordable housing pathways, job and skill development, and local economic growth. But for Amy, it’s more than just delivering programmes. It’s about empowering a community to reclaim its narrative and to build foundations that will serve future generations. Her leadership is deeply informed by her lived experience. “My mum is Samoan and migrated here in the 70’s and my dad has whānau roots that stretch back to Scotland. My parents were both public servants and we spent our early years living in public housing, before mum and dad could work towards purchasing their own home. We were raised with a strong understanding of the importance of hard work, sacrifice, support and connection to both community, whānau and whakapapa.”

For Amy, Tāmaki is not simply where she works. From childhood memories of jumping off the Panmure Wharf, to running events in the Glen Innes Community Hall as a youth leader, to now spending time with her sister’s whānau in GI, Amy’s personal story is interwoven with that of our area. “The vibrancy here isn’t just in the landscape, it’s in the people. There’s a beautiful connection this community has to this whenua and to one another. It makes this place feel like no other.”

Looking ahead, Amy envisions a Tāmaki that continues to celebrate its people and amplify its unique identity. A place where you can see, taste, touch, smell, and hear the culture and history of the community. As a māmā to two young boys, Amy’s approach to both leadership and social transformation is shaped by the legacy she wants to leave behind.

You can read the full edition of the Mai Tāmaki Magazine for Spring 2025 online here.