Annette (Tainui / Raukawa, Mataatua / Whakatohea) was appointed as Executive Officer of the Geyser Community Foundation in 2010.

She has considerable experience in the community sector having worked with a number of community organisations and funders, both locally and nationally, including the JR McKenzie Trust, Rotorua Trust and more recently, The Tindall Foundation.

An internationally accredited public relations professional, Annette is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand, past Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Community Trust, past President of the Rotary Club of Rotorua Lakes, an inaugural Trustee of the Older Persons Community Centre Trust, and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Formally launched to the public in Rotorua in 2008 and in Taupo in 2012, the Geyser Community Foundation is seen as a ‘safe pair of hands’ - $9.2 m received from generous local people so far, $17m anticipated in people’s wills, and distributions benefitting a growing number of individuals and community organisations right across the Central Plateau Region, total almost $3m.

The best thing about Kirsty is how she delights in the little things in life, a chocolate fish with your coffee, sitting up the front of the plane, or a perfectly ripe avocado. Kirsty is one of life’s natural connectors, someone who makes friends at will. On any given day Kirsty can be found meeting with a donor, presenting to a friendship group, or singing in her band - Black Vinyl. To say her life revolves around coffee is unfair to lunch. Locally she is more well-known than the Mayor and more liked than a publican.

Community spirit runs deep with Kirsty. She had 20 years in broadcasting and spent the past five years as Marketing & Fundraising manager at Presbyterian Support. Her move to the Aoraki Foundation was inspired by the desire to help a wider section of the community and to work alongside her hero Richard Spackman.

Eleanor heads philanthropy and membership services at Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ and has a background of 30 years as a comms and marketing specialist. These days, she describes herself as a bit of a 'philanthropy nerd', currently completing an MA in Philanthropic Studies through the University of Kent, her dissertation exploring the practice of philanthropy advising, and its potential to progress social justice in Aotearoa NZ. Eleanor is a Winston Churchill Fellow, researching international initiatives which have led to the growth of community philanthropy.

Eleanor believes that personal philanthropy has the potential to be transformative and says that local people are the changemakers that their communities need, “sometimes they just need a bit of help to step onto that pathway of discovery themselves”. She is a grant maker on two local boards in her home city of Porirua, and is motivated by the potential of more informed, participatory philanthropy in local communities.

A proud Taranaki local, Josh’s finance expertise, philanthropic endeavours, and deep regional passion uniquely position him to lead Taranaki Foundation. A chartered accountant by trade, Josh’s career spanned PwC and TSB Bank, and he sits on the trans-Tasman CA ANZ Council and NZ Council for Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand. Triumphing over cancer, Josh found purpose in giving back, co-founding Ripple—a nationwide cancer support app—and supporting the Cancer Society of NZ.

Recognized as a 2021 Local Hero Medallist and Semi-Finalist in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, Josh’s impact extends across the nation. His involvement with the governance functions of CFANZ and the Cancer Society has taken him across New Zealand, showcasing his belief in grassroots initiatives’ potency.

In 2022, Josh’s exceptional contributions garnered him a Fellowship from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, underscoring his commitment to both his profession and community. Josh is also a Chartered Member of IoD having met the Institute’s professional requirements.

Passionate about Aotearoa NZ Inc, Josh envisions a brighter future for generations to come, fuelled by community engagement, partnership, collaboration, and enduring vibrancy. Together we can shift the power.

Born in Eastbourne, UK, Emma has an extensive background in fundraising, marketing and strategic growth, holding senior development and philanthropy management positions at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, the UK’s National Autistic Society and Tate Museums, and advisory positions at local community organisations, including Women of Worth and the Rotary Club of Wellington.

Emma stepped into the role of Executive Director of Nikau Foundation in April 2022 and currently sits on the board of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Emma lives in the Wairarapa with her family and loves nothing more than enjoying what Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington region has to offer at the weekend.

Lori moved to New Zealand from the US in 2009 and is a dual citizen. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, majoring in Economics and German Studies and spent her early career in executive roles in marketing for large corporations in the US.

Lori is CEO at Acorn Foundation in the Western Bay of Plenty and serves as Deputy Chair for CFANZ. She is a Board Member and a member of the organising committee of TEDx Tauranga. She is very involved in the local community and enjoys working alongside both donors and charitable organisations to support a healthy and vibrant region.

With sixteen years of experience across brand, design, marketing and all things in between, Ellen loves nothing more than creating powerful brand stories that engage, resonate and inspire a response. She is all about collective success; what has made her most powerful campaigns has been meaning and connection to the community.

A born Wellingtonian, if she isn’t racing her two young girls between Kindy, swimming and gymnastics, she will have sniffed out a game of netball for herself.

Clive has been advising, coaching and training for growth in the for-purpose sector in New Zealand and Australia since 2000. During this time he has been responsible for raising tens of millions for many of New Zealand’s leading charities. He is a former President of the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand (FINZ), was a member of the FINZ National Council and was named a Fellow of the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand in 2014.

Clive was the first New Zealander appointed to the Board of CFRE International in 2014, a global accreditation organisation for over senior fundraisers worldwide. In 2017 he was appointed to the Responsible Investment Association of Australia Impact Investment Forum committee, since then becoming Deputy Chair. This level of international engagement has led to a sound understanding of traditional philanthropy and emerging international best practice in areas such as impact investments. Clive is the inaugural Chair of Te Awa Community Foundation and Director and founder of Giving Architects.

Arron is the current Community Foundations of NZ Executive Director, has a Bachelor of Applied Management (in Business Transformation & Change) and 20yrs CE and senior executive experience across the for purpose and commercial sectors. Of Rongowhakaata whakapapa Arron innately values innovation and creativity, whanau and holistic wellbeing, and bringing these values and capabilities to enterprise and governance level conversations .

A past Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient and awarded the Canterbury emerging director of the year in 2017, Arron currently serves as an independent director with The Salvation Army NZ, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, Kidsfirst Kindergartens South Island, and a neurological health research entity.

Holly Snape is the Chief Executive of Community Waikato and currently serves as Acting Executive Officer of Community Networks Aotearoa. Most of her work is focused in the Waikato region, where she is deeply committed to advancing social justice and driving systemic change that benefits communities and charitable organizations.

Holly brings extensive governance and operational expertise, serving on national, regional, and local not-for-profit boards, including Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ and Momentum Waikato Community Foundation. Her passion for strengthening the for-purpose sector and influencing the systems that shape it fuels her mission to create lasting, positive impact.

Richard exploded into the Aoraki Foundation just over two years ago – knowing no bounds he leapt into action becoming a champion for the South Canterbury Community.

His awesome superpowers of never taking ‘no’ for an answer, selling our unique model like it’s the hottest commodity in town and ensuring that no stone, donor or business is left unturned or (unspoken to) has seen the Aoraki Foundation grow in staff and in $$ in the last two years.

Richard currently lives with his first wife and two children who are the real heroes of this story by supporting his endless enthusiasm, ideas and energy.

There really is no ‘off’ switch to Richard, so, in his active recreation time where you might find him enjoying watching cricket, the super bowl or any other big sporting event – you can guarantee he will still be thinking about the Aoraki Foundation and how he can make his community a better place for now and forever.

Jo is the Community Connections & Scholarship Specialist for the Acorn Foundation. Having joined Acorn in November 2017, making up a team of three with a fund of $18M, she is now part of a team of six with a fund nearing $80M.  Over 7 years, she’s seen a lot of changes and moved through various roles, from accounts to marketing to scholarships to distributions!

Born on a farm in Morrinsville, Jo grew up in the Bay of Plenty and returned home with her young daughter in 2012 after 10 years working in the intellectual property field in Auckland. Upon returning to Tauranga, she obtained a Legal Executive Diploma, and worked in the angel investing field, before making a conscious move to the social sector. “Working for Acorn, on behalf of our donors, local charities and our local community, is an absolute privilege. I love my job, and I haven’t stopped learning in seven years”. Jo has a blended family of four children, loves alone time and finds those two things don’t match.

Cam is a Mount Maunganui local, a Tauranga Boys’ College Old Boy, and a former student and employee of The University of Otago.

During his time in the South Island, Cam discovered a passion for community and supporting people to live meaningful lives. This led to leadership roles in tertiary education and the non-profit sector before starting a new role as the Legacy Giving Manager at the Acorn Foundation. He now has the pleasure of spending each day connecting with generous donors and inspiring community groups throughout the Western Bay of Plenty.

Cam is a keen sportsman; he is the proud club captain of Tauranga City AFC and regularly works as a volunteer in the football community. He enjoys time in the sun with his partner and her two young boys in his downtime.

“I am very grateful to be involved with CFANZ and play my part in creating a bright future for Aotearoa.”