Chief Executive

Enjoying a varied career across sport, recreation, and health sectors, Kerry is well versed in organisational strategic direction and oversight. Her passion for building and growing thriving teams enables Community Waitākere to nurture and support communities, so that people and te taiao flourish.

Originally from Invercargill, Kerry earned degrees in Physical Education, Nutrition, and Biochemistry in Dunedin alongside gaining international experience in Australia and Europe.

Kerry juggles family commitments whilst maintaining professional growth and a passion for outdoor activities, yoga, and Pilates.

Operations Manager

Sarah has created a career in the not-for-profit sector, with a particular passion for enabling systemic change and societal change.

Her approach is led by curiosity to learn from and about others and to build meaningful connections. She brings this drive to steering all the intricate operational aspects at Community Waitākere.

In her downtime, Sarah spends time at home in Piha with her family, gardening and wandering the wonderful local Hikurangi tracks. She is also a “Good Bitch”, using her love and skill of baking as a volunteer to bake and deliver goodies to people in West Auckland.

Facilities Administrator

Originally from Canada, Anna has made West Auckland her new home with her young family. With a passion for sport and engagement with local communities, she brings her innate ability to build camaraderie to her role.

Anna is responsible for managing and actively fostering community use of Te Au o te Koopua, our shared workspace in Henderson. She provides a vibrant, enabling, innovative environment with suitable support services, information and learning opportunities.  

Community Social Media Administrator

Chelsea brings a passion for her local community and a strong background in digital communication to her role. With a deep commitment to connecting people and fostering positive interactions, Chelsea manages our digital media channels to keep everyone informed, engaged, and inspired. She shares stories, highlights events, and promotes initiatives that bring us closer together, ensuring our community’s voices are heard.

If you have something you’d like to share through our networks, get in touch below!

Community Environmental Strategic Lead

With an extensive background in education and physical activity, Chris inherently recognises the importance of physical activity and movement as a pathway to positive thinking and behaviour. He believes everyone should have the opportunity to engage in the outdoors in ways which suit them and their lifestyle, whether it be on the beach, in the forest, or hitting the urban pavement across Tāmaki Makaurau.

In his role, Chris provides programme oversight including project development, implementing strategy, and looking for new opportunities across our areas of environmental work.

Pou Whakataki Māori

Aroha (Ngāpuhi) has lived and raised her family in West Auckland for over 20 years. As a kaiwhakawhanake hapori team member, Aroha makes a point of getting to know people kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) to learn and understand what people do, and how we might work together.

Aroha’s mahi is interwoven with her cultural knowledge and understanding, guiding the Community Waitākere team to engage with and respond more effectively to our Māori communities.

Community Environmental Restoration

Simon is probably better known as a writer across a wide range of genres, but he also has a long association with Community Waitakere. With a degree in English and a Master’s in Environmental Science, he has an unusual blend of skills and interests which he uses to try and create inspiring, innovative projects that add real community value to the environment. Work of his includes: the Special Needs Planted Walkway and Tree Maintenance Programme; Flanshaw School Greenwaste Art Signs and ecological restoration in the Orangihina Wetland.

Community Environmental Educator

An experienced primary school teacher and environmental educator, Bronwyn is passionate about creating ‘hands on’ experiences that encourage curiosity, wonder, awe, and connection to te taiao. Her aim is for rangatahi to understand the unique symbiotic relationship between us and nature that strengthens our well-being and provides essential resources for us to thrive.

In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught."  (Baba Dioum, 1968.)

Community Developer - Climate Action

Simon brings his community-led development skills to his role, helping people live lightly on Papatūānuku. He is passionate about working with community to provide healthy and active lifestyle options, which support people to realise the benefits of a fairer and more sustainable place to live, learn, work, play.

In his spare time, Simon enjoys exploring the outdoors with his whanau; riding bikes, tramping, and camping.

He oversees the climate action initiatives for Community Waitākere alongside supporting communities to understand and develop initiatives that respond to climate change.

Community Developer - Community Organisations

Daena believes in the power of the people. When we have a group, working towards a common goal and with a shared understanding of one-another, anything is possible.

With a background in education, community development, and leadership, Daena’s curiosity lies in helping people see and harness their strengths and abilities, unlocking the potential and power of collective action.

Her current role supports the capacity and capability of community organisations and practitioners in West Auckland, with a focus on emerging leaders of small for-good organisations.

Community Developer - Resilience

Shalema recognises that strong, empowered place-based communities play a critical role in transformation towards greater sustainability, health, and wellbeing for everyone.

Shalema and her extended whānau are deeply rooted in Karekare and have a long legacy of voluntary community service. Over summer they can often be found lifeguarding at Karekare or Piha.

Shalema played an integral role in developing the Resilient Karekare Network and Plan, and led the Valley’s Cyclone Gabrielle response. She now does this in her role with us, supporting communities to understand and develop initiatives that respond to changes in our environment.

Community Developer - Pacific

Of Tongan-Samoan-German descent, Evalesi brings her passion, determination, and research expertise to support Pasefika communities across West Auckland.

Born and raised in West Auckland, and now raising her own aiga, Evalesi understands the power and importance of building connections and close relationships in our neighbourhoods and streets.

She recognises the future generations of Pasefika children deserve to live in a society where they see themselves succeed in all areas of life.

Community Developer - Neighbourhoods

With 30 years’ experience in the community sector, Lynnette brings her passion for building local communities to West Auckland. Her passion lies in building the resilience of the local community by engaging and providing support, resources and professional development opportunities. She sees these as key steps on a pathway on which everyone can thrive.

Lynnette has four grown children, all of which she home-schooled whilst pursuing her career, as well as taking on a leadership role for a larger home-school group.

Co-Chair

Co-Chair

Treasurer

Trustee

Trustee

Trustee

Trustee

Patron