Our
People

Peter Tynan

Peter commenced as CEO of Foundation North in August 2019. He was most recently Interim Chief Executive at the Royal College of General Practitioners, and prior to that, CEO at the Kaipara District Council based in Northland. He was Chief Executive at Southern Cross Health Society from 2012 to 2017, and has held a number of senior executive positions in various organisations, including American Express and the Mount Cook Group. He is a former Board member of the Health Funds NZ and the International Federation of Health Plans (IFHP), and has spent time on the Auckland Hockey Association Board. He is the current Chair of Osteoporosis NZ and a member of the Institute of Directors. Peter has two adult children and spends his spare time cycling, coaching and playing hockey.

Nicola Brehaut

Nicola joined Foundation North in November 2017 as Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive. She brings Senior Management experience from across three sectors – private, not-for-profit and public, having held roles with Community Operations – Department of Internal Affairs, Presbyterian Support Northern and Ford Motor Company. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Management Studies from Waikato University and an MBA from Warwick University. A 5th generation New Zealander, passionate about building stronger communities and working in partnership with others, Nicola enjoys making the most of living in the City of Sails and can often be found sailing on the Waitemata with her family.

Aroha Harris

To her appointment as Pou Ārahi, Aroha brings her Ngāti Whātua whakapapa; born in the Kaipara and raised in Māngere prepared her well for life. Aroha’s educational background includes a Bachelor degree in Social Work and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business – Māori Development. Throughout her adult life, Aroha has engaged her culture, language, marae and the advancement of her people’s diverse aspirations. Over 25 years Aroha worked her way to senior positions in the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Royal NZ Plunket and most recently Te Puni Kōkiri – Ministry of Māori Development. She is a proud mother of one son and has helped raise many tamāriki. She is especially honoured to have come from a large whānau and to be blessed with seven beautiful mokopuna.

Audry McLaren

Audry joined Foundation North in July 2016 and was most recently consulting in the sport and recreation sector. Audry has a broad range of experience ranging from sports facility feasibility assessment to working in high performance sport. Of Samoan/Chinese – Falkland Island descent, Audry is a first generation New Zealander born and raised in Auckland. She graduated from AUT University with a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and from Victoria University (Melbourne) with a Graduate Certificate in Career Counselling for Elite Performers (sport). Audry is passionate about yoga, and has a very busy family life with her partner and two fantastic sons.

Liam Sheridan

Liam joined Foundation North in February 2016 having previously been CFO at ProCare, Auckland’s largest primary care organisation. Prior to that he held senior finance roles at Auckland and Counties Manukau DHBs and Lion Nathan. Liam has worked in a number of private and public sector organisations in both New Zealand and the UK. He holds degrees in mathematics and accountancy and is an ACA member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. Liam has an interest in organisational performance reporting especially in combining financial with non-financial reporting.

Frances Allen

Frances first joined Foundation North in 2015, leaving in 2016 to accompany her husband on overseas work posts in New York and Malaysia. After returning to Wellington in 2018, she rejoined Foundation North as a part-timer and was the first remote worker. She brings a wealth of experience, working in grants and contracting in both the Government and the Gaming sectors. Frances is well connected to the Auckland community from her six years spent living and working there. She regularly volunteers and enjoys her time visiting Auckland, connecting with her team, and tasting the City's latest food offerings.

Agustina Castro Pons

Agus joined Foundation North in 2021 as an Assessor after working at Auckland Council in the Grants team as a Grants Advisor for almost 3 years. With a background in tourism, Agus arrived in New Zealand in 2014 from Cordoba, Argentina looking to discover new experiences away from home. She is passionate about helping find positive outcomes for communities and the environment and is currently working towards creating a sustainable lifestyle. A proud member of the Rainbow community, she enjoys reading books, sports, spending time with family and friends and travelling around the world.

Brynne Clark

Brynne joined the funding team in March 2021 to provide targeted support to the assessment team. Originally from Vancouver, she attended the University of Auckland for her Bachelor’s degree, returned to Canada to complete her Masters, and relocated to Auckland permanently in early 2021. With a background in community work, education, and not-for-profit organisations, she is deeply motivated by forming connections with members of the community and supporting and uplifting their work. Outside of work, Brynne enjoys getting outside to the mountains, forests, and beaches, and exploring new-to-her parts of Aotearoa.

Helen Clarke

Helen joined Foundation North in October 2018, is of Ngāpuhi descent and was raised in Hokianga engaged in her culture, local traditions, Marae and community.

She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in the not-for-profit sector – including education, health and community development. Prior to her appointment at Foundation North she was an Operations Manager at a Community Trust and contracted her time to support the development of a workforce development program led, taught and assessed by Māori whānau living with physical and/or sensory disabilities.

Helen has a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts, Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Adult Education. She has two young adult children and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with whānau and friends, fishing and curling up with a good book.

Catherine Falstie-Jensen

Catherine joined Foundation North after seven years at Creative New Zealand, NZ’s crown agency for funding the arts. Catherine has a long history in the arts sector; at CNZ, she worked as a funding adviser, before moving to establish and manage the Assessment Services team. Prior to that she was the arts administrator with Q Theatre and worked as an independent producer. Catherine holds a Masters in Theatre Studies from Auckland University, a Bachelor of Communication Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from AUT. She has two children and serves on their schools Board of Trustees. She enjoys baking, entertaining family and friends and performing or going to the theatre.

Kathryn Grant

Kathryn joined Foundation North in 2021 as an Assessor after working at the TSB Community Trust as the Senior Grants Advisor for almost 10 years. Prior to that she was a Customer Service Manager with a Wellington-based legal publisher and software provider. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Victoria University, in Politics and Women’s Studies. Based in Taranaki, she is passionate about utilising her experience in the grant-making sector to support and enhance our communities.

Annie Johnson

Annie joined Foundation North in 2008 and has applied her extensive administrative experience across several departments during this time. She thoroughly enjoys her current role in the funding team; in particular supporting her colleagues and helping not-for-profit organisations navigate the Foundation’s online funding hub. Of Cook Island descent; Annie was born and raised in Auckland. She now resides in Avondale and is the proud mother of three children and Nana to three mokopuna. Outside of work Annie loves to spend time with her family, listen to music, travel, play touch rugby and participate in church activities.

Connie Lee

Connie joined Foundation North in May 2016 and was most recently a Community Advisor with the Department of Internal Affairs. She brings a wealth of experience having worked both in the public and private sector. Connie is well connected to her community in the North Shore through various committee roles and is an avid badminton player. Born and raised in Auckland, she graduated from Auckland University with a both a bachelor’s degree and a Post-grad diploma in Science. Connie is fluent in English and Cantonese, and is currently learning Mandarin.

Claire Rosanowski

Having returned from her OE, Claire joined Foundation North in March 2016. Claire is a Nelsonian with experience in the Philanthropic sector in New Zealand and the UK. She is passionate about working with communities to make positive transformations and volunteers with several not-for-profit organisations. She has a degree in Communications from the University of Otago and in her spare time loves being outdoors, cooking and doing yoga.

Marilou Sambajon

Marilou has recently changed roles from Grants Coordinator to Advisor. Before joining the Foundation in January 2007 she was Assistant Manager at Student Job Search Auckland, and has also worked as a Forensic Administrator in the Institute of Environmental Science and Research’s Wellington office. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce and Administration from Victoria University and a Diploma in Business Studies (Finance) from Massey University. Marilou enjoys volunteering for community projects and initiatives that she believes will make positive changes for future generations.

Duncan Matthews

Duncan joined Foundation North in October 2020 as an Assessor. Currently completing his Masters of Social and Community Leadership, Duncan is also a board member for the Ministry of Youth Development’s Partnership Fund, committee member for Auckland City COGS, and treasurer of the Rule Foundation. Prior to joining Foundation North he led several LGBTIQ+ community organisations, including RainbowYOUTH and OUTLine, and worked at Waitematā DHB on the Transgender Healthcare project, Hauora Tāhine. Raised in the Waikato, Duncan has called Tāmaki Makaurau home for over a decade. “I’m very motivated to assist community groups to access the resources of Foundation North, which has been a key supporter of marginalised communities in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau for decades.”

Rosie Nathan

Rosie was raised in the small settlement of Oturei which is located south of the northern Kaipara township of Dargaville and towards the Pouto Peninsula. Rosie comes to Foundation North with a wealth of experience in social, education and health service delivery. She has held roles in Wellington, Auckland and Tai Tokerau working with communities and across several government agencies. Her choice of careers has always been driven by her passion, pride and belief in her people; values instilled by her parents and both sets of grandparents. In her many roles Rosie has enjoyed the opportunity to influence policy, community development and service delivery ensuring it worked effectively for Māori. Rosie is the eldest of six children and has three sons and nine mokopuna (her crown jewels), her whakapapa links are Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi and Ngati Porou.

Jacqui Smith

Jacqui leads the Funding Support team, providing coordination and assistance to Foundation North applicants, and the wider Funding Unit. Prior to joining Foundation North in 2018, Jacqui spent 18 months living overseas, supporting charities in Thailand and South East Asia. Born in Northland (Ngāpuhi and Te Arawa descent) and raised from age 5 in Auckland, Jacqui is passionate about empowering our diverse community and cultures. “I am inspired to be working for an organisation that facilitates significant positive change with our communities in Te Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau.” Outside of work, Jacqui enjoys spending time with whānau, practising yoga, and spending time outdoors; camping, hiking and riding her motorbike around this beautiful whenua that we call home.

Kim Collins

Originally from Palmerston North, Kim attended secondary school in Auckland and has been a resident of Waiheke Island since 2004. Her academic background is in psychology and sociology where she developed an interest in supporting and inspiring positive community change. Through roles in Local Government and the not for profit sector Kim has over 15 years’ experience in grant making and working with community organisations. Through her work at Foundation North Kim has developed a strong passion for the environment and wants to help create a better planet for future generations. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her high spirited young son, wrangling weeds or experimenting in the kitchen.

Gabi Harmer

Gabi joined Foundation North in May 2018 after leaving the UK in 2017. She has a degree in Communication and Business Studies from the University of Liverpool, and a background in marketing and media planning. Having been born and raised in London, Gabi is enjoying her new, outdoor lifestyle in New Zealand. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, keeping active, and playing for the Foundation’s netball and touch rugby teams.

Eve Jolly

Eve is responsible for facilitating, designing and delivering innovation activity to achieve the Foundation’s objectives. Eve has experience across the social enterprise, international development and human rights sectors. Prior to Foundation North, Eve worked at the Ākina Foundation and supported social innovators and entrepreneurs in Auckland and Northland. She ran a social enterprise in New York addressing food insecurity in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and has worked with government and communities across Eastern Europe to help children and families to thrive. Earlier in her career, Eve was a commercial solicitor at Chapman Tripp in Auckland. Eve has a Masters in Human Rights from Columbia University, and an LLB and BA from the University of Otago. She is motivated by social justice and feminism.

Aden Miles

Aden joined the Foundation North team in June 2020, occupying a newly created role of Brand Communications Strategist. With a career that has seen him work as an education, environment and health journalist with Fairfax Media, Communications and Marketing Director for Cerebral Palsy NZ, Communications Lead for VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, Communications Specialist for Healthy Families South Auckland and The Cause Collective, and Communications Specialist for the Hauraki Gulf Forum, Aden comes with a specific set of skills in storytelling and branding identity and awareness but also with a passion for social equity! The role of Brand Communications Strategist ushers in a new era for Foundation North and will play a pivotal role in continuing to raise the profile of the organisation as we strive into the future with our vibrant and diverse communities.

Lisa Ridehalgh

Lisa joined Foundation North after eight and a half years in a marketing role at Kaipatiki Project Environment Centre in Glenfield. Before emigrating to New Zealand from the UK in 2008, Lisa worked in communications and marketing for not-for-profits in the social housing and public film archive sectors in the north-west of England. When not at work, Lisa enjoys running around after her teenage triplets, spending time out in the bush and going to the movies.

Jana Wilson

Jana has a background in administration, office systems, and customer & client relationships having worked in the retail merchandising and property sales & management industries. With a longstanding passion for helping those in need, Jana has also undertaken voluntary work from time to time. She joined Foundation North in August 2018. Of Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa & British descent Jana resides with her partner in West Auckland and outside of work enjoys time with whānau, boxing, camping, cooking and gardening.

Jo Clark

Jo has an extensive background in high level administration, focusing on customer and client liaison. Her experience ranges from media to retail, right through to financial services. Jo joined the Foundation in August 2018 and is conveniently located just around the corner, where she resides with her cat. Outside of work she is involved in acting, on both screen and stage.

Lucy Earnshaw

Lucy is Foundation North’s Senior Administrator based on reception. She has previously worked in administration support roles in hospitality, law and media. Lucy holds a BA (Hons) degree in Criminology and Sociology. Outside of work Lucy is a keen runner and enjoys yoga and travel.

Jo Grundy

Jo has a background in Tourism with a BA in International Tourism Management, and joined Foundation North in July 2020. Jo was raised in Dunedin and moved to Auckland with her family in 2005. In her spare time Jo enjoys reading and catching up with her friends and family.

Jenna Keightley

Jenna has an extensive background in insurance administration and has also worked in a number of executive level support roles across many industries. She joined Foundation North in January 2016 as the Executive Assistant to the Leadership Group, and now manages a new Shared Services team of administrators within the Finance, Investment and Shared Services Unit. Jenna was raised in the Bay of Plenty and relocated to Auckland in 2001. She now lives in West Auckland with her fiancé and son, and in her spare time enjoys fishing, camping, rugby league, entertaining and gardening.

Abby Mitchell

Abby has a varied background as an Executive Assistant in the financial sector and has a strong interest in community health, having completed a BSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition through Massey University. In her spare time, Abby enjoys running, hiking, cooking, gardening and spending time with her five siblings and extended family.

Ross Burton

Ross is responsible for database management, analysis and reporting plus the monitoring of grants after they have been awarded. His background is in administrative and database management, process improvement and project management. Ross has previously worked in central and local government, in the not-for-profit sector and in the private sector. Ross has been with Foundation North since 2005.

Craig Innes

Craig oversees the day-to-day operations of the finance team. Before joining Foundation North in 2010, he worked in various finance roles in the marine, travel and apparel industries. Craig holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Auckland University and is also a Chartered Accountant member of the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA). Craig has an interest in process improvements, management and financial reporting. He grew up in Kaipara Flats, where his family have lived and farmed in the area for five generations. He resides in Mt Albert with his wife and two teenage children and in his spare time enjoys sports, bone carving, camping, cooking and socialising with family and friends.

Dothane Midou

Dothane joined the Foundation in September 2020 after working as a Payroll Officer for Vision West. Originally from Mali, Dothane grew up in Kinshasa and then moved to New Zealand over ten years ago. Dothane has a Diploma of Travel and Tourism, an International Certificate in Flight Attending, and she is currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. In her spare time, Dothane enjoys hiking, reading, learning new languages, dancing and singing. She also mentors high school pupils and first year university students.

Jackie Shand

Jackie joined Foundation North in 2012 and apart from her finance role is also responsible for all matters related to the payment and monitoring of grants once they have received board approval. Previously she worked in a finance and administration role in the telecommunications industry for a non-profit membership group for almost 10 years. She is South-African born and started her career in the banking industry before immigrating to New Zealand in 1997. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Business Degree, a Graduate Certificate in Business and is an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) member of the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. She is married and has 2 adult daughters and lives on the North Shore. She is an avid reader and enjoys keeping fit and tramping.

Matthew Stratton

Matt manages the day-to-day relationship with the Foundation’s external investment managers, custodian and advisor. Before joining Foundation North in Jan 2001 he spent five years as an investment analyst at Sovereign Funds Management, responsible for all New Zealand asset classes. Prior to that he was the Operations Manager at Citigroup. Matt began his career with a New Zealand-based funds management company in 1985. He has since worked for fund management companies based in Sydney and London. He holds a Diploma in Business Finance and a New Zealand Stock Exchange Diploma.