Board Chair
As chairperson of Volunteering Waikato, I'm honoured to serve our community. With over 30 years of experience in education, health, and the private sector, I believe that volunteering is a powerful way to connect with others and make a meaningful impact. Through my journey, I've found that giving back to the community not only enriches others but also fosters personal growth and fulfillment. As a long-standing member of the Kirikiriroa and greater Waikato community since 1994, I'm committed to driving initiatives that build stronger, more resilient communities.
Deputy Board Chair
Shayne holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Waikato and has spent much of his career working in tertiary education, and leading hapū economic development in Northland. Shayne has also been privileged to serve with Literacy Aotearoa and Pregnancy Counselling Services, and be inspired by how voluntary organisations in particular, willingly respond to physical, emotional, social and economic needs. Shayne is excited to join Te Ohu Tūao o Waikato to not only enable voluntary organisations, but to grow hapori participation.
Board Treasurer
Adam is a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor at CKL in Hamilton, where he focuses on land development projects all around the Waikato. Originally from Palestine, Adam has spent most of his time, in NZ, in Whangarei before moving to Hamilton in 2017.
Adam is excited about being part of Volunteering Waikato and contributing to its ongoing positive impact within the community
Trustee
Nicola is recently retired after a long career working in clinical research leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Originally an Oncology nurse in London, she moved to Australia and changed careers after gaining a Master in Pharmaceutical Medicine at UNSW. Now living in New Zealand she is immersed in voluntary work and very excited to have the opportunity to contribute her passion for developing people and organisational growth as a Trustee with Volunteering Waikato.
Trustee
For over 30 years, I have worked in Television as a Producer and multi-camera Director and I have been self-employed as a television, documentary Filmmaker and event manager since 2006. I have worked in numerous other roles, including Hotel and Restaurant management, civil service and local government. I have an extensive and active voluntary portfolio, which includes being a former Chairperson of a School BOT, Trustee of my Marae, and an active member of numerous trusts and Committees, including environmental and Sports organisations here in Hamilton, Whāingaroa, Pureora and Ōtorohanga. I look forward to assisting Te Ohu Tūao o Waikato/Volunteering Waikato with my former employment, Trusts, Boards and Committee skills.
Trustee
Peter has been a Trustee of Volunteering Waikato since May 2024 following his retirement from employment.
His previous work experience includes over 20 years in the non profit sector where volunteers have been an integral part of all the organisations he has been involved with. They have included Chief Executive Officer of Waikato Bay of Plenty Football, General Manager of Te Awamutu Rugby Sports Club, General Manager Operations of Motorcycling New Zealand and General Manager of Ngaruawahia Golf Club.
After being involved in non profits, he has recognised the benefits that they bring to the community and appreciates how important the volunteer role is to the organisation.
As well as a Trustee for Volunteering Waikato, he has also joined the Board of Citizens Advice Bureau Hamilton as Treasurer and is on the Committee as Treasurer at Hamilton Hearing Association.
Peter will continue his passion for travel while making a difference in the Waikato and to Volunteering Waikato.
Board Secretary
Manori is a qualified Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Secretary from Sri Lanka with over 13 years of experience in the banking and corporate governance sectors. She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Waikato and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London. Her expertise includes board administration, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. In New Zealand, Manori contributes her skills through volunteer roles, including as Board Secretary at Volunteering Waikato, Client Interviewer at the Citizens Advice Bureau, and Legal Team Volunteer at the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust.
She is passionate about giving back to the community and using her legal and governance experience to support organisations that make a meaningful difference.
Board Shadow
Kanj holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Management Studies in Accounting from the University of Waikato. As an auditor at PwC, Kanj has worked with both charitable and for-profit entities. Now, joining Volunteer Waikato, he eagerly anticipates utilizing his diverse skill set to support and empower volunteers to make a positive impact on the wider community.
