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 a member of the Institute of Directors. Peter has two adult children and spends his spare time cycling different pathways around Aotearoa.

Helen Bennett

Helen joined Foundation North in October 2018. Of Ngāpuhi descent, she was raised, loved and politicised on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour at Ōmāpere and Waiwhatawhata.

Her career to date has been focused on creating opportunities to weave people, places and resources that support whānau to thrive. To date, it has spanned across education, health and community development sectors.

Helen has a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Education and Māori Studies and Diploma in Adult Education.

She has two adult children and feels privileged to be part of the lives of her husband’s two adult daughters and mokopuna. Helen lives in Whangārei and in her spare time enjoys weaving, gardening, fishing, and laughing with her husband.

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.

Alexandra Corbett

Alex joined Foundation North in November 2022 after spending 5 years at ASB Bank as the finance business partner for the Business bank.

Prior to this Alex returned to New Zealand in 2016 having spent 15 years working in London for large asset managers including HSBC Asset Management and BlackRock and brings strong finance leadership and investment management understanding.

Alex started her career with Ernst & Young after completing Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from Otago University. She is a CA member of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand. When not working she enjoys exploring the outdoors, mountain biking and supporting her children’s sports.

Tukaha Milne

Tukaha hails from Matawaia, a small place in the centre of Te Tai Tokerau (he would say the centre of the Universe!), and proudly shares Ngāti Hine and Scottish whakapapa.

Since 2022, Tukaha has been working on a contractual basis alongside the rangatira and kaimahi at Foundation North; leading the development and implementation of cultural competency and confidence for staff, and designing and enabling frameworks to ensure the Foundation's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and nga mea Māori is reflected throughout the organisation and all it does.

In June 2024, Tukaha was appointed to the joint role of Kaihautū Ngatahi, continuing as a contractor, to help further guide Foundation North on its haerenga to be Tiriti led.

Tukaha is passionate about people and committed to ensuring cultural competency and confidence is a main contributing factor to achieving best practice outcomes for both whānau and kaimahi alike. With a diverse background in cultural competency training and best practice models, programme development and implementation, he has a fun and innovative approach to projects he is involved with, engaging the skill sets of the teams to achieve tangible and sustainable outcomes.

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. 

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.

Rosie Bryant

Rosie has an extensive background in Event Management and Administration, with a BA in Event Management and a Diploma in Tourism.

She joined Foundation North in April 2021 to assist Audry McLaren Funding Manager and to support the Funding Team.

Rosie was raised in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty before she moved up to Auckland to complete her BA and has worked in a range of event based roles before beginning a new journey here at Foundation North. “I am passionate about working for the community and being a part of a team that enhances the life of people."

Rosie is now based in West Auckland with her husband, son Jack and two stepdaughters, Lily & Ava. Outside of work she enjoys entertaining, walking, camping, photography, and spending time with her family.

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.

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. 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.

Jacqui Johnston

Jacqui joined Foundation North in 2021 in the Community Engagement team. She brings over 20 years of experience in the community sport and recreation sector and also has extensive experience as a volunteer in a range of different community organisations. She enjoys working alongside organisations and helping them to enhance the lives of people in their communities.

Jacqui was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau and is a busy Mum to two beautiful daughters. She graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Business Studies Majoring in Sport Management and Tourism and also holds a Diploma in Recreation Management. Outside of work Jacqui enjoys playing football, growing house plants, and loves to spend time with her whānau.

Josh Martin

Josh (Te Arawa/Ngā Puhi) marries a rich legacy in community engagement and youth empowerment with his dynamic role as Engagement Advisor at Foundation North.

In his early career, Josh notably co-founded the Prestige Dance Crew, catapulting New Zealand into the global limelight with a historic medal at the 2006 Hip Hop International dance competition. Leveraging this success, he later facilitated the national rounds of this prestigious event in New Zealand, transforming it into the country's foremost dance festival.

Most recently, he was the Community and Youth Development Director for Shore Junction where he built and fostered a robust community of nearly 3000 rangatahi in just over two years and alongside his amazing team, pioneered a digital haven during the 100-day lockdown.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Josh is a fervent musical theatre enthusiast, finding joy in both participation and spectatorship. A devotee of holistic wellness, he relishes staying active, travelling the world, and savouring gourmet (and sometime basic) delights, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and precious times with whanau and friends.

Guided by the resonant philosophy encapsulated in Sir William Booth's word, "Others", Josh proudly serves as the Co-Chair of the Rainbow Community Advisory Panel for the Auckland City Council, a significant appointment by the Mayor. In this role, he stands as a beacon of inclusivity and community engagement, affirming his position as a passionate, vibrant, and empathetic leader.

Coral Palmer

Coral joined Foundation North in June 2021. She is of Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Mahuta and Pākehā descent. She was raised in Piopio, King Country and moved to Auckland over 20 years ago. Coral works as the Data Insights Analyst at Foundation North and is passionate about using data to tell stories that have a positive impact on our society.

Prior to Foundation North, Coral worked at Māori Television in audience insights for eight years and data insights in Switzerland. Coral has a business degree and completed a master’s thesis awarded first class honours from AUT on Māori values and advertising effectiveness. Coral enjoys spending time with her husband and two young tamariki, visiting whānau and going to one of our many beautiful beaches or regional parks in Tāmaki Makaurau.

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.

Darlene Lang

Darlene joined the Foundation in October 2022 as Engagement Advisor for Northland. Darlene is of Ngāpuhi descent and lives in Dargaville.

For the past eight years, Darlene has worked at the Kaipara District Council in community development and customer experience. Being born and raised in the north Darlene brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and networks in the region.

She has held roles at Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua, Kainga Ora and Fonterra. Darlene has also been on numerous governance boards in a voluntary capacity.

Darlene works part-time with the Foundation and also runs her own business providing planning development, community facilitation and leadership coaching to organisations.

Darlene is active in the local netball and hot-rodding scenes and in her spare time (when not doing netball or hot-rodding) she likes to garden, read and spend time with whānau. As an active relaxer Darlene is trying to learn the art of yoga and meditation.

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.

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.

Lauola Schuster

Lauola joined Foundation North in October 2022 after previously working for DIA, Community Operations for 10 years as a Community Advisor and has a passion for the not-for-profit sector, with experience volunteering on various Boards.

With a background in environmental studies, sustainability, and climate change action is important to her; our role is to ensure that our planet is in good condition for future generations.

Lauola is of Samoan (village of Alamagoto) and Palagi (New Zealand) descent and is proud of her Pacific heritage. Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, she now lives in the Coromandel Peninsula with her young family.

Rosie Te Tuhi 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.

Liz Tupuhi

He mokopuna ahau o te Moana-nui-a-kiwa
Ko Atiu te motu
Ko Areora te pā
Ko Vaitaira te enua
Ko Ngāti Kuki Airani me Ngāti Pākehā ngā iwi
Ko Ngāti Ingatu te hapu
Ko Rongomatane te Ariki
Ko Liz Tupuhi ahau

Liz joined Foundation North at the beginning of August 2023 as an Engagement Advisor to South Auckland, bringing with her background in finance and community sports. Currently residing in Pukekohe, she is excited to be part of an organisation that shares her commitment and values to supporting the community. In her spare time, Liz loves hanging out with her dogs and whānau, cultural dance, and getting out on the water for a paddle.

Simon Vincent

Simon joined Foundation North in May 2021 after working at Creative New Zealand as a Senior Adviser in the Investment Services team. In this role he worked as the client lead for CNZ’s recurrently funded clients. Prior to this, he worked at The National Library where he ran their Auckland Centre exhibition space and co-developed schools programmes to accompany exhibitions. He spent his early career in the theatre and film industry working as an actor, director, teacher and arts manager. Simon is excited to apply the skills he has gained in the arts and culture sector to the broader kaupapa Foundation North advances. In his spare time Simon enjoys cycling and baking sourdough.

Margaux Wong

Margaux joined Foundation North in 2023 after working as an Adviser in the Funding Services team at Creative New Zealand. Prior to that she worked in the Collections team at the Science Museum, London, and at arts organisations such as the Depot Artspace, Corban Estate Arts Centre and the Mangere Arts Centre. Margaux graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) / Bachelor of Commerce conjoint from The University of Auckland, and more recently gained a Certificate in Project Management. In her spare time, Margaux likes to read, attend concerts, travel, eat and talk about food.

Albert Scott

Albert joined Foundation North in May 2021 as an Engagement Advisor for South Auckland. He is proud of his Samoan/Fijian heritage and brings a wealth of experience from the social service sector and more recently local government. He has always had a passion to serve his local community of South Auckland. There is never a dull moment in Albert's spare time with his three daughters keeping him busy. He is an avid sports fan and loves spending time with his family. One of Albert's favourite Samoan proverbs is ‘ Io le ala i le pule o le tautua—the road to leadership is through service’.

Bonnie Swinson

A passionate and strategic social impact leader, Bonnie joined Foundation North in 2024 as Engagement Team Lead, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the public, corporate, charitable, and NGO sectors. Born and raised in Australia, Bonnie spent time moving around Australia, Aotearoa, and Asia before settling in Tāmaki Makaurau with her whānau.

Her background working across sectors and navigating diverse and varied environments has equipped Bonnie with extensive partnership and people leadership skills. This enables and supports her focus on meaningfully collaborating as Tangata Tiriti with partners to address the needs of the communities she serves.

Prior to her recent work in the charitable and public sectors, Bonnie’s Bachelor of Business – with majors in both Management and Marketing – supported her early roles in corporate marketing and communications and built the foundation to for how she approaches her mahi to date.

Outside of mahi, you can find Bonnie spending time with her loved ones, reading, dancing and bushwalking.

Lauren Lawson

Lauren joined Foundation North in November 2022. Prior to this, Lauren was most recently a Design and Marketing Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity Northern Region. She has a passion to engage in meaningful mahi while working alongside others.

Born and raised in Auckland, she graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design. Her final year was focused on design for social innovation, generating equitable outcomes for people and their communities. Outside of work she enjoys creating art, taking walks in nature and spending time with her husband.

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.

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.

Piper Robson

Ko Maungakiekie te maunga e rū nei taku ngakau

Ko Manukau te moana e mahea nei uku māharahara

Ko Te Rarawa te iwi

Ko Patutoka me Te Uri o Hina ngā hapū

Ko Waiparera te marae

Kei te noho au ki Tāmaki

Ko Piper Robson ahau

Piper joined us in 2023 as our Communications Coordinator. 

Gaining her Bachelor of Communication Studies in 2022, Piper majored in journalism with minors in public relations and communication for social change. Following her time at university, Piper sought an internship with a community paper based in Northland, where her family hails from. It’s here that she realised the impact of positive storytelling, and decided the world is in short supply of uplifting storytellers.

From a young age, Piper and her whānau knew that writing was her passion, and that one day she would use her skills to share stories to uplift and inspire. Driven by the creativity of others, she loves to create space to listen to people sharing their passions.

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.

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.

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.

William Douglas

Ko Tainui Te Waka,
Ko Ngati Hinerangi Te Iwi,
Ko Hinerangi Te Hapu,
Ko Matuakore Mac Koperu Te Rangatira,
Ko Tangata, ko Tamopango, ko Hinerangi Taawhaki, ko Te Oohaaki ooku marae
Ko Te Wereiti Tooku Maunga,
Ko Mangapiko Te Rerenga o Te Waihau,
Ko Peter Douglas tooku Papa ko Rose Marsh tooku Mama,
Ko William Douglas Tooku Ingoa
Kainga inaianei ana ko Tamaki Makaurau tooku.

Born in Taranaki, William spent his childhood in Okauia, nestled on the Kaimai Ranges, just a short 10-minute drive from Matamata, the famed location of Hobbiton. His journey began as a software engineer for an IT solutions company, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the industry. This experience paved the way for William’s role as an Executive Secretary for Ngaa Marae Toopu in the Waikato region.

William’s Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Software Engineering equipped him with a diverse skill set that he applies to his projects as a freelance web developer. His passion for technology is matched by a love for badminton and gaming, hobbies that provide him with a balance to his professional life.

Through his varied experiences, William has cultivated a unique blend of technical expertise and organizational skills. Committed to continuous learning and growth, William is always seeking new opportunities to expand his knowledge and impact in the field of web development and beyond.

Lucy Earnshaw

Lucy is Foundation North’s Senior Operations 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. She is a very proud māmā of her son and outside of work, Lucy loves keeping fit and watching all kinds of sports.

Conor Hackett

Conor joined the Shared Services team in 2024 as a Temporary Administrator before moving into a permanent role within the Foundation. Prior to moving to Aotearoa in 2023 with his partner, Conor previously worked as a Risk Trader in his hometown of Limerick, Ireland!

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management and Insurance, an MBA in Sports Management and an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis, Conor brings a wealth of skills and experience to the Shared Services team.

Passionate about making a positive impact while in Aotearoa, Conor aims to learn as much as he can about the history and culture of the country, and is excited to have the opportunity to do so through his time spent at the Foundation.

An avid football fan, outside of his Foundation North mahi, Conor works as a performance analyst with Auckland United and plays Sunday League Football with an Irish club in central Auckland. When he’s not on the field, you can find Conor being active in the gym, running, or waking up at the crack of dawn to watch Arsenal and Republic of Irelands football games.

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.

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.

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.