Presenters/ Panelists
Neil Tolan - MC
Manager at Western Community Centre
Born in Scotland, raised in Nawton and moved to Whāingaroa 15 years ago. Neil is currently the manager at the Western Community Centre, a place he first connected with almost 30 years ago. Neil loves the opportunity to work within the community sector and play a positive role in making a difference at a grassroots level.
Karen Stockmann
Advisor at Community Waikato
Karen has been an advisor at Community Waikato since 2011. She has worked in and around the community sector for the past 30 years as an advocate, supporter, trainer, leader and governor. Karen has a strong belief in social justice and the importance of creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and belong in ways which are meaningful to them, with a particular interest in empowerment through information and knowledge, experiences and relationships.
Panel Discussion Day 1: Sharing Different perspectives
Hearing from leaders across diverse sectors who are doing things differently. This session brings new ideas and ways of thinking that can inspire us as leaders to try new approaches in our own work.
Jo Wrigley
CEO of GO ECO
Jo Wrigley is an enthusiastic community collaborator interested in Tangata Tiriti practice development and environmental and social justice. They like planting things, growing food and really enjoy food cooked by other people. Most Sundays they can be found lying on a couch surrounded by needlework and reading material with the telly on. Jo leads the team across four strategic workstreams
Slay Way
Education Coordinator Rainbow Hub Waikato
Slay is a passionate and proud member of the rainbow community, identifies as takatāpui and gender-fluid, and uses they/them/ia pronouns. They have volunteered and worked in the queer community for over a decade now. Their purpose in their mahi at Rainbow Hub Waikato is to ensure that all queer people feel safe, included and valid, and to provide everyone outside their community the education, knowledge and power to create safe, accepting and inclusive spaces for all humans to flourish.
Jeremy Mayall
CEO of Creative Waikato
Jeremy is…
Maria Bagshaw
?
Maria is
Ellie Wilkinson
?
Ellie is?
Panel Discussion Day 2: Leading through change
Hearing from leaders who have guided their organisations through uncertainty and change. This session shares lessons on adapting, staying focused, and leading with heart when things don’t go to plan.
Garth Nowland-Foreman
?
Garth is?
Jenny Calley
?
Jenny is?
Joanne Turner
CEO of ?
Joanne is…
Rangimahora Reddy
?
Rangimahora is
Tony Marsters
?
Tony is?
Local Stories Presenters Day 1: Real Life Inspiration
Stories of two people leading real change in their communities. These examples show what’s possible when people lead others; to work together with purpose, passion, and a strong sense of connection.
Gary Thompson
? in his capacity as Hei Ahuru Mowai?
Gary will…
Shannon Te Huia
?
Shannon…
Local Stories Presenters Day 2: Doing More with Less
Two inspiring stories of grassroots leadership. These women-led organisations show what’s possible when passion and purpose drive action—even without funding or formal support.
Laura Casey
CEO of ?
Laura… is…
Linda Roil
?
Linda…