Presenters/ Panelists
Neil Tolan - MC
Manager at Western Community Centre
Born in Scotland, raised in Nawton and moved to Whāingaroa 18 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 Presentation 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
Kaiwhakakaha/ CEO of GO ECO
Jo’s role is to strengthen and uplift others by bringing life to collective practice, amplifying the kaupapa and leading with relational integrity. I believe leadership is a relational practice that is grounded in humility, collective care, and courage. I include courage because our political fast-track context requires cultural integrity, ecological responsibility, and intergenerational legacy in every decision we make.
Slay Way
Engagement Lead at Rainbow Hub Waikato
My role is primarily public visibility, collaboration and outreach, with a focus on events, education, and engagement opportunities. My current leadership philosophy is that hauora, wellbeing and kindness come first, and that includes leading by example in these spaces and ensuring our values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, wairuatanga and kotahitanga are embedded in my leadership style, communication and decision making.
Dr Jeremy Mayall
CEO of Creative Waikato
Helping to lead the elevation of creativity, and collaborating to provide opportunities for cultural wellbeing to ensure Waikato thrives with diverse and transformative creative activity.
Leadership is a creative act. Holding a vision with both the flexibility to respond with curiosity to emerging elements, and the clarity to hold true through uncertain times. It is also helpful to embrace a spirit of play and kindness along the way.
Maria Bradshaw
Manager at Te Rau Awhina, Tokoroa Womens Refuge
My role is to lead our team to provide responsive, innovative and accessible services to victims of family violence.
I try to practice feminist leadership with a strong focus on leading collaboratively and sharing power not just with team members but with clients and partner agencies. Feminist leadership involves using power and privilege for social and structural change and challenges entrenched ways of leading that rely on hierarchies, positional power and top down leadership.
Ellie Wilkinson
CEO at HMS Trust
Based at the Settlement Centre Waikato, HMST was established in 1999 to provide language services to newcomers to Hamilton. Language was identified as a significant barrier to information and services. With over 25 years of supporting settlement the Trust provides a range of services and events which have an overall positive impact on settlement outcomes for migrant and former refugee communities.
I get to connect with wonderful people who want to live a good life in New Zealand and take hold of all the opportunities they have. Like other organisations we are navigating rough waters and as a leader it is important to take the initiative to anticipate and respond to changes rather than just reacting to them, adjust expectations, and lean into key relationships.
Panel Presentation 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
Director, LEAD
I am a part of an amazing team offering training, coaching and consulting with non-profit leaders across Aotearoa and the Pacific, and where I specialise on issues of governance, strategy, outcomes and lobbying. I am continually excited by the difference that small groups of committed people can make in the world; I particularly love the enthusiasm of young people in emerging leadership roles; and I am a believer in Hope - a hope that emerges from a dissatisfaction with the way things are/things should be better (or the alternative is complacency), AND a courageous, even crazy belief that we can make a difference (or the alternative is fatalism). And our role as a sector is to be 'carriers of hope' in & with our communities.
Jennifer Calley
CE of Interactionz
As Chief Executive at Interactionz, I make sure our team and organisation have what they need to succeed, while building connections and collaborating with communities to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Working in the sector right now, I feel driven by both the challenges and the opportunities—working alongside others to make change that’s real, lasting, and led by the community.
Joanne Turner
Kaiwhakahaere Matua/CEO of Te Whare Korowai Taangata o Kirikiriroa
Rangimahora Reddy
CEO of Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust
Tony Marsters
General Manager, Whitianga Community Services Trust
I lead the Whitianga Community Services Trust, overseeing operations, community programmes, and strategic development to meet the needs of our local residents. I believe leadership is about empowering others, fostering trust, and creating a shared sense of purpose. Working in the community sector right now feels more important than ever, as we navigate complex challenges and find innovative ways to support resilience, wellbeing, and connection.
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
CEO at Hei Āhuru Mōwai
Shannon Te Huia
Pou Tāhūhū / Founder at Puniu River Care
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
Founder of The Cake Detective
I founded The Cake Detective Charitable Trust in 2019 to bring joy and a sense of being celebrated to some of our community's most vulnerable children through birthday cakes. We partner with agencies and charities in the Waikato to reach children experiencing hardship, neglect, abuse, serious illness, or family violence. My leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in integrity and empathy, ensuring our core purpose remains at the heart of everything we do at The Cake Detective. I believe in fostering a shared sense of ownership and commitment; every volunteer, board member, staff member, and donor must genuinely connect with our mission, ensuring their efforts are driven by passion and a true desire to make a difference. I also firmly believe that while many people possess incredible ideas for uplifting our community, bringing those ideas to fruition requires immense grit and determination.