Shelly Mitchell-Jenkins is the Chair of Eastern & Central Community Trust.Shelly grew up in Whanganui, and has lived in Wellington and Japan. She now shares her time between Napier and Levin, as the owner of Levin-based Chartered Accountancy practice Colbert Cooper.She studied at Massey University, and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.

 

Shelly has served on the ECCT Board for six years, and is also a director of Electra Limited (the Horowhenua-Kapiti lines company) and a Trustee of Horowhenua Scholarship Trust and Levin Charitable Trust.

 

“I love being involved with ECCT because it allows me to utilise the skills and knowledge developed over my working life, professionally, and from being involved in lots of community and not-for-profit organisations, in an organisation that has a goal to improve the lives of the people in our region.” .

Anna Hansen grew up in Tauranga, went to Otago University where she obtained a BSc (Hons) in chemistry, and, after briefly working in laboratories, moved into HR within the health and hospitality sectors, before working as a private consultant with a variety of Hawke’s Bay businesses.

 

She now provides administration and accounting support to a local law firm, teaches piano privately and at a local high school, and accompanies soloists and plays piano for local choirs. She also continues to provide some HR advice for community organisations – all while simultaneously raising a family.

 

“ECCT is a wonderful organisation to be exposed to the vibrant Eastern and Central region, with its multitude of not-for-profit grassroots organisations. It is a real honour to see the variety of skills and passions in the community, and to work with our fantastic in-house team committed to supporting community groups to improve and enhance the lives of a huge range of people.”

Of Ngāti Kahungunu descent, Sarah was raised in Whakaki and continues to live in Wairoa with husband Max and eldest daughter Karen (Kaz).

A registered nurse for over 30 years, Sarah has spent the last 20 years working for local Māori health provider Kahungunu Executive Ki Te Wairoa Charitable Trust, with the last ten years spent in management.

 

Her present role as the General Manager gives her oversight of the health, mental health, social services and housing services for the Wairoa community.

 

“I am passionate about my whanau, all things that lead to health and wellness, Wairoa, its people, Kahungunu Executive and its staff.  As one of the newbies on the Trust, I am keen to be part of the Board and I look forward to progressing the Trust’s vision to help build stronger more sustainable communities, for the region, and Wairoa.”

Ko Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe me Ngāti Awa nga iwi

Ko Hikurangi, Taiarahia me Putauaki nga maunga

Ko Waiapu, Ohinemataroa me Rangitaiki nga awa

Ko Rongohaere, Te Rewarewa me Uiraroa nga marae

Ko Te Aitanga a Mate, Te Mahurehure me Ngai Tama Wera nga hapu

Ko Juanita Whitiaira Timutimu ahau.

 

Whiti was raised in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in Ruatoki and has been living and working in Tairāwhiti since 2003. She and her wife Kristin live in Manutuke with daughter Maia who is 15.

Whiti works in the New Zealand Police and has spent 14 years working with whanau, hapu and iwi across the country.

In her personal time she is a ‘Social Entrepreneur’ and spends the majority of her time investing in the potential of others by creating solutions for issues in communities.

She has three mentoring programmes aimed at supporting young people (at risk school kids, LGBTQI youth, and children with a parent in prison).

Her passion is with creating long-term, sustainable solutions for whānau, hapū, iwi and communities.

“I feel privileged to be a part of the trust and look forward to the ‘transformation’ our funding will make for all communities.”

(Ngāti Rākaipaaka, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga)

Levi was born and bred in Hastings, and maintains his Mum’s whakapapa to Ngā Nuhaka in Wairoa. He has a degree in sociology and development studies from Victoria University of Wellington, and returned to the region in 2017 to focus on providing opportunities for others, establishing new projects, and finding innovative and sustainable ways to deliver positive, intergenerational impact within Hawke’s Bay.

 

A company director and mentor, Levi serves on several government-appointed boards providing a youth perspective, as well as actively engaging with young people to build networks of knowledge and support.

 

“My drive for this mahi is to help create the best opportunities for our young people, growing and supporting the next generation of movers and shakers to build on the progress made up to this point. Alongside this, I work to address the asking and bringing of our rangatahi into these spaces, without the appropriate environment. This means ensuring the systems, supports, culture and processes are all conducive to allowing them to thrive within that space, and to what is being asked of them.” 

David Lea has lived and worked in the small rural community of Pahiatua for over 65 years, and spent 33 of those years serving in local government, with 12 years as the Deputy Mayor of the Tararua District. He spent most of his working life in the real estate and insurance industries, and is now retired. Having spent most of his life advocating for his community, in 2010 he was awarded a QSM for service to the community. David’s passion is the theatre, and he is a life member of the Pahiatua Repertory Society, and Patron of the Pahiatua Cinema Society.

David is happily married to Bronny, and they have two married daughters and five wonderful grandchildren.

“I believe all our voluntary organisations, big and small, are the life blood of our communities, and my involvement with ECCT gives me the opportunity to ensure the help they need to reach their goals and aspirations is readily available.”

Georgina Morrison comes from rural Tararua, and resides on her husband’s family dairy farm near Pahiatua, with their two young children. Georgina studied at Massey University, and is currently the Executive Officer for Environment Hubs Aotearoa, and a facilitator for Enviroschools in Tararua and Palmerston North. She holds governance roles at Pukaha Mt Bruce, and Pahiatua Primary School.

“I enjoy being part of an organisation that truly seeks to support and empower communities from the grassroots up.”

Bryan Guy has spent the past 45 years dairy farming near Feilding, and now spends his time with his wife Jo, enjoying gardening and grandchildren. He has been a director of Livestock Improvement Corporation, Tui Milk Products Ltd, Kiwi Co-operative Dairies, AgResearch Ltd, and Dairying Research Corporation. He is currently involved with community and farming groups, including NZ Grassland Trust, Manawatu-Rangitikei Rural Family Support Trust, and the Anglican Parish of Oroua. He is Chairman of Manawatu Historic Vehicle Collection Trust (which operates the Coach House Museum in Feilding), and is a Director of Patriarch Vineyard.

 

“I enjoy being part of the team at ECCT because of the like-minded people who have a desire to enable and help their communities to be inclusive, involved and vibrant. There is great satisfaction in meeting with, and learning about, the multitude of individuals and groups in our communities, and witnessing the impact they have on the lives they are touching. I am always impressed by the dedication and commitment of the myriad of volunteers that willingly contribute to the wellbeing and good of those living in our communities.”