Staff and Kaumaatua
Trust Waikato has twelve staff, all specialists in their area of accountability, working closely together as a team.
Tame Pokaia
Kaumaatua
Tame is from Ngaati Mahuta and Ngaati Hikairo descent, and was born and raised
in Ngaaruawaahia.
Dennis Turton
Chief Executive
Dennis’ significant senior management experience puts him in good stead, as
Trust Waikato’s Chief Executive.
Jade Astill
Office Coordinator
Jade is the key point of contact for our community meeting rooms, and finance
and operations administration.
Jasmin Aldworth
Business Services Coordinator
Jasmin oversees the Trust property, health and safety, and supports the Trust Board.
Maggie Zhang CA
Finance and Investment Manager
Maggie looks after the Finance and Investment of the Trust, ensuring operational agility.
Danielle Lorberbaum
Communications Manager
Danielle manages Trust communications and shares the wonderful community initiatives happening across the region.
Melanie Blackmore
Business Manager (on maternity leave)
Mel manages the office of the Chief Executive, supports the Trust Board and assists with the development of effective policy.
Rongo Kirkwood
Pouhere Puutea | Grants Manager
Rongo Kirkwood is of Ngaati Mahuta descent, and draws strength from her whaanau, hapuu and iwi.
Tarita Templeton
Pou Aarahi | Community Engagement Advisor
Tarita joined the Trust Waikato team in 2010 and as of December 2016 she has been a Grants Advisor.
Nita McNeil
Pou Hono | Database and Information Manager
Nita's role involves managing the grants application process and providing helpdesk support to groups.
Lilian Short
Pou Aawhina | Community Response Advisor
Lilian joined the Trust Waikato team in November 2021 and oversees all Community Response Grants under $20,000.
Molly Allen
Pou Aawhina | Community Response Advisor (on maternity leave)
Molly joined the Trust Waikato team in June 2017 and has loved the change to the not-for-profit sector.