Our People

Margot was appointed in 2015 and is our current Chair. She is Chair of the Clutha Southland National Party, a director of Otautau Health Limited, a trustee of the Otautau Community Health Trust and a member of the Otago/Southland Lotteries Community Distribution Committee. Margot’s business interests are in farming and the construction industry and she is also a partner in Matilda Productions, that is involved in the entertainment industry. Margot lives in Winton and has strong links to the Western Southland district.

Lindsay has been a Trustee since 2013, became our Deputy Chair in 2014 and is also Chair of our Investment Committee. A fourth generation sheep and beef farmer from Wendonside in Northern Southland, Lindsay is the co-ordinator for the Southland Rural Support Trust and is involved in a range of voluntary boards, including chairing the Gore High School Foundation and being a member of the Riversdale and Districts Progress League. Lindsay has a 30-year association with Toastmasters at a national level.

Trish was appointed in 2013 and was the Trust's Chair from November 2014 to November 2016. Trish lives in Invercargill and is a senior Education Adviser with the Ministry of Education and has previously worked in mentoring and assessment of performance management for teachers and principals. She has also been a teacher and principal in schools in Southland. As a Rotarian, Trish has held a range of leadership roles including Club President, District Governor, and national and international trainer, and is currently Chair of Rotary charitable trust - The Rotary Foundation for District 9980.

Richard lives in Te Anau and was appointed 2012. Richard was the Manager of The Village Inn Hotel in Te Anau and was on the Board of the Mainstay Hotels. Richard is actively involved in the Fiordland Health Trust and Fiordland Rotary, receiving Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship in 2014, and was Fiordland’s representative on the former Takitimu PHO. Richard's dedication to his community is evident through his involvement in numerous projects and activities, raising significant funds for the Te Anau community and wider Fiordland area.

Mata is of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai and Ngāi Pakeha decent and was born and raised in Invercargill, and after time away, returned to live in Bluff. She was appointed as a Trustee in 2015 and holds degrees from Waikato University in Social Sciences, and in Law. She has held leadership and governance roles in the health, social and education sectors, and currently runs her own business and enjoys serving iwi Māori as well as her wider community in matters that contribute to improving its wellbeing. 

Stephen was appointed in 2015 and lives in Invercargill. He is an Authorised Financial Advisor and is the principal of Mitre Wealth Management. He is a Certified Financial Planner and has a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago University and a Postgraduate Diploma (Personal Financial Planning) from Waikato University. A Fellow Chartered Accountant, Fellow of the Institute of Financial Advisers and Associate Fellow of the NZ Institute of Management, Stephen also has a range of community involvements being Chairman of Southland Disability Enterprises, a Life Member of YMCA of Invercargill and a member of the Invercargill Rotary Club. He is a former Director of Rugby Southland, Past President of the Marist Rugby Club and the Rotary Club of Invercargill. Stephen is a director of Invest South a local private equity fund, of which Community Trust South is the sole investor.

Penny was appointed in 2012 and is the Chief Executive of Southern Institute of Technology. In 2015 Penny was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She is a Board member Venture Southland, Past President of Hockey New Zealand, a director of Southern Lakes English Language College and trustee of Film Otago Southland. Penny lives in Mabel Bush.

Warren lives in Queenstown and was appointed in 2016. Warren is a Financial Advisor, with over 35 years’ experience. He is also a Certified Financial Planner and has a Diploma (Personal Financial Planning) from Massey University. Warren grew up in Bluff and, after building a successful financial planning and insurance practice in Invercargill, moved to Queenstown. He is active in both the Wakatipu and Southland regions, having business interests covering Southland and Otago.

John was appointed in 2017 and, while originally from Gore, he now lives in Riverton. John had a long involvement with the Mataura Licensing Trust, spanning over 39 years of which he was the General Manager for 29 years.

Michael, who lives in Invercargill, was appointed in 2018. A solicitor for Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, Michael is also a Disputes Tribunal Referee. Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1992, Michael has also practiced in commercial and regulatory law in Auckland and Wellington, as well as holding corporate governance roles.

Bringing a range of management experience in the grantmaking and tertiary education sectors, Jackie joined the Trust in early 2018. Jackie’s commitment to fostering relationships and partnerships with other funders and the community ensures the Trust is well positioned and continues to build on its solid foundations established over the past 30 years. Her pragmatic and level-headed approach enables her to empower staff and effectively support the trustees to carry out their mandate.

Email: jackie@communitytrustsouth.nz

With nearly 20 years working alongside the people of the South, Dianne brings an empathic and sound understanding of all things community. Her knowledge of working with your organisation is a vital link in sharing your passion and advocating for your services and projects with trustees. Dianne’s strength is getting to the heart of a project and working alongside groups to achieve their goals.

Email: dianne@communitytrustsouth.nz

Ngaire’s down-to-earth approach, combined with a diverse range of skills and responsibilities, ensures she's the glue that holds our office together. With over ten years’ experience at the Trust, Ngaire knows the organisation inside and out and is your first point of contact.

Email: ngaire@communitytrustsouth.nz

With over 20 years’ experience as a chartered accountant in the private and community sectors, Jen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. When it comes to numbers, Jen thrives on detail and can bring numbers to life, ensuring our investments and operations are managed based on best practice.

Email: jennifer@communitytrustsouth.nz

Nikki is our juggling extraordinaire, managing to juggle multiple communication and marketing activities that are on the go at any one time. With a Bachelor of Commerce and Science and over 14 years of experience in various marketing roles, she’s passionate about sharing your stories with the world and spreading the word about all things Community Trust South.

Email: nikki@communitytrustsouth.nz

Having recently returned to the Trust, Anna’s friendly approach and her passion for supporting community groups ensures that grant and scholarship applications are in safe hands. Her part-time role supports our Grants Manager in the day-to-day administration of funding activities.

Email: anna@communitytrustsouth.nz

With a Bachelor of Physical Education and Postgrad in Rehabilitation, Robyn brings a wide range of skills and experiences to her role of over 10 years. Having her finger on the pulse and knowing what’s happening in our community and the wider grantmaking sector ensures our strategy and grantmaking decisions are well informed.

Email: robyn@communitytrustsouth.nz