Our approach to leadership is to ‘hold the space for new possibilities to emerge’. Our formal leadership team aims to foster this approach across all levels of the organisation, strengthen internal and external connections and help the organisation navigate the obstacles and grasp the opportunities.
David Hanna - Director
A fifth generation Pākeha, David whakapapas to Scotland and Ireland. He has a background in youthwork, public policy and Methodism. He’s a leader in community-led development and grassroots-led systems change. As well as being Director of Wesley Community Action David is also a member of the national leadership team of Inspiring Communities.
Andrea McKenzie – General Manager Ngāti Tūwharetoa me Te Āta Haunui a Pāpārangi toku iwi. No Whanganui ahau.
Andrea is a highly experienced and qualified social worker and supervisor. She has leadership experience in a diverse range of settings including traditional child, youth and family and older person services, as well as community development led spaces.
Claire Booth – Manager Te Waka Haumaru (older persons team)
English born and New Zealand raised, Claire has worked as a social worker and a counsellor. She has training in solution-focussed, strengths-based, narrative therapy as well as systemic family therapy. She has worked for NGOs, in major teaching hospitals in Australia and the UK, and in palliative care, private practice, and in public service. Claire has a passion for strength-based practice and a deep knowledge of the health care system.
Kena Duignan – Innovation Lead
Kena has been working with Wesley on and off for more than a decade, working alongside communities who want to make change. As well as her community-led development expertise, she has skills and experience in communications and engagement, having worked both in Parliament, and in local government spaces. She is also experienced in working in Te Tiriti partnership models. Her particular area of interest is climate change, and natural and kai systems.
Kirsten Gendall – Funding / Taiao Lead
Born and bred in Te Awa Kairangi, Kirsten's paid work background is varied, including policy, evaluation, retail, funding, and community work. She has a strong passion for protecting our taiao and is energised by being part of solutions that enhance this beautiful place we inhabit.
Jotham Kasibante – Finance & Business Development Manager
Born and raised in Uganda, Jotham lives in Te Awakairangi with his wife Natasha and their two daughters, Willow and Zoe. His faith and relationship with God shape his values and guide his commitment to serving others and responsible stewardship. As Finance & Business Development Manager, he is responsible for financial management, investments, property and housing development, and supporting the organisation’s long‑term sustainability and community‑led outcomes.
Lizzie Makalio – Club Whānau Innovation Lead
Lizzie whakapapas to Scotland and Kuki Airani (Cook Islands). She has a background in youth work and social work and she is a leader in creating grassroots movements and spaces that grow whānau champions.
Makerita Makapelu – Manager Cannons Creek
Born in Samoa and raised in Porirua, Makerita whakapapas to the villages of Leauva’a and Sa’anapu. She has a background in performing arts and youth work. She’s a leader in community-led development and grassroots led systems change. She values dreaming big with the Porirua community.
Ruth Nichol – Communications Lead
Ruth is a former journalist who has more recently worked for a number of not-for-profit organisations.
Sheree Ryder – Manager Te Kākano
Ngāti Tūwharetoa / Ngāti Ranginui
Sheree is a registered social worker, a kapa haka exponent, a Māmā and a Kuia. She is passionate about our tamariki/mokopuna and about ensuring they have the best start in life.
Lisa Tagaloa – Kaitiaki
Ngā uri a Māui nō Tokelau/Samoa/Ngāpuhi.
Lisa is a bicultural supervisor, a musician a mum and a kuia. She leads the mamae-mana-aroha model. Her life purpose is to nurture and strengthen spaces to elevate connection at a mauri/heart level.
