This page will be updated as new speakers are confirmed.
Clare Aspinall
Lecturer in Public Health, University of Otago and Vice-Chair of Dwell Housing Trust
Clare is a researcher and PhD student looking at the evolution and transferability of Housing First in Aotearoa, New Zealand (Aotearoa NZ). The study is part of a five-year research programme on the delivery and outcomes achieved by using HF, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. He Kāinga Oranga partnered with The People’s Project and Waikato University to establish the programme.
Clare has research interests in housing and homelessness governance, policy and practice, equity, and effective ways to address and prevent homelessness. She has a background in nursing and previously spent 13 years as a senior public health advisor in Wellington, focusing on housing, health, and homelessness. Her Master’s research studied The advantages and disadvantages of boarding houses in Wellington.
She is the Vice-Chair of Dwell Housing Trust and has 17 years of governance experience in the community housing sector. She was a founding member and co-chair of the New Zealand Coalition to End Homelessness 2006-2010.
Mitchell Anderson
Co-founder and Managing director, Urban Intelligence
Mitchell is a co-founder and the managing director of Urban Intelligence, a small firm in Ōtautahi Christchurch enabling evidence-based decisions for a more resilient future. He has led work with Community Housing Aotearoa to provide an updated evidence base for CHA and their 100+ organisational members that will enable more informed decision-making surrounding future investment and management of infrastructure.
He is currently on the cusp of completing his PhD in Civil Systems Engineering, with a specific focus on improving local climate change and natural hazard risk assessments.
Mitchell's expertise in risk assessment has seen him present both his research and application at conferences around the world.
Makinsie Baker
Senior Tenancy Manager at CORT Community Housing
I am the Senior Tenancy Manager at CORT Community Housing. I have worked for CORT for 7.5 years. I work with people who are under community mental health services and have inadequate housing whether it be homelessness, emergency housing or couch surfing. I currently co-lead Rapua Te Ahuru Mowai which is a four year pilot funded by the Ministry of Health to address the current need of housing for people “stranded” in acute impatient units in Auckland.What I love about working for CORT is that we are supportive landlord who work with our whaiora to ensure they can continue to live good lives in a healthy home.
Haehaetu Barrett
Chief Executive Officer, Lifewise Aotearoa
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Ngāti Whakaue te iwi Ko Ngāti Kārenga te hapū Ko Ngongotahā te maunga Ko Te Utuhina te awa Ko Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe te moana Ko Te Koutū te marae Ko Tamatekapua te tangata Ko Haehaetu Barrett toku ingoa Ko au te Upoko Rangatira o Te Whānau Lifewise Trust
Haehaetu Barrett is on a mission to combat social injustice. Trained as a clinician and manager, Haehaetu has a unique 30yr background in Māori leadership, management, clinical and quality risk expertise, strategic planning, business development and Iwi partnerships. Born and bred in Te Koutu Rotorua, Haehaetu has serviced the mental health and addictions sector at all levels ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience are upheld and align with the aspirational values and teachings of her tūpuna.
Haehaetu was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Lifewise Aotearoa in 2022 leading services across Auckland and the Bay of Plenty Region for Tamariki through to Kuia and Kaumatua. Haehaetu is renowned for her up-front and direct communication style, asserting mana motuhake in the spaces she moves through.
Nathan Beale
Regional Manager, Visionwest – Waka Whakakitenga
Nathan has been Regional Manager for the Visionwest Housing team since it started serving the Waitaha community in 2015. Whilst leading this team, Nathan has been involved in setting up the Short-Term Housing Response in 2015-2017 which included Visionwest Support services operating onsite journeying with whanau who remained ‘stuck’ in homelessness. Many of the learnings from this service have been adapted and assisted MSD in the rolling out of the operational guidelines for Transitional & Emergency housing. His team also piloted the Sustaining Tenancies programme in 2017-2019, until it was later rolled out Nationally in 2019.
Nathan is currently facilitating the bringing together of the Transitional & Emergency Housing providers in Te Waipounamu to continually work together and collaborate for change. He is also assisting the Te Waipounamu Housing network along with other sector leaders to collaborate together on a place-based plan for ending homelessness in Waitaha.
Nathan has a passion to see the whanau we serve, as well as sector leaders come together to solve the issues facing our most vulnerable.
Prior to this, Nathan worked 10 years in the Retail Banking industry in multiple roles including Bank Management and had a period working as a Church Minister.
Angela Becker
Kia ora koutou, I am a descendant of Ngai Tahu and my whānau line is Mokomoko.
As a Kaiaropa / Peer Support Specialist I bring my own journey of lived experience to my work and use my transferable skills and qualities to build trust, connect with and support Kaewa on their journey. My mission is to walk alongside, providing hope and empowering Kaewa to open the door to new future possibilities and supporting their choices to improve their quality of life.
Chris Bishop
Member of Parliament, National Party
Chris is in his third term as a Member of Parliament and is National’s Spokesperson for Housing, Urban Development, and Infrastructure, ranked 3rd in the National line-up. He is also National’s Chair for the 2023 Election Campaign.
From 2017-2020 he was the MP for Hutt South (the first time National had ever held the seat) and is now a National List MP based in Hutt South. He is National’s candidate for Hutt South in the 2023 Election.
Chris was born and raised in Lower Hutt, attending Eastern Hutt School, Hutt Intermediate and Hutt International Boys’ School. He has a first class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington, and has been admitted to the Bar as a barrister and solicitor.
Since National went into Opposition in 2017, Chris has served at various times as National’s Spokesperson for Transport, Regional Development, Police, and Youth and was the Shadow Leader of the House from 2020-2023. He has served on a variety of select committees, including Finance and Expenditure, Health, Justice, Regulations Review and Transport and Infrastructure. He chaired the Finance and Expenditure Committee from February to September 2017.
He is the co-captain of the Parliamentary cricket team. He loves good coffee, good BBQ brisket, red wine, and rock music.
Adelaide Brown
Manager, Deals Advisory Division, KPMG
Adelaide Brown is an accomplished professional working as a Manager in the Deals Advisory division at KPMG, specialising primarily in Government and Infrastructure advisory services. KPMG has advised the Crown, Local Authorities, Community Housing Providers, property developers, and financiers on a wide range of housing matters, and are well-versed in New Zealand’s social and affordable housing sector.
Throughout her tenure at KPMG, Adelaide has honed her expertise in housing and social infrastructure. Her strategic focus revolves around providing innovative and effective solutions to address complex social issues. Leveraging her proficiency in commercial, financial, and transactional matters, Adelaide has been instrumental in advising clients on a wide range of projects, employing her knowledge to drive impactful outcomes.
Her early career experience at the Community Housing Regulatory Authority further amplified her expertise in the housing domain, granting her insights into the sector's challenges, opportunities, and regulatory frameworks. Adelaide holds a Master’s in Public Management.
Judith Bullin
Partner at Parry Field Lawyers
Judith is a Partner at Parry Field Lawyers specialising in commercial and property matters with a focus on community housing. With almost 10 years’ legal experience, Judith is passionate about helping organisations structure their community housing projects appropriately. Having been a trustee of a charitable trust which completed a new build residential social housing complex Judith has first-hand experience of the need to structure things appropriately.
Judith also focuses on construction law so is well placed to advise organisations on any construction aspects of their projects.
Alison Cadman
Chief Executive, Dwell Housing Trust ONZM
Alison is Dwell Housing Trust’s chief executive. Since Alison began working for Wellington Housing Trust in 2003 she has amassed a vast knowledge and experience of community housing and housing generally.
Alison was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2013 and studied the growth of not-for-profit social housing organisations in the UK and Australia. She also spent time in the UK with several London housing associations.
Alison was an inaugural member of the national council of Community Housing Aotearoa and a council member for many years, including a term as co-chair.Her other work experience includes roles in the (then) Housing Corporation, coordinator at the Wellington Peoples Centre and community development adviser at Wellington City Council.
She is passionate about the added value of community housing providers and the role they play in community and economic development.
Alison was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in the 2022 New Year's Honours List for services to housing and community.
Rod Carr
Chairperson, Climate Change Commission
Dr Carr has extensive experience in both public and private sector governance and leadership. He served as Chair and non-executive director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and served as Deputy Governor and for a time Acting Governor of the Bank. Dr Carr was the founding Chair of the National Infrastructure Advisory Board and for over a decade was a non-executive director of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.
He led the University of Canterbury as Vice Chancellor for ten years, and holds a PhD in Insurance and Risk Management, an MA in Applied Economics and Managerial Science, an MBA in Money and Finance and honours degrees in law and economics.
Victoria Carroll LLBHons
CEO of Manawa Community Housing Trust
KO Mangatawa te maunga KO Rangataua te Moana KO Tamapahore te tangata KO Nga Potiki te iwi KO Victoria Carroll ahau
Victoria has been working in the housing space for 15 years. In 2008, she established Papakainga Solutions Ltd focussed on delivering housing for whanau on Maori land working with over 60 Maori land trusts and enabling 140 homes.
Victoria is currently CEO of Manawa Community Housing Trust a CHP charged with delivering housing outcomes for Nga Potiki in Tauranga Moana. In 2018, Victoria launched the first Iwi shared equity scheme unassisted by government and is currently launching the MCHT PHO longterm lease scheme.
MCHT design and deliver diverse quality affordable housing options for Nga Potiki tribal members across social, affordable, shared equity and longterm leasehold models.
Chris Chamberlain
Senior Minister, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church
Chris has been the Senior Minister at Oxford Terrace Baptist Church since 2008. His passion for housing justice was ignited after the earthquakes of 2010-11 in Canterbury and subsequent insurance tensions and bureaucracy. The 1881 church facilities were destroyed at that time, and a creative rebuild now includes 24 homes with a total of 59 bedrooms. He would lead the building of more if a funder came to the party! Chris is passionate, active, and determined. He plays violin, and also plays with old Fiat cars in his spare time.
Tom Clarke
Acting General Manager, SPM Assets New Zealand
Originally from Dublin, Tom Clarke is the Acting General Manager for SPM Assets New Zealand, a company that provides cloud based technology to help housing and other organisations predict asset lifecycle expenditure, so they can plan sustainably for the future.
Tom has a background in science; and has significant experience in the consulting, construction, and asset management planning sectors in both Aotearoa and overseas.
With over eleven years at SPM Assets, working alongside many different clients, Tom understands the practical challenges asset owners, asset managers and senior leaders face when extracting and communicating tangible benefits from the asset management planning process for their individual organisation.
Tom lives in Auckland with his wife and two teenage children.
Pauline Cotter
Deputy Mayor, Christchurch City Council
Christchurch born and raised, Pauline attended Canterbury University and is a graduate of Christchurch College of Education. Pauline has been a City Councillor since 2013, representing the Innes ward, and after the recent 2022 election was appointed Deputy Mayor. She has a strong environmental and community wellbeing focus and has over the years chaired the 3 Waters and Environment Committee, the post-quake Land Drainage Recovery Working Group, the Christchurch Agency for Energy, been a member of the Te Waihora Co- Governance Committee, the Christchurch West Melton Zone Committee for Water, the Canterbury Museum Trust Board, and is a regular attendee at various community and residents’ meetings. She was also a member of the Council Housing committee 2013- 2016 and is currently a Board member on the Otautahi Community Housing Trust.
Pauline is a strong advocate for Council to lead Climate Change mitigation, especially embracing innovation in the building sector, and including waste reduction during construction, along with sustainable long-term performance built into design. She is passionate about Community gardens and the role they play in sustainability, strong communities, food security and localism. Pauline feels Otautahi is a fantastic city with so much to offer everyone. Our focus must be on our people through our Communities, our facilities, our housing choices, our environment and our leadership.
Jo Cribb
Consultant
Jo is a consultant who has a track record of developing and executing strategy, influencing decision makers and finding solutions to complex policy and organisational challenges. She is an experienced Chief Executive, board director, strategist, gender and policy expert. She has been the Chair of the Wellington Homeless Women's Trust for the last four years and is passionate about ensuring housing services provide for the needs and aspirations of women.
Andrew Crisp
Chief Executive, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Andrew has been Chief Executive of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since the Ministry’s establishment in October 2018.
HUD is the lead Government agency for housing and urban development and works across the system in partnership with a range of organisations to prevent and reduce homelessness, increase public and private housing supply, modernise rental laws and standards, increase access to affordable housing for people to rent and buy, and to support quality urban development and thriving communities.
Andrew co-chairs the Construction Sector Accord, which is a public and private partnership focussed on transforming the sector to become more productive and collaborative in order to deliver better outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Andrew has held a number of Public Service leadership roles including Chief Executive at Land Information New Zealand.
Victoria Crockford
Victoria has a diverse professional background, working across the housing, energy, social enterprise, and film and television sectors for NGOs, large corporates, and start-ups in communications, government relations, business development, and executive leadership. She is currently working as a consultant in the housing and energy sectors from her home base in Tāhuna/Queenstown. She is passionate about the right to a decent home and has particular interests in addressing the housing needs of women and energy hardship.
Hon Marama Davidson
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence and Associate Minister of Housing
Hon Marama Davidson is of Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Tahinga descent and was born into a family of young, urban Māori parents who were activists for justice. This grounding has meant Marama is passionate about improving outcomes for the many, and not just the few, and brings a Tiriti justice priority to her work and thinking every day in parliament.
Marama commits to a political approach of listening and working closely with community and its flaxroots leaders who do the hard work on the ground every day. Marama firmly believes that this is the most important work, to affirm the power of people and whānau to lead the most enduring solutions.Prior to becoming an MP, Marama worked for the Human Rights Commission for 10 years, and was the Chief Panelist for the Glenn Inquiry into Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. Marama and her husband have her six children and they live in Manurewa with four of their children, a son-in-law and their mokopuna. Over the past five years she has dedicated her efforts to understanding the housing crisis around the country, and is deeply committed to helping those with the greatest need get into secure housing. As Associate Minister for Housing with responsibility for addressing homelessness, Marama brought her expertise and commitment to create real change for our communities.
Jen Deben
TE MATAPIHI HE TIROHANGA MŌ TE IWI TRUST
Jen Deben (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) is a housing advocate specialising in public housing and progressive home ownership. Jen is committed to equitable housing opportunities for whānau as a catalyst for improved wellbeing and contribution to thriving communities. Jen invests her time working with rōpū Māori, Government agencies, financial institutions, researchers, and industry experts, to promote meaningful outcomes within the system and across the housing continuum.
Te Matapihi is the independent voice for Māori in the delivery of housing to our whānau. Rental housing and home ownership are the key areas that Jen operates in as Manager of these two separate and distinct portfolios. This involves navigating the housing eco-system to build connections between the policy levers of government with the desire and capability of Māori.
Craig Dixon
Community Living Project Director, Naylor Love
Craig is an ordained Anglican Priest, serving in the Diocese of Christchurch for over 36 years. Prior to priesthood he worked in the advertising industryAfter 20 plus years as a Parish Vicar, Craig worked on the staff of Christchurch Cathedral pre-earthquakes, as Marketing and Development Manager. Post-earthquakes he initiated the ‘Cardboard Cathedral Project’, serving on the design/build team as Project Lead. It was here he first contacted Naylor Love – construction company for the Cardboard Cathedral.
In 2019 Craig approached Naylor Love to talk about building healthy homes for those least able to afford them. There began the Mahana House Project. In collaboration with renowned architect, Shigeru Ban and local design studio Isthmus, the first of three Mahana Designs was developed. In 2020 Craig was invited to become Naylor Love’s Community Living Project Director. He has enjoyed the challenge of bringing people and design skills to the task of telling the ‘Mahana’ story. Craig’s passion is supporting and enabling the less fortunate among us. His interest in bringing housing solutions to those in need extends to a working knowledge of high performance and innovative house design.
Shamubeel Eaqub
Shamubeel Eaqub is an experienced economist who makes economics easy. He is also an author, media commentator and a thought leading public speaker.
He has over two decades of experience as an economist in Wellington, Melbourne and Auckland in leading international banks and consultancy. He is a partner at Sense Partners – a boutique economic consultancy.
He holds a BCOM with Honours in Economics from Lincoln University and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.
He lives in Auckland with his wife and two sons.
Hon Barbara Edmonds
Minister of Internal Affairs, Economic Development, Minister for Pacific Peoples, Associate Minister for Health, Housing and Cyclone Recovery
Hon Barbara Edmonds is currently the Minister of Internal Affairs, Economic Development and Minister for Pacific Peoples as well as Associate Minister for Health, Housing and Cyclone Recovery.
Minister Edmonds is proud to be the Member of Parliament for the Mana electorate that covers Linden, Porirua and Raumati and Paraparaumu East.
Before her recent promotion to cabinet the Minister was also the Associate Whip for the Labour Caucus and Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.
Before Parliament, Hon Barbara acted as a senior advisor to Ministers under successive governments and was a key contributor to the Government’s law reforms following the March 15 Terror Attacks. Hon Barbara was also heavily involved in the Government’s tax, social policy, small business, and economic response to COVID-19.
Before the Beehive, Minister Edmonds worked in the Policy and Strategy, and Legal and Technical Services areas of Inland Revenue as well as private medical, and fire and general insurance industry.
Hon Barbara lives in Titahi Bay with her husband Chris and their 8 children and is well connected to her community through her involvement in local sport and education for over a decade.
Panapa EhauExecutive Director Hikurangi Enterprises – Ngati Uepohatu, Ngati Porou. From Ruatorea, with a degree in management, Panapa is a co-founder of numerous social enterprises and holds governance roles across numerous for-profit and charitable organisations. Panapa lives in Te Tairāwhiti and is focused on development of localised intergenerational economic opportunities.
Tony Emett
Chief Executive, Assisting Different Abilities Peoples Trust (ADAPT)
Tony Emett is Chief Executive of Assisting Different Abilities Peoples Trust. He was appointed to lead the organisation when the Board of Trustees decided that research into accessible homes was required to meet the needs of New Zealanders with different abilities. Tony has a unique blend of skills and experience from working in management roles in some of the world’s largest FMCG companies, Special Olympics New Zealand and private land and urban development.
He is passionate about the need for affordable accessible housing and the principles of Enabling Good Lives.
Maria English
CEO, ImpactLab
At ImpactLab, our vision is to create a world where investment works for communities so they can live the lives they choose.
Prior to ImpactLab, Maria worked at the Boston Consulting Group in Australia where she advised senior management in the public, private and non-profit sectors on strategy, service transformation and measurement.
At BCG, Maria was a Jawun secondee for the Wunan Foundation – working with Australian indigenous community organisations.
Maria has an MBA from Stanford University and a BA in Politics, Psychology and Sociology from the University of Cambridge.
Luke English
Research Lead, ImpactLab
At ImpactLab, our vision is to create a world where investment works for communities so they can live the lives they choose.
Prior to ImpactLab, Luke worked as a junior commercial advisor for the ASX listed company Mineral Resources Limited (MRL) in Perth. He also worked in contracts and operations (purchaser/procurer) for Pindan Construction on construction/maintenance of the Western Australian Department of Housing's social housing - including indigenous housing.
Luke has also worked as a construction lawyer in Sydney, and in consultancy in New Zealand specialising in Treasury CBAx analysis for public and private clients.
Luke is a director of Manawanui Support Limited which uses technology to help New Zealanders with disabilities live independent lives.
Natalia Garstecka
Principal Commercial Advisor, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Natalia joined the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2020. She is part of the Housing Supply team which works closely with and supports Community Housing Providers in developing feasible proposals to deliver new build public homes. Her role at HUD also includes informing public housing policy development.
Prior to joining HUD, Natalia worked in the private sector providing financial, commercial and transactional advice related to infrastructure projects to a range of public sector clients internationally and in New Zealand. Her focus has been on social infrastructure including housing and, while in the UK, development of higher education campuses and student residences.
Originally from Poland, Natalia lives in Wellington, which became her home in 2018 after many years in the UK and a two-year working experience in South Africa. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Political Economy.
Paul Gilberd
Chief Executive Officer, Community Finance, Community Housing Aotearoa
Paul is an experienced, values-driven, professional with a successful domestic and international career in public and private sectors and with local governments. He brings expertise in business development, strategic planning and organisational change. Most recently he held senior management roles at Community Finance, Positive Capital and the New Zealand Housing Foundation. With his long-standing experience in community housing, and its finance, he has worked alongside Māori, church, commercial and community groups.
Paul believes in the significant contribution, and distinctive value, delivered by the Community Housing sector. Paul is widely networked within the New Zealand housing system and brings a passion for collective impact and unlocking the power of working better together.
Stephen Hart
CEO Pou Matua
Stephen has been with CORT since 2016, leading the organisation through a significant period of growth. Graduating from the University of Auckland with a conjoint degree in history and commerce, Stephen spent time in the music industry, and has worked in the mental health and NGO sector since 2007. Stephen was appointed to the CEO role in 2022.
Awatea Hawke
Kia ora Koutou
Iwi Affiliation’s: Ngaati Whaatua O Tamaaki, Te Rarawa, Ngaati Whanaunga, Ngaati Apaakura.
As a Peer Support Worker for Housing First this role reflects my personal past experiences of transitioning from obscurity to inspire others along their own journey towards rebuilding their sense of identity, belonging and having their voice heard.
Jill Hawkey
Director of Christchurch Methodist Mission
Jill Hawkey has been the Director of the Christchurch Methodist Mission (CMM) since 2014. Having qualified and worked as a social worker, Jill then moved into international aid and development and has an MPhil (Development Studies). Jill and her family returned to Canterbury in time for the earthquakes in 2011.
While CMM has provided housing for older people for over 40 years, its housing work has grown signficantly in the last seven years in response to the housing crisis. The CMM housing team of 67 staff provide support to those living in emergency housing in Blenheim, Nelson and on the West Coast, offer transitional housing in Blenheim and Christchurch and are building social housing. CMM leads the collaborative Housing First programme in Christchurch and Blenheim and is a Sustaining Tenancies provider. CMM also runs Whare Tiaki, a shared home for eight kaumātua Māori.
Jill is the co-chair of the Te Waipounamu Community Housing Providers Network.
Caroline Herewini MNZM
Te Whare Tiaki
Ko Whakapunaki te Maunga. Ko Waiau te Awa. Ko Takitimu te Waka. Ko Whetumarama te Marae. Ko Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Kahungungu, Ngati Pahauwera, Nga Puhi-nui-tonu, Ngai Tuhoe nga IwiKo Kararaina Herewini taku ingoa. Caroline Herewini MNZM has been involved with Women’s Refuge New Zealand for 3 decades.
She was one of the founding members towards the establishment of Te Whare Tiaki Wahine Refuge, and remains the ongoing driving force responsible for the operations of Te Whare Tiaki Wahine Refuge Charitable Trust, including on the 15th May 2023, Te Whare Tiaki launched Rongoma Tane “Men’s Centre”; which provides prevention, early intervention, crisis intervention and post-crisis intervention services and support to whanau who are affected by physical, emotional, mental, financial and sexual abuse. Ms Herewini received an MNZM on behalf of all the women who have given their lives and service to Women and children so that they can be free from fear and violence in New Zealand.
Kendra Horning
Whare Programme Lead / Youth Housing Specialist, Visionwest Community Trust
My name is Kendra and I am the My Whare Programme Lead / Youth Housing Specialist at Visionwest Community Trust. I am a full time Believer and Dreamer of ending and preventing youth homelessness here in Aotearoa and ultimately, working towards becoming redundant, meaning we have tackled and solved this crisis. Over the many years I have spent working in the Youth Services both in South Auckland and in West Auckland I have seen first hand, the impact that housing instability/ homelessness is having on our rangatahi and their future. We are here to be the change and help create positive pathways, with positive models of housing for these very deserving Rangatahi.
Philippa Howden-Chapman
Professor; Co-Director of He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme; Director, New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities
Philippa Howden-Chapman, sesquicentennial distinguished professor of public health at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand, is co-director of He Kāinga Oranga/ Housing and Health Research Programme and director of the NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities and the WHO Collaborating Centre on Housing and Wellbeing. She conducts randomised community housing trials in partnership with local communities, which have had a major influence on housing, urban policy and health. Her work focuses on reducing inequalities in the determinants of health and wellbeing.
She is a director on the board of the Crown Entity Kāinga Ora-homes and communities, a fellow of the Royal Society of NZ and former chair of the International Science Council Committee, Urban Health and Wellbeing: a systems approach. She has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister’s Science Team Prize and the Royal Society of NZ Rutherford Medal. She was awarded a Queen’s Service Order and for contributions to public health a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit.
Bev James
Director of Public Policy and Research
Bev James, who has a PhD in Sociology, has extensive experience in local and central government policy and research, as well as consultancy roles. Her main research areas include the rental market and older people, innovative solutions for affordable housing, ageing and housing decisions, the meaning of home, and evidence-based decision-support tool development.
Bev has held senior research positions in public-good science programmes including the Ageing Well National Science Challenge, and since 2016, the Building Better Homes Towns and Cities National Science Challenge. Her recent publications include pathways to renting among older people, older homelessness, and older people’s experiences of home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bev is Director of Public Policy & Research and in a voluntary capacity, is the chairperson of a community housing trust. In 2022 Bev received the MNZM for services to seniors.
Jade Kake
Conference MC
Jade Kake (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whakatōhea) is an architectural / urban designer, researcher and housing advocate. Her interests include decolonisation, the re-establishment of papakāinga / kāinga, indigenising urban spaces through kaupapa Māori urban design, and mobilising effective responses to Māori housing and homelessness issues. Jade has experience as a volunteer technical kaimahi for Whangārei hapū (Indigenous subtribes) on planning, sovereignty and Treaty settlement matters, and as a systems advocate for Māori housing at a National level. She is the founder of Matakohe Architecture and Urbanism, a kaupapa Māori design studio with offices in Whangārei and Tāmaki Makaurau. She is also a part-time lecturer at Huri Te Ao, the School of Future Environments at AUT.
Cate Kearney
Chief Executive, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
Cate is the chief executive of Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, the South Island’s largest community housing provider. She has worked in community housing, mental health and addiction services for 25 years, in public and non-profit sectors and in management and governance roles with regional and national reach.
Cate’s move into community housing in 2016 fulfilled her personal interest in housing and the belief that adequate housing for all is the cornerstone of well-being and economic stability. Before joining the housing sector, Cate was a keen follower of house design, green technologies and the ways in which architecture and urban design build thriving communities. Cate has previously led and served on several non-governmental organisation boards and committees. She is the co-chair of Community Housing Aotearoa and its CEO Forum.
Cate lives in Christchurch.
Rachel Kowalchuk Dohig
Assistant Research Fellow with He Kāinga Oranga /Housing and Health Research team at the University of Otago, Wellington
Rachel has just completed her Master’s at the University of Otago with the New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities as part of the Public Housing and Urban Regeneration: Maximising Wellbeing research programme. She has a study background in music and English literature, and has worked in community spaces and as a music teacher for children and teens. Originally from Taranaki, Rachel has lived in Pōneke for many years and currently works as an Assistant Research Fellow with He Kāinga Oranga /Housing and Health Research team at the University of Otago, Wellington.
Wayne Knox
General Manager, Te Matapihi
Wayne Knox is a proud descendant of Waikato, and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the Māori Housing space. After completing a Bachelor of Architecture (hons) in 1999, Wayne held various leadership and senior advisory roles in both the Public and Iwi Sectors. He was the Māori Relationships Manager at Waitakere City Council, Executive Officer for northern Tainui iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki, and an inaugural member of the Independent Māori Statutory Board. Wayne joined Te Matapihi he Tirohanga mō te Iwi Trust (Te Matapihi) in 2017 as the Lead Advisor for Policy and Engagement, and in 2019 was appointed as General Manager.
Te Matapihi was born out of a call to action at the inaugural National Māori Housing Conference in 2010, and now stands as the National Peak Body for Māori Housing. The charitable trust advocates for Māori housing outcomes at a national level, offers an independent voice for the Māori housing sector, assists in Māori housing policy development and supports the growth of the Māori housing sector by providing advice, facilitating collaboration and sharing high-quality resources and information.
Tuputau Lelaulu
Co-Founder and Director of MAU Studio
Tuputau Lelaulu is a co-Founder and Director of MAU Studio, a design development organisation that focus on the intergenerational development of built and learning environments for Maaori, Pasifika, and vulnerable communities. Alongside Albert Refiti, Tuputau is the Primary Investigator of Alalaga; a practice-led research and development project supported by Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities. He is also currently a PhD candidate and researcher in the Vā Moana group at AUT. Tuputau is passionate about working with indigenous and vulnerable communities across Moananui, particularly in assisting whaanau and community groups develop place-based and meaningful responses to their lived experience.
Tom Logan
Co-Founder and Technical director, Urban Intelligence
Tom has a PhD in risk analysis from the United States. His research lies at the intersection of risk, resilience, and urban science, typically focused on transforming how we design and realize our cities in the face of climate change. He has co-authored risk science papers with leading professors in the field and is the Chair-Elect of the Foundations of Risk Group of the International Society of Risk Analysis and the President of the Australian New Zealand branch.
Tom is a co-founder and the technical director of Urban Intelligence and leads risk and accessibility assessments for councils, iwi, and other organisations around NZ. He has developed methodologies for climate financial disclosure risk for one of NZ’s largest companies and is working on a multi-hazard infrastructure resilience project in North Canterbury.
Additionally, he is a Senior Lecturer in Civil Systems Engineering at the University of Canterbury, where he leads a recently awarded MBIE grant on understanding indirect and cascading climate risks.
Ian Mitchell
Livingston and Associates Ltd
Ian Mitchell leads the property advisory division of Livingston and Associates and has over 30 years’ housing research experience. Ian’s areas of expertise include mediation and arbitration services, quantitative and qualitative research, affordable housing, housing affordability and need, alternative affordable housing tenures, property market forecasting, social and demographic profiling, financial feasibility analysis, and policy development. Ian has presented research papers at a number of international conferences and published articles based on his research in industry and refereed journals.
Hanna-Marie Monga
Hanna-Marie Monga (Ngāti Whātua, Te Uri o Hau, Cook Islands) has a Masters of Architecture from Unitec. She is an architectural graduate at MAU Studio and a Research Assistant at Pūrangakura Kaupapa Māori Research Centre working on the ‘Rangatahi ki te Kāinga’ research project.
Garry Moore
Garry Moore has led of life of community engagement. He is a chartered accountant who tired of accounting practice and moved into community economic development. He worked with communities struggling with economic reforms in the 1980’s and 1990’s throughout NZ.
In the early 1990’s he was elected to Christchurch City Council and served two terms as a City Councillor. He then became Mayor of Christchurch and served 3 terms in that position.
After the Mayoralty Garry moved back to community activism and has worked, alongside his wife Pam Sharpe, with community housing initiatives. Pam and Garry have had 4 children and now dote on their 3 grandchildren. They continue their housing activities together.
Bridie Morell
Bridie Morell is an independent Learning & Development Consultant with a background in corporate, start-up, public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Bridie is passionate about supporting organise organisations to understand the capability needs of their people in order to set them up for success now and into the future.
Pania Newton
Pania Newton (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Waikato, Ngati Mahuta) holds a Conjoint Degree in Law and Health Sciences and has recently completed her Master’s degree as part of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity, The University of Melbourne. Well-known and highly respected for her leadership in the campaign to protect tribal whenua at Ihumatao, Pania is also a valued researcher with the MOKO and Rangatahi ki te Kainga projects.
Nukuroa Ngatamariki
Kia ora koutou, Ko Nukuroa Ngatamariki toku ingoa.
I am 27 yrs old and hail from Otautahi born and raised. I am Cook island.
I am a Peer Support worker for Housing First Otautahi.
I have been in my role for over 2 years now, and one of the things I like is being able to share my lived experience with other people to support them on their own journey.
Greg Orchard
Chief Executive of Accessible Properties New Zealand
Greg Orchard is the Chief Executive of Accessible Properties New Zealand and has over 35 years’ experience in public and social housing with central government, local government, and not-for-profit community housing organisations. He is a former co-chair and treasurer of Community Housing Aotearoa, a New Zealand board member of the Australasian Housing Institute, the University of Canterbury Quake Centre, and the Building Research Association of New Zealand, and is currently on the independent governance group of one of New Zealand’s National Science Challenges.
Greg is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders by providing them with safe, secure, and affordable housing and creating inclusive communities that enable everyone to access the support they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Accessible Properties has grown significantly and continues to provide quality, affordable homes to people with disabilities, older people, and others in housing need, and the organisations that support them.
James Palmer
Chief Executive, Community Finance and Positive Capital
James graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts (Political Studies) and a Bachelor of Laws. He started his career as a lawyer, specialising in finance, commercial and property law and the not-for-profit sector.
In November 2015 James was appointed Chief Executive of Christian Savings, New Zealand’s only charity that is also a licensed non-bank deposit taker, growing it to manage almost $250m.
James established Community Finance in 2019. Given the acute housing crisis present across the country, Community Finance is engaged in facilitating investment into the supply of new affordable housing. Community Finance is about to exceed $120m in loans to leading not-for-profits around the country.
In November 2021, Community Finance won the Sustainable Business Network Awards for Transforming New Zealand and for Outstanding Collaboration.
In 2021, the team also launched Positive Capital, which will provide an equity impact investment option for impact investors to support new affordable housing, through a co-ownership programme with Community Housing Providers. It has secured $100m of impact investment commitments to date.
James is the 2021 INFINZ University of Auckland Business School Emerging Leader.
In 2022 Community Finance won the INFINZ Fitch Ratings Innovation in Financial Services Award.
Jacqueline Paul
Jacqueline Paul (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) is a researcher and rangatahi leader with a background in landscape architecture and urban planning. She has a Masters from the University of Cambridge, and is currently a PhD student in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US.
Guy Penny
Socio-Environmental Researcher/Project Manager
Guy Penny (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) is a geographer, scientist and engineer from Auckland with an interest in human-environment systems and the development and application of values, knowledge and processes to support healthy communities and environments. He has worked with business, government, Crown Research Institutes, universities and Māori organisations on a wide range of sustainable development and environmental management projects across Aotearoa since the mid-1990s, as a researcher, project manager and advisor. Much of his work has been in the areas of sustainable resource use, building science and healthy housing, community renewable energy systems, climate change impacts and equity, and oranga Māori.
He is currently part of the team evaluating MBIE’s Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund and is the Māori strand lead in the University of Otago’s Public Housing and Urban Regeneration Programme. He is also working with the Wainuiomata Marae on their innovative Papakāinga development.
Lan Pham
Environmental Scientist
Lan Pham is a proud mother and woman of Vietnamese and Pākehā heritage from Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her background is in Freshwater Ecology (MSc, Department of Conservation, Founder and Trustee of Working Waters Trust) where it was Aotearoa's quirky endangered native fish that first got her involved in intergenerational and te tiriti issues.
Lan has served the last 6 years in Local Government as a Regional Councillor on Environment Canterbury from 2016 - 2022 where she championed action for nature, climate and people. Over this time Lan was elected Co-Chair of Local Government NZ's Young Elected Members and a LGNZ National Council member.
Lan is a certified RMA Commissioner and in 2021 she was appointed by the Minister for the Environment as an Independent Freshwater Commissioner. She resigned from this role in order to maintain a political voice at this critical moment when decisive action is necessary to create an Aotearoa where, with Te Tiriti as our foundation, people and the environment truly flourish, together. Lan is standing as a Green Party candidate in this year's election.
Nevil Pierse
Co-leader of He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme
Nevil Pierse is co-leader of He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme. Originally a statistician by training, his current work is done in partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders including government and community organisations, and is focused on the design and implementation of natural experiments to improve the home and community environments. He is currently working on the Healthy Housing Initiative with which looks at home interventions to prevent rehospitalisation of children with housing related disease. This programme has accessed and remediated over 30,000 homes in New Zealand, and resulted in a decrease of nearly 10,000 hospital admissions.
Nevil also leads a programme one looking at optimizing the housing system especially for those without housing. He works closely with exemplar of The Peoples Project in Hamilton. Nevil has a keen interest in big data and leads 5 Housing and Health projects on the integrated data infrastructure.
Tama Potaka
Member of Parliament, National Party
Tama Potaka (Mōkai Pātea, Taranaki, Whanganui, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Toa Rangatira) is the National Party MP for Hamilton West, with the spokesperson portfolios of Māori development, and Associate Housing – Social Housing. Before entering parliament Tama held various roles across iwi and government. Most recently as the Chief Executive of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. Prior to this Tama was a Senior Advisor to the NZ Super Fund, and for seven years was the General Manager at Tainui Group Holdings in Hamilton.
Tama has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University and a Master of Laws from Columbia University.
Tama is married to Ariana and they have three children – Tiaria, Te Awarua and Aorangi
Maia Ratana
Maia Ratana (Te Arawa, Ngā Rauru kī Tahi, Ngāti Raukawa) is a researcher at Pūrangakura Kaupapa Māori Reseach Centre with interests in Māori housing, sustainable and innovative housing design, homelessness and equity in tertiary education. She is also a lecturer at the Unitec School of Architecture and has recently begun her PhD at AUT, Auckland.
Helen Robinson
Manutaki, Auckland City Missioner and Co-Chair, Kore Hiakai
Helen has devoted most of her life to addressing the social issues of Aotearoa New Zealand. She has a wealth of experience in social services, and a deep commitment to a more equitable nation, one where everyone has access to what they need.
As the Missioner, Helen leads Auckland City Mission to strive and advocate for a nation where wealth and opportunity are redistributed so that there is enough for everyone. Helen has been with the Mission for more than a decade in a range of leadership roles.
At the Mission, Helen is also known as Manutaki, a Māori title meaning the bird that leads. This is significant as she leads the Mission’s commitment to accepting and understanding the effects of colonisation on Aotearoa, and the Mission’s place in the restorative work needed to move forward.
Helen is also co-chair of Kore Hiakai, a national collective working towards a food secure Aotearoa.
Alongside her practical work, Helen has published research into the measurement and experience of food insecurity in New Zealand.
Zoe Truell
Zoe Truell has a passion for developing and implementing new initiatives to solve complex social challenges. With a background in social work, service development and human centred design she is committed to person-led service development and addressing systems barriers to social equity. Zoe has worked with NGOs, central and local government working on social justice, poverty, environmental, child protection and family support, and housing issues.
Zoe has worked in the housing sector for the past eight years in Auckland. Leading the co-design and adaptation of the Housing First programme in 2016 as the Practice and Development Manager at Lifewise, she has supported the growth and development of this and other housing initiatives.
Zoe moved Te Toka Tumai (ADHB) in 2020 to lead the co-design and development of Rapua Te Āhuru Mōwai, an innovative person-led service for tāngata whaiora/mental health service users, providing permanent quality, affordable rental housing with wrap-around supports.
Zoe also currently works to enable better access to sustainable housing for tāngata whaiora through developing closer collaboration and pathways between mental health clinical teams, community housing providers, Kāinga ora and MSD.
Kay Saville-Smith
Director, Centre for
Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment (CRESA); Co-leader for Affordable
Housing for Generations and FAAB Small Homes: Functional,
Accessible, Affordable Buildable Small Homes (BBHTC NSC)
Dr Kay Saville-Smith MNZM, is a sociologist whose research focuses on optimising the interface between households, communities, industry, and local and central government. Dr Saville-Smith has directed Centre of Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment since 1995.
Her research into housing need, retirement villages, house condition, sustainability and accessibility, and downsizing, fuel poverty and leaky homes is solutions-building. The cross- disciplinary and organisational research teams she leads work with vulnerable people, private, public and community sectors to find ways to better build, allocate and adapt housing. She led ground-breaking public good research into older people’s house repair and maintenance needs; housing, community resilience and good aging; and downsizing and older people finding the best fit in their housing decisions. She is co-lead for two programmes for the Building Better Homes Towns and Cities National Science Challenge -Affordable Housing for Generations and FAAB Small Homes: Functional, Accessible, Affordable Buildable Small Homes. Kay currently splits her time between CRESA and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD where she is the Chief Science Advisor.
Kate Sclater
Head of Community Investment at Rātā Foundation
Rātā Foundation is the largest philanthropic funder in the South Island. Kate leads the Community Investment team, which builds relationships with stakeholders and communities, and distributes around $24m a year through community grants and strategic funding. Kate has been with Rata Foundation since 2014.
Before moving to NZ, Kate held a number of roles with the UK Lottery distributors; New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund. Her roles included managing grant and partnership programmes, policy and external affairs, both in grant making and strategic funding.
Kate has worked across the not for profit, private and public sectors.
Ratenesh Sharma
General Manager, Homes of Choice
Ratenesh is a property professional with a Master of Property from the University of Auckland. He has over 20 years of experience in leading development projects, facilities management, residential and commercial property management.
He has a keen interest in social housing and the NFP sector, is a former Group Property Manager for Airedale Property Trust/Lifewise, and currently is the General Manager for Homes of Choice. Homes of Choice is a disability housing provider.
Hope Simonsen
General Manager Housing Trust - Emerge Aotearoa
Hope has spent the past 18 years in the housing sector. Her housing journey began with Housing New Zealand (now Kainga Ora) in 2005 when the agency received crown funding to build community housing providers and grow community housing supply. A number of organisations were established as housing providers as a result of this funding. After seven years, she moved to work as a property consultant in the commercial sector with The Property Group and then worked for Community Housing Aotearoa for a year.
She now leads Emerge Aotearoa’s Housing Trust, which provides long term social housing and tenancy and property management services for transitional housing for whānau and individuals from Whangarei to Invercargill. Hope is also Co-Chair (Tangata Tiriti) of the National Science Challenge – Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities and is a Council member for Community Housing Aotearoa.
Kirimangu Tautogia
QES – Quality Education Services; Taumata Member of Manaaki Rangatahi Collective
Kirimangu Tautogia, a proud descendant of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, and the Cook Islands. Kirimangu was born and raised in the urban metropolis of South Auckland. As the General Manager of QES, a charitable organisation, she dedicates her time to leading a team that is committed to making a lasting impact on the community they serve.
Under Kirimangu's leadership, QES delivers Youth Services and has implemented a range of innovative programs that address the pressing needs of rangatahi. One such initiative is a Co-ordinated Access Response, which aims to provide rapid, safe and supported housing options for rangatahi experiencing homelessness in South Auckland. Kirimangu is dedicated to the kaupapa of eradicating poverty and putting an end to youth homelessness in Aotearoa, while also focusing on prevention. Kirimangu firmly believes that no young person should feel lost in systems that fail to support them. She is determined to amplify rangatahi voices and ensure their perspectives are heard at decision-making tables where their well-being is at stake. You will see her challenging outdated systems, amplifying Māori initiatives and working hard to improve social and educational outcomes for her people and the wider community.
E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea. I will not be lost, I am a seed descended from Rangiātea.
Brook Turner
Head of Community Services and Partnerships, Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga
Brook is an experienced leader in systems change. His influence and impact spans from developing solutions to homelessness, to working on the issue of food sovereignty. Brook's charismatic and common-sense approach mean his work is always exhilarating and thought provoking.
Brook recently graduated with his master's degree in Applied Practice (Social Practice). Titled Self-determined Housing Choices for Young People Leaving the Care System, the thesis investigates the issue of homelessness amongst rangatahi while examining possible answers to what is a serious issue in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Brook is also a foundation Trustee of Manaaki Rangatahi (Aotearoa's only youth homelessness collective).
Charles Waldegrave
Coordinator and Lead Reseacher, Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit
Charles Waldegrave is Coordinator of the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit based in Lower Hutt. He jointly leads the New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project which developed the measures of poverty before and after housing costs applied in the annual Ministry of Social Development’s ‘Household Incomes in New Zealand’ series and the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018. He led the Housing Workstream within the Welfare Expert Advisory Group that reported to the Cabinet in 2019, and leads the research team that sets the annual level of the New Zealand ‘Living Wage’.
He is a Principal Investigator in four National Science Challenge research projects including: ‘Tai Kaumātuatanga Older Māori Wellbeing and Participation’; ‘Loneliness and Social Isolation among Older Māori and Pacific People’; ‘Revitalising the Production of Affordable Housing for Productive, Engaged & Healthy Lives Integrated Report’. He is currently completing a report for the Waitangi Tribunal’s Housing Policy and Services Inquiry (Wai 2750) ‘Māori Home Ownership 1991 – 2021. He is a founder member of the European-based international research collaboration ROSEnet (Reducing Old-age Social Exclusion network). He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and reports on housing, poverty, and ageing research.
Sophie Watkins Goossens
PhD candidate in Land Law, University of Canterbury
Sophie is a PhD candidate in Land law at the University of Canterbury. Her research examines how alternative housing models can promote housing affordability and security of tenure. She investigates the role of community housing as a potential provider of affordable cooperative rental housing and whether the unit title structure is suitable for collective housing. She has a special interest in the relationships between housing, communities and wellbeing. Prior to researching, Sophie worked as a lawyer in the private and public sector in Sweden.
Yvonne Wilson
Strategic Relationships Manager - Housing (Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa)
Yvonne Wilson (Ngati Kahungungu Ki Wairarapa) works across the housing continuum, from houselessness to home ownership. Yvonne has over twenty years’ experience in Kaumatua and housing services, in 2012 she managed one of the first Kaumatua housing village developments in Kirikiriroa, overseen the expansion of the organisation’s new Korowai Manaaki housing services in 2019.
Yvonne remains actively involved with Building Better Homes Towns and Cities National Science challenges at a local level, the creation and launch of a Kaupapa Maori Kaumatua housing toolkit shares the village build learnings and Kaumatua experiences. Yvonne also holds a lead role in a new development - Te Puāwaitanga o Nga Waka an intergenerational village with tenure and typologies.
Yvonne remains committed to supporting whanau led wellbeing and housing solutions, her ten children and thirty-six mokopuna are heart and soul as to why she is passionate about her mahi with whanau.
Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa delivers a diverse range of holistic services across the life span from a Whanau First, Tikanga Based and Wellbeing Approach.