Maretha Smit is the Chief Executive of Diversity Works New Zealand. She has a passion for issues of social justice and sustainability – and has held a number of transformational leadership roles, including executive roles in her native South Africa that required significant transformation as the country moved from apartheid to democracy. With a degree in psychology, an MBA and a trustee role at a migrant support organisation called Belong Aotearoa, she has a strong appreciation of challenges in diversity and inclusion. She believes in the power of connecting widely, and listening deeply, to build bridges across cultural and social differences.

Ryan is a first-year university student studying Commerce who also works at Trade Me part-time. He has a background in school-based and community volunteering, alongside mental health advocacy.

Jonathon Hagger is the Chief executive at Rotorua Community Hospice. He has been in this role for 3 years and enjoys it immensely. Hospices have a strong reliance upon and appreciation for volunteer workforce. Jonathon himself volunteers in various ways including as Treasurer for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand and is a guide for disabled athletes who run as part of Achilles International New Zealand . Prior to his current role Jonathon worked in a student association which relied on students as volunteers

Jehan will be speaking at the 20th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner.

Jehan Casinader is obsessed with great Kiwi stories.
In 2020, he was named “Broadcast Reporter of the Year” at the Voyager Media Awards, for his extensive coverage of the Christchurch terror attack. In 2018, he was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards.
Jehan has worked in the fast-past world of primetime TV for more than a decade. Most recently, he spent four years as the youngest-ever correspondent for TVNZ’s flagship current affairs programme, Sunday. Previously, he reported for Seven Sharp, Close Up and Breakfast.

Rose Hiha-Agnew is programme director for the National Action Plan for Community Governance, supporting the detailed design, planning, development and roll-out of the plan. Rose brings to this role extensive experience in management and governance across iwi, community and governance organisations.
During her career in local and central government Rose has led environmental, Te Ao Māori, sustainability and infrastructure large-scale transformational programmes. This has included management of around $20 million in partnership investments with iwi and communities across New Zealand.
Rose’s governance experience includes chairing Keep New Zealand Beautiful and co-chairing the Endangered Species Foundation.
She is passionate about sustainable, economic, cultural and environmental opportunities that enable cultural perspectives and inclusiveness which lead to positive community outcomes.

Rochelle is Pou Kaiārahi (General Manager) for Hui E! Community Aotearoa, a peak body for the tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector. She is a senior leader with over 10 years’ executive management and leadership experience in the community, NGO, government and corporate environments. Rochelle has demonstrated a passion for philanthropy while playing a pivotal role in building, supporting and driving community initiatives. She has showcased her commitment towards honouring the core values and principles of New Zealand Aotearoa’s cultural diversity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and everything that encompasses the New Zealand spirit.

Michelle brings a valuable mix of management and leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and innovatively. She is well known and respected within the sector and is passionate about increasing recognition for the value and impact of volunteering. Michelle has a background in communications, marketing and community engagement, and volunteer leadership. She has previously worked for a social enterprise, in the public sector and within the publishing and training industries and holds several governance leadership roles in the community sector.

Anjum is a New Zealand Muslim community leader and human rights activist. She is an advocate for the rights of Muslim women.

Anisha is a leader of volunteers at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, and also supports Volunteering New Zealand’s policy and strategic work. She has experience in non-profit and volunteer management. Her qualifications are B.A. in Economics, Masters in Business and Management, and Certificate in Public Policy Analysis.  Anisha have a particular interest in public policy analysis and harnessing inclusivity within the policy frameworks. she is passionate about bringing her skills and expertise to foster VNZ’s advocacy work and help improve the volunteer landscape within Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Berenice Langson has an extensive background working with volunteers and has worked
with various Not for Profits and NGO’s over the past 25 years. Berenice’s career includes volunteer leadership roles at Hospice West Auckland and Heart Kids New Zealand. Currently, Berenice is the National Team Leader and Volunteer
Coordinator in Tauranga for IHC New Zealand.

One of her greatest achievements was being the recipient of the inaugural Volunteer

Engagement Award in 2018. This Award offered by Volunteering Auckland, is in recognition

of ‘Outstanding Leaders in Volunteer Engagement’.

Berenice’s passion lies in making a positive difference in the communities that she serves
and is extremely honoured to be part to Pivot Conference 2021 working group.
Blind Low Vision NZ volunteers are a diverse group of people who provide support with Technology, Recreation, Fundraising, Guide Dogs, Collage Book Production, Library, Accessible Formats, Administrative functions and Vision Support. They complement a wide range of services to empower people who are blind, deadfblind or have low vision live the life they choose.

Volunteering it’s in my DNA – I have been volunteering for nearly four decades and am so fortunate that my employment is as Coordinator/Kairuruku with Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury/ Te Rōpū Tūao I te waenga o Waitaha. I was brought up with volunteering just being something our family did. Today I volunteer as a Civil Defence Volunteer, a Branch member with Red Cross and a Caring Caller with St John. Lately I have been volunteering with short term event volunteering such Op-Protect, the Poppy and Star Flight, fundraising for Pink Ribbon and helping at the Pop Up Penguins Cholmondeley Children's Centre. While contributing to my community, helping make a difference I am rewarded for knowing I am making a difference and the buzz I get from volunteering.

In my work I get to meet so many incredible volunteers and wonderful organisation and assist them with trainings, advocacy, providing resources, arranging recognition opportunities and helping volunteers find a volunteering that is rewarding for them.

Currently, I have the exciting role of project managing Reimaging Volunteering project at New Zealand Red Cross, creating a strategy for now and into the future. I have more than 10 years’ experience working in the Community Development field and managing some amazing volunteers to enable programmes and services in the local community. Recently, I have been managing the local programmes and volunteers in Wellington Region for the New Zealand Red Cross.

UK born Gillian has worked for Volunteer South - Central Lakes since its inception in 2011, balancing work with looking after her two children. She has worked with volunteers for over twenty years in a range of roles including full time volunteering, offender programmes and social service settings. She volunteers herself as one of two Volunteer Managers with The Wanaka Trail Ride. Based in the South Island's Central Lakes, Gillian loves working in this vibrant part of the country with such a range of exciting, meaningful and rewarding opportunities for volunteers to get involved in. She is passionate about everyone being able to volunteer no matter what their background, experience or circumstances. She is enjoying her involvement in the PIVOT working group, working alongside such a passionate team and seeing their planning come to fruition.

Heidi career in the voluntary sector spans 15 years and 2 countries. She wears two 'hats', working
for Volunteering New Zealand and for Volunteer Wellington. She has a real passion for all things volunteering and when she's not at work, you'll find Heidi...volunteering! Heidi was delighted to lead the conference content working
group, which provided VNZ with guidance and suggestions for Pivot 2021.