Connectors will help activate Neighbours Aotearoa across the motu, spread awareness and work alongside communities to organise activities and events. They will be your go-to people for any advice, tips, or support!
Rotorua
Loves life, loves learning, Tangata Tiriti
A child advocate, Sheree supports mana-enhancing, strength-based community-led activities to create safe and nurturing whānau, hāpu and hapori. She works on contract basis, her mahi always focussed on growing safe and well-connected environments where every tamaiti can thrive, including programmes and pathways that whakamana vulnerable tamariki, rangatahi and ther whānau.She is active in Caring Families Aotearoa, her Lions Club and the Māori Women's Welfare League.
Sheree is a Neighbours Aotearoa Connector for Rotorua and Tauranga areas.
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
With a background in Communication and Psychology, Mariana has always been interested in the ways communities connect and coexist. In Mexico, her experience includes working for the government, film festivals and organising events about how women can be more involved in STEAM.
Here in New Zealand, her new home, she has been working with an NGO, former refugees and migrants, and she volunteers for a radio program. Mariana is excited about finding ways communities can preserve and honour their own cultures while understanding others.
Mariana is a Neighbours Aotearoa Connector for Te-Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington.
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Taikatu te awa
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Ngaruahine te iwi
Ko Ngati Haua te hapū
Ko Okare me Waiokura ngā marae
No Ōtautahi ahau.
I'm Leeza and Im based in Hoon Hay Ōtautahi Christchurch.
I am a community weaver for Hoon Hay and one of 2 Neighbours Aotearoa Connectors for Ōtautahi.
I thoroughly enjoy working as a weaver in our amazing community, helping and supporting in any way I can is something I have always loved to do.
My absolute favourite job is being a māmā to my 3 beautiful tamariki.
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Based in Hoon Hay, Ōtautahi, Hollie thrives in community connection! She supports growth in activities with a local community theatre group and holds space for activities volunteering for the community association. Hollie is continuing her own learning journey and studying towards a degree in Midwifery, and raising her two young kids.
She believes a connected community is the best foundation for a happy neighbourhood.
Hollie is one of two Neighbours Aotearoa Connectors for Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Taranaki
Nature and Ocean Lover, Always Curious, Loves bringing people together over kai
Ghizlane (or just Reez for short) born a French-Algerian-American is a traveller at heart. She has found a strong sense of home and community over the past six years here in Aotearoa. Growing up with a mother and sister who have always had a strong passion for social justice and activism has inspired Reez to enact social change in small ways. She believes community (and delicious healthy kai) is the backbone to a long and happy life. In her free time you can find her in the ocean, on a hike up Taranaki Maunga, volunteering at her local food bank, or cooking up some kai for her friends.
Reez is eager to bring Taranaki Neighbours together, knowing first hand what effect a strong neighbour connection can have.
Hutt Valley
Grace is passionate about social and environmental justice. She believes in making small, intentional changes towards an Aotearoa where all people are valued and our environment is protected. She enjoys working alongside others in community-based organisations and in her spare time she enjoys musical theatre, exploring holistic health and trying to live more sustainability.
Grace is a Neighbours Aotearoa Champ for the Hutt Valley.
Auckland
Creative Connector
Maree was born and raised in South Auckland and has been involved with many community initiatives, the more creative the better. She loves new innovative ideas and the chance to try something new. Street Cafes are a fun way she helps neighbours meet and start talking.
Maree is a Neighbours Aotearoa Connector based in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland.
Whanganui
Creative, Nature Lover, Change Maker
Jillaine believes that communities with a strong sense of connection don’t happen by accident! With that in mind she has always been involved in community building
projects, volunteering for local committees, running community events and creating locations for communities to gather. She is an artist and maker, a keen DIY
renovator, upcycler and animal lover.
Jillaine is a Neighbours Aotearoa Connector for Whanganui
Ōtepoti Dunedin
Mutual support enthusiast
Rebecca has always been involved with her community and is currently indulging her love of native animals by volunteering with City Sanctuary and the Wildlife Hospital. She has a lot of hobbies but is particularly interested in waste reduction, cooking (and eating!), and getting out in nature.
Rebecca is a Neighbours Aotearoa Connector based in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Waikato
Homemaker, Dancer, Forager
Julia has been involved in community led projects for over 10 years with a passion for community gardens, food sovereignty and social justice. She is currently into non-violent parenting, and loves to make wild weed pesto.
Julia is our Neighbours Aotearoa Connector for Waikato
Hawke's Bay, Te Matau-a-Māui.
Curious, Creative, Coach.
Rachel has been helping people to develop and grow for over twenty-five years. Now a coach specialising in leadership, mindfulness and emotional resilience. When she is not busy empowering others, you will find her soaking up the outdoors, whether hitting the mountain biking trails, playing with her dog Luna, or taking a refreshing dip in the water or unwinding at the hot pools. Rachel’s passion for the community extends to supporting regeneration of nature, beach clean up projects.
Rachel is a Neighbours Aotearoa Connector for Napier Ahuriri, Hawke's Bay, Te Matau-a-Māui.
Whangārei / Kaipara
Creative, Informative, Community Focused
Krissy is passionate about community led activities and has over 20 years of helping and supporting by creating positive change and opportunities for her whanau, hapu, iwi, and the wider community. Her creative approach to community building has brought people together through various events, projects, and initiatives. Whether it's a small gathering or a large-scale event, Krissy's vision is to inspire and unite individuals in making our lives and communities in Aotearoa stronger and more connected.
Krissy is a Neighbours Aotearoa Community Connector for Whangarei / Kaipara.
Spanning from Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland to Ōtepoti, Dunedin, we’re a tight-knit and passionate team committed to community development and social justice in Aotearoa. We aim to bring the Neighbours Aotearoa kaupapa to life, working with everyday people to activate their knowledge and skills to better know their neighbour.
The Neighbours Aotearoa kaupapa is led by experienced Community Developer Cissy Rock since 2018. Cissy has been working alongside community for over 15 years in various roles with local government and community organisations.
Creative thinker, doer, prolific list maker.
Harriet is the project manager behind Neighbours Aotearoa - she makes sure everything happens when it should! Harriet has extensive experience working in the non-profit sector in marketing, fundraising, and event roles.
Regular walker, daily reader, thoughtful approach.
Duncan specialises in organisational development and advises on fundraising, budgeting, technology solutions and planning for Neighbours Aotearoa.
Illustrator, imaginative thinker, adventurer
Mel is the visual storyteller at Neighbours Aotearoa. With a keen eye for detail, Mel helps communicate Neighbours Aotearoa's values and messaging with fun illustrations and designs. bringing clarity and creativity to our brand.
