17-18
September

Curtis is a leader of people, values and social endeavours. His professional life has crossed several career paths, but he has always maintained a passion for growing and learning from the people around him. He embraces change and diversity, and has used his experience in government service to shape his ability to adapt quickly, think creatively and thrive in a team environment. He is our esteemed MC.

Louise Upston is the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Social Development and Employment, and Minister for Child Poverty Reduction. She has served as the MP for Taupō since the 2008 election. Louise held a number of Ministerial roles in the Fifth National Government, including the portfolios of Corrections, Education, Land Information, Local Government, Women, and Tertiary Education Skills and Employment. She also served as Government Chief Whip.

A New Zealand sociologist and emeritus professor at Massey University where his specialist area is social change and demography and how this impacts policy decisions at the political level. Spoonley has led numerous externally funded research programmes, written or edited twenty-seven books and is a regular commentator in the news media. Back by popular demand after presenting at our 2023 Volunteering Leadership Hui.

With over two decades of experience leading and advising charities, social enterprises, and community organisations, Rochelle works alongside nonprofit leaders who are trying to do good in complex, under-resourced environments.

Dr Andrew Lensen is a Senior Lecturer and the Programme Director of Artificial Intelligence at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where he specialises in explainable and interdisciplinary AI. His research explores AI’s social and ethical implications, with applications in ecology, healthcare, public policy, and more. Dr Lensen is an active science communicator, frequently contributing op-eds, interviews, and expert commentary on AI topics.

Alison Marshall is about helping others build capability through learning and development. Ali has over 25 years’ experience in learning and development at a senior level. She has worked for large global organisations, start-ups and government. Her talent is being able to build relationships across all levels of an organisation.

Professor Karen Smith is a leading voice in the volunteering sector, blending academic insights and grassroots experience. She is a passionate champion of volunteer management, managers and leaders, and the impact that volunteering has on individuals and communities. As Chair of Volunteer Wellington Te Puna Tautoko, Karen knows firsthand of the powerful role of volunteer centres as community connectors. She is a Professor of Management at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, where she is leading a pan-university project to accelerate student success.

Cheryll Martin, QSO, is the General Manager of Volunteering Auckland. She is a passionate supporter of volunteering with the ability to motivate and inspire people to believe in the power of helping others. She is a trainer, presenter and consultant and has facilitated professional development workshops across Aotearoa. Cheryll was a member of the Auckland Social Policy Forum, Ministerial Reference Group for the International Year of Volunteers, and was a community representative on the Ministry of Social Policy Volunteers & Volunteering Policy Project.

Nate works as a Fundraising Specialist for Hato Hone St John, while pursuing postgraduate study in Māori Studies and Strategic Communication. He has experience in governance at Hato Hone St John, on governance committees including the Nominations & Appointments Panel and the Volunteering Advisory Group. He has also represented Aotearoa New Zealand on the St John International Youth Advisory Network. Nate is on the governance group for Auckland Council’s Hauora Network, and is a Board member of Volunteering New Zealand.

Shannan Gove is the co-founder of Rosterfy, the world’s leading mass workforce management platform used by the largest programs including The Super Bowl, FIFA, The Salvation Army and City of London. More locally in NZ Rosterfy powers significant programs like Auckland City Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and NZ Food Network. Since launching in 2018, Shannan has led Rosterfy’s growth into a world class SaaS solution, which operates in over 35 countries and has delivered over 150 million workforce hours for governments, higher education, nonprofits, and global events. In 2024, Shannan and his co-founders were named Melbourne Young Entrepreneurs of the Year – Technology by Business News Australia and also included in the AFR Most Innovative Companies list including in the top ten for the technology category.

Beth is the People & Culture Executive for the NZ National Fieldays Society, where she also serves as the Volunteer Manager. Before transitioning into the HR space in 2022, Beth spent 30+ years supporting c-suite executives as an administrative professional. Known for her solid empathic compass and strong strategic approach, Beth excels in relating to people from all walks of life and is passionate about growing and developing the Society’s volunteer community.

Sheena Revington is the Chief Executive of Bellyful NZ, a volunteer-powered charity that provides meals to families with babies and young children who are without a support network. She leads more than 700 volunteers nationwide, who cook and deliver meals with care, kindness and community spirit. With nearly 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector in both New Zealand and the UK, Sheena brings a strong background in strategy, fundraising, communications and community engagement. Under her leadership, Bellyful has placed a strong focus on volunteer wellbeing and leadership pathways - ensuring volunteers feel supported, valued, and empowered to step into leadership roles. Sheena is committed to creating an environment where volunteers can thrive, knowing that when people are well-supported, the communities they serve benefit most.

Moumita Das Roy is a cross-industry marketer with a wealth of marketing and communications experience in iconic global organisations. Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice and a Creator to Follow, she is a prolific content creator who passionately engages in Diversity and Inclusion, Social Impact, and Volunteering conversations. You'll find Moumita at the crossroads of innovation and impact, creativity and purpose. Moumita's multicultural work environments and travels across seven continents through her work and volunteering, enrich her storytelling, making her contributions relatable and versatile. Connect with Moumita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moumitadasroy/ or email her dasroymo@gmail.com

Victoria brings more than 30 years of leadership experience, including over a decade in volunteer leadership within the not-for-profit sector, alongside a background in business management and life coaching. Today, as Head of Volunteering at Blind Low Vision New Zealand, Victoria leads the national volunteering function, which operates as a Centre of Excellence. She developed and is leading the implementation of the organisation’s Volunteer Strategy to enable a scalable, sustainable, and high-quality service delivery model with volunteers at its heart.

As the Director of Powerdigm - the consultancy arm of Inspiring Communities, Donna Provoost combines her expertise as an economist and researcher with a passion for practical, people-centred approaches. With a career spanning socio-economic consultancy, public sector policy, and strategy leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative thinking to her work. Donna has tackled complex issues across regional development, education, justice, transport, child wellbeing, and community-led change - delivering exceptional problem solving, collaborative approaches and impactful solutions.

Natalia Sexton (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) has held leadership and governance roles across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. She brings extensive expertise in complex multi-sector partnerships and collaborations, funding, philanthropy, and equity. Her ability to build authentic relationships across diverse sectors has enabled impactful whānau-centred and community-led solutions. At the heart of all her mahi (paid and unpaid) is whakawhanaungatanga and manaakitanga.

Annalee Hayward is one of two Auckland based Community Services Managers for Whānau Āwhina Plunket, a charity and support service for the health and wellbeing of tamariki under-five and their whānau. Annalee works with a Community Services Team to support local volunteers who run parent groups, playgroups and more. Annalee also acts as Volunteer Advisor and has been heavily involved in developing Plunket's new Volunteer Strategy.

Chris Emmett is a senior executive and not-for-profit leader with extensive experience in governance, strategy, and community development. He currently serves as General Manager – Club Support & Capability at Surf Life Saving New Zealand. Chris recently completed his MBA with Distinction from the University of Waikato and is recognised for his future-focused approach and ability to lead transformational change.

Lupesina Koro is a proud daughter of Samoa and Tokelau from the villages of Lufilufi in Upolu, Salelologa in Savai'i and Atafu, Tokelau. While completing her studies (Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering Hons conjoint) Lupesina co-ordinated the St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) foodbank during lockdowns; packing food parcels, supporting facilitation of an online youth leadership programme and coordinating drivers to deliver the essentials to the most vulnerable in our communities. Today, Lupesina is a board member for the Vinnies Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) Trust supporting the risk and youth portfolios.