AMANDA REES - CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Amanda brings extensive knowledge of strategic development, critical thinking and revenue generation to her role as the Chief Executive. Most recently she was Poutoko Hinengaro (co leader) at Te Pou Theatre. During her tenure at Te Pou she managed the build of New Zealand’s first and only independent kaupapa Māori led (indigenous) performing arts venue – leading the development of design, fundraising, and managing all elements of the project including fit-out. She developed and implemented organisational processes, and grew the company from three full time employees to twelve within three years. Amanda has been studying te reo Māori since 2017, and prioritises treaty relationships for the benefit of all Māori and tauiwi.

CLAUDIA HILLYEr - programme operations manager

Ko Pirongia te maunga whakahī
Ko Waipā te awa rere
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Ngāti Maniapoto te iwi
Ko Claudia Hillyer tōku ingoa

In 2021 Claudia completed her qualification in ‘Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi’, Diploma in Te Reo Māori, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge of te reo and te ao Māori into her work. Her connection with the Foundation began as a student on the Ōruawairua Programme in 2018. She has since attended several programmes and co-facilitated our 2021 ALP programme (Mt Aspiring). Claudia now works to support the delivery of the Foundation’s Aotearoa-wide opportunities for leadership development.