Our people pour their energy, experience and dedication into every job, whether it’s hands-on coaching and mentorship or strategic fundraising support.
Meet the Team
Jenni has spent her career helping organisations get the funding and support they need. As director of Funding HQ, she draws on her background in local and central government, bringing insight, strategic thinking and real-world experience to the role.
Jenni’s strength is in building trust with corporate leaders, government bodies, philanthropists and non-profit organisations. Regardless of your organisation or your fundraising goals, she can make the crucial connections that help make a difference.
Jenni splits her time between Auckland and her farm in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Significant projects and clients:
- Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai
- The New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata, Le Quesnoy, France
- The Sarjeant Gallery
- Predator Free 2050
- The Sir John Kirwan Foundation – Mitey
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- The Whale Trail
- New Zealand Netball
James is an arts and heritage culture expert with more than two decades of experience in arts leadership and fundraising. Originally trained as a theatre director in the UK, he has worked for city councils, performing arts companies and venues in Aotearoa, building deep knowledge of funding for the culture sector.
As a Fundraising Coach, James shares that depth of experience with every client. He’s a passionate advocate for the importance of the arts, and uses that enthusiasm to drive his work, helping secure funding for arts organisations, venues, festivals and public art projects.
James is based in Tauranga Moana.
Experience:
- Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager – Tauranga City Council
- Developed Tauranga’s Public Art Framework and Fund
- Chief Executive – Q Theatre
- General Manager – Massive Theatre Company
- Manager – Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
- Former Chair – Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ)
- Chair – The Incubator Creative Hub
- Board member – Tahi Festival, Wellington
Anne’s experience with not-for-profits, public sector organisations and private companies has given her a wealth of knowledge to draw on in her Funding HQ role. She’s known and respected in the charitable sector, particularly by the arts and culture community, where her work has spanned writing and literature, film, television and the performing arts.
As a fundraising coach, Anne offers strategic advice and actionable support, drawing on her expertise in leadership (including governance), fundraising, communications and event delivery.
Experience:
- Festival Director (CEO/Artistic Director) – Auckland Writers Festival
- Founding Board Chair – Everybody Eats (food charity)
- Executive Director – Women in Film and Television
- Leadership role – Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts
- Development role – New Zealand Opera
Mick’s fundraising career spans environmental conservation, adult education, schools, arts and music, local government and renewable energy. His approach focuses on reflective practice and capability building for fundraising teams and boards – he wants to equip every client with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the long term.
As a fundraising coach, Mick brings experience in strategic development and partnership management to his role. He develops innovative fundraising concepts and helps organisations bring them to life.
Experience:
- Fundraiser – environmental and rural sustainability initiatives
- Fundraiser – large regional council projects, including large community infrastructure projects, school provision, outdoor pursuits, sports and youth initiatives
- Fundraiser – youth music project not-for-profit organisation to deliver funding derived from national and local government sources
- Fundraising lead – Literacy Aotearoa
Jeanette has spent more than 20 years helping purpose-led organisations secure the funding, partnerships and visibility they need to grow their impact.
With a background in marketing, communications and senior leadership/governance, Jeanette brings strategic thinking, strong storytelling and a practical, results-driven approach to fundraising. She is known for building trusted relationships with corporate partners, philanthropists and community leaders, and for creating sustainable funding models that deliver long-term outcomes.
Jeanette’s strength is aligning values with opportunity - connecting the right people, purpose and partnerships to make meaningful change.
Jeanette lives in Matakana on the slopes of Mt Tamahunga.
Significant projects:
Tania Dalton Foundation
King’s College – Te Manawa Performing Arts Centre
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Unitec Institute of Technology
Auckland Live
Netball New Zealand
Youth, sport and education-focused not-for-profits
Katharine is a business founder and leader who has worked across corporate and not-for-profit sectors, helping organisations embed storytelling and purpose into business strategy. She shapes narratives that move people and align stakeholders.
Her strength lies in translating authentic stories into strategic outcomes: building trust, mobilising resources, and strengthening purpose-led growth.
Her strength lies in translating authentic stories into strategic outcomes: building trust, mobilising resources, and strengthening purpose-led growth.
Katharine is based in Auckland.
Experience:
- Communications consultant – Wool Impact, Life Education Trust, Blind Low Vision, EU Delegation in NZ, Gut Cancer Foundation
- Co-designed Street Guardians social impact programme – Heart of the City (finalist, Sustainable Business Awards)
- Strategic advisory and research – Lifewise across housing, homelessness, social impact frameworks and mental health
- Communications strategy, stakeholder partnerships and impact measurement – Eat My Lunch
Christine is Funding HQ’s operational lead, keeping the organisation running smoothly behind the scenes. Her experience as a project manager in health, technology and education has given her strong financial and relationship management skills, along with a deep understanding of people and process.
Christine’s past roles have seen her work on health education initiatives focused on interprofessional learning, Hauora Māori and rural health. She also has experience in fundraising, having led successful school and community projects.
Experience:
- Event Management – Health-related conferences and seminars
- Programme Manager – University of Otago
- Business Manager – Health-focused IT start-up
Katie’s work across multiple industries has seen her build experience in customer service, administration, learning and development, system testing and change management roles.
Katie uses her research skills and attention to detail to help keep our database of funds up to date. Our fund database provides an invaluable resource for our clients searching for their next successful funding partnership.
Experience:
- Spark Digital New Zealand – Service Readiness Manager Spark Digital New Zealand – Transition Specialist Spark Digital New Zealand – Senior Operations Specialist – Documentation Spark Digital New Zealand – Learning and Development Specialist