Staff and Kaumaatua

Dennis Turton

Chief Executive

Dennis Turton

Chief Executive

Dennis’ significant senior management experience holds him in good stead, as Trust Waikato’s Chief Executive, to provide vision, direction and support to the Trust. He also plays an important part in the philanthropic sector at a local and national level, representing the Trust’s views on sector issues and dialogue, and upholding the interests of the communities it serves.

“For me, it was seeing the significant impact that Trust Waikato can have in the region that drew me to work here. There is great work being carried out in our communities and supporting that work is incredibly fulfilling,” says Dennis.

Dennis’ other community involvement includes as a committee member at local and national level for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Contact Dennis:

dennis@trustwaikato.co.nz 027 482 1206

Tame Pokaia

Kaumaatua

Tame Pokaia

Kaumaatua

Tame is from Ngaati Mahuta and Ngaati Hikairo descent, and was born and raised at Ngaaruawaahia. He comes from one of the papakaainga families that lived on Tuurangawaewae marae. He credits growing up on the marae with all the old people as his first place of learning. The experiences and memories gained have been invaluable in his life.

After completing a Diploma in Teaching from Waikato Institute of Technology, Tame started work as a tutor for Wintec’s Maaori Studies Department. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) from the University of Waikato and is in the final stages of completing a two paper dissertation for his Master of Arts.

Tame has a real interest in the pursuit of knowledge and undertaking research. Some of his favourite topics include: Tainui history, Kiingitanga, tribal landmarks, raupatu, poukai, paimaarire, ngaa tongi-aa-Taawhiao, and whaikoorero.

Now residing in Hamilton, Tame has one daughter and four mokopuna. He gets great pleasure from raising their eldest mokopuna Hinatamariki. Tame enjoys family activities, learning, reading, walking, weights, music, and a good barbeque.

Mel Blackmore

Business Manager

Mel Blackmore

Business Manager

Mel manages business operations, policy development, and works closely with the Chief Executive in annual planning. She also looks after human resources and when required, deputises for the Chief Executive.

Waikato born and bred, Mel attended Te Rapa Primary school at its historical site at the Te Rapa Air Force Base and Hamilton Girl’s High School. She then went on to complete her Bachelor of Management Studies at the University of Waikato.

Mel started at the Trust in 2019, coming to us with a 17 year background working in product, strategy and systems for dairy farmer owned co-operatives.

“I love the energy that comes from working to strengthen our community. There are many amazing things happening in the Waikato and I am privileged to be a part of that.”

Contact Mel:

mel@trustwaikato.co.nz 027 609 4457

Rongo Kirkwood

Pouhere Puutea | Grants Manager

Rongo Kirkwood

Pouhere Puutea | Grants Manager

Rongo Kirkwood is of Ngaati Mahuta descent, and draws strength from her whaanau, hapuu and iwi.

She works closely with community and iwi groups that are seeking Trust Waikato funding in the areas of Significant Capital Projects, Impact Grants, Maaori, Pacific and environmental initiatives. Rongo also delivers marae-based funding workshops throughout the Waikato region.

Having completed her degree in te reo Maaori and Maaori development, Rongo was drawn to work for Trust Waikato, due to the opportunities it presented for “helping make the Waikato a great place to live, work and play.”

“I’m particularly interested in rangatahi, whaanau and kaumaatua initiatives that support and future-proof the aspirations of iwi within the region,” says Rongo.

Rongo is the Chair of the Maaori Advisory Committee of Philanthropy New Zealand.

Contact Rongo:

rongo@trustwaikato.co.nz 021 745 016

Maggie Zhang CA

Finance and Investment Manager

Maggie Zhang CA

Finance and Investment Manager

Maggie joined Trust Waikato in July 2018. Her role is to look after the finance and investment of the Trust, ensuring operational agility.

She comes with experience in both the commercial accounting field and not-for-profit sector. Maggie is a Chartered Accountant and she is passionate about adding value to communities and helping them achieve their goals.

“I am proud of being part of the Trust Waikato team, doing our best to make our community a better place.”

Originally from China, Maggie came to New Zealand in 2008. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin.

Contact Maggie:

maggie@trustwaikato.co.nz 021 0255 8163

Tarita Templeton

Pou Aarahi | Community Engagement Advisor

Tarita Templeton

Pou Aarahi | Community Engagement Advisor

Tarita values her role as Pou Aarahi (Community Engagement Advisor) and is driven by her passion for people and thriving communities. She travels throughout the Waikato region, engaging with a wide range of people from for-profit organisations, local and central government, stakeholders, and the community. Through Trust Waikato’s Mana Whakahaere practice, Tarita listens to the aspirations of communities and seeks ways to support their goals.

Tarita values life-long learning and enjoys travelling both within New Zealand and internationally to explore new places and cultures.

Contact Tarita:

tarita@trustwaikato.co.nz 021 776 748

Nita McNeil

Pou Hono | Database and Information Manager

Nita McNeil

Pou Hono | Database and Information Manager

Nita joined the Trust Waikato whaanau in November 2016. As the Pou Hono | Database and Information Manager, Nita manages the Trust’s grants management system and grant applications. This includes enhancing the system’s processes and workflows and reporting on all aspects of Trust Waikato’s grantmaking. Her role also involves providing helpdesk support to groups applying for funding.

She has extensive experience in database management, both in New Zealand and overseas, and enjoys refining complex systems into user-friendly processes.

Nita enjoys exploring new parts of the world, especially if it involves waterfalls, and enjoys cooking. Born and bred in Coromandel, Nita currently splits her time between Hamilton and Waihi, where her family are based.

Contact Nita:

nita@trustwaikato.co.nz 022 030 0565

Nicole Rayner

Pou Aawhina | Community Response Advisor

Nicole Rayner

Pou Aawhina | Community Response Advisor

Bio coming soon!

Contact Nicole:

nicole@trustwaikato.co.nz 022 645 0060

Jasmin Aldworth

Business Services Coordinator

Jasmin Aldworth

Business Services Coordinator

Jasmin was born and raised in the Waikato, growing up in the small township of Arapuni, then later moving on to Ohaupo, then Hamilton. "I am of Maaori (Ngaati Maahanga) and Paakeha (English and Scottish) decent. My Grandparents were my biggest influencers in life and taught me a lot about my heritage, this is something I am always learning more about, and is also something I am very proud of."

Jasmin started as the Trust’s Office Coordinator in 2018 then moved into the role of Business Services Coordinator in 2020. Jasmin says she considers herself extremely lucky to be part of such a fantastic organisation as Trust Waikato and has met so many great people during her time here. "Not only do I get to work alongside some great people within Trust Waikato, but I get to meet and engage with lots of great people from our community as well."

Jasmin’s role is responsible for overseeing the management of the community meeting rooms, property maintenance, health and safety, and providing support services to the Trust Board.

Contact Jasmin:

jasmin@trustwaikato.co.nz 022 050 0993

Haylee Hunter

Accounts Coordinator

Haylee Hunter

Accounts Coordinator

Haylee joined the Trust Waikato whaanau in May 2024. Coming from KPMG, Haylee spent six years at the accounting firm, most recently in the role of Assistant Manager in Tax. After seven years down in Wellington, Haylee returned to her hometown of Hamilton in early 2020 when starting her own family. During her time in the capital, Haylee studied Law at Victoria University of Wellington and became an enrolled barrister.

Haylee has an enthusiasm for numbers and is excited to bring her skills to support the positive impact of Trust’s work. As the Trust’s Accounts Coordinator, Haylee works with the Finance and Investment Manager to manage the financial and investment returns to the Trust and contributes to our financial compliance and investment administration tasks, including the management of the Trust’s accounts.

Note that Haylee works part-time for the Trust from Monday-Wednesday.

Contact Haylee:

haylee@trustwaikato.co.nz 022 376 1966

Staff and Kaumaatua

Team Members

See the faces behind Trust Waikato