Auckland Communities Foundation has gathered a small professional team to managed this growing operation.
Mark Bentley – Chief Executive
Mark is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the organisation and for ensuring that the Foundation is effectively positioned to achieve the projected growth in the context of the strategic plan. Mark joined the Foundation in June 2009 from the University of Auckland where he was General Manager of the New Zealand Leadership Institute, a leadership research and development centre based at the Business School. Prior to that, Mark managed the Business School’s “world class business school” fundraising campaign as Director of Marketing and Advancement at the Business School. Previously Mark had a range of marketing roles in the education and private sector in the UK. He is also a current trustee of Outward Bound and Recoup Audit Limited.
m.bentley "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8833
021 737471
Cindy Suttie - General Manager
Cindy’s role is to manage all operational aspects of the Foundation including acting as investment liaison and ensuring all fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the Foundation and its Sub-funds are met. Cindy holds a B Proc legal qualification (UPE, South Africa) and a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (UOFS, South Africa in conjunction with the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa). Cindy also has in excess of 15 years management experience in the Fiduciary sector with one of the most reputable and successful Trust Companies in South Africa. Cindy moved to New Zealand some 3 years ago and is delighted to be working with such an energetic and entrepreneurial team at ACF.
c.suttie "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8832
Katherine Stanier - Te Manu Ka Rewa Community Development Worker and Projects Coordinator
Kat joins us as a Community Development Worker delivering the Te Manu Ka Rewa project in Clendon Park, alongside Damon Heke. She is also working on research and grants, with current focus on MacroAuckland and looking at the development of projects that fit with Auckland’s emerging social needs. Kat’s background lies in project management and community development, having worked for Groundwork Trust in the UK for 5 years where she delivered a portfolio of work including urban space regeneration, environmental sustainability, youth and community development projects.
k.stanier "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8832
Damon Heke - Te Manu Ka Rewa Community Development Worker
Damon joins our team as a Community Development Worker for the Te Manu Ka Rewa project in Clendon Park along with Katherine Stanier. He is very committed and passionate about the area with a strong desire to create a catalyst of positive change for the community. Damon’s background is in Maori Performing Arts or Kapa Haka and developing this within the region where he tutors Te Tai Tonga (South Side) Roopu Kapa Haka with his partner Keliegh Henare. With sound understanding of Te Reo Maori me ona tikanga which he actively promotes and supports. He was recently elected on to the Board of Trustees for Manurewa Marae which enables him to carry the dreams and aspirations of his community that he continues to serve.
d.heke "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8832/021 506186
Deb Schwartz (nee Levy) – MacroAuckland Project Manager/Analyst
Deb was the driving force behind the MacroAuckland Project to inspire and inform generosity in our city. She is currently the Agency Manager of EDEN (Eating Difficulties Education Network) and is supporting ACF with MacroAuckland engagement projects. Deb completed her BA/LLB at the University of Auckland and has over eight years experience working, volunteering and consulting for not-for-profit organisations. Deb has travelled around the world and each time she returns, feels very fortunate to call Auckland home.
d.levy "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8832
027 257 5676
Penny Olson – Marketing Volunteer
Penny was ACF's office manager but has recently returned to full-time education to pursue a new career as a teacher. Penny is continuing her support of ACF as a volunteer, using her expertise to support the Foundation with marketing and communications. A recent returnee to Auckland after a few years in Wellington and Melbourne, Penny’s work background is in communications and marketing - for Sky TV and Career Services in NZ – and she does a little bit of freelance writing. Penny has also been involved with Kidsline, Youthline and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
p.olson "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8833
022 653 4973
Joanne Hand – Research Volunteer
Joanne has recently returned to New Zealand after 20 years of working in international development. For the Auckland Communities Foundation, she has volunteered with the research for the MacroAuckland needs assessment.
j.hand "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8832
Matty Blomfield – Social Marketing Volunteer (Internship)
m.blomfield "at" aucklandcf.org.nz
09 277 8832