Trina Northcott

Volunteer and Administration Support

Trina comes from a varied administrative background in service industries with a passion for document management and organisation. Her volunteer experience spans over three different countries, having volunteered since her early teens including service on a number of committees and as secretary on a school board of trustees.

Ruby Walker

Manager

Ruby is excited to match up volunteers with our member organisations and see volunteering grow in Tairāwhiti.

Melissa Bennett

Community Connector

Melissa brings with her a love for community and a background in HR and customer service among many other talents.
Growing up in rural Gisborne Melissa knows that volunteering plays an integral role in our region and is excited to work with not-for-profit organisations to ensure they are well resourced and operating at full capacity.

Come in to the Centre to see Melissa on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Amber Aitkenhead

Board Member

Amber Aitkenhead's whakapapa is of Nga Puhi descent yet her family are early European pioneers and she was born and grew up In Turanganui-A-Kiwa. Having travelled extensively and lived overseas she has always been drawn back to our wonderful community in Gisborne because it’s rich history is underpinned by a strong sense of whakawhanaungatanga.

With a background in Health Science, In her spare time Amber works full time at ACC, she says that her Irish husband Neil and their three children “have been bitten by the volunteer bug too and love bringing our creative minds together to identify opportunities to unite people, celebrate diversity and make a difference.

Hilary Pickering

Treasurer

Hilary is a Gizzy local - returning to Gisborne in 2018 after 27 years away. She currently volunteers at Seasons, the library, Muscular Dystrophy, and at events like Christmas wrapping. Before moving into a paid positon with more hours, Hilary worked in our office each Friday, providing reception and administration support.

With a background in accounting, Hilary was the ideal person to take on the Treasurer's role when it became vacant.

Katie Brown

Board Member

Katie's involvement in volunteering has included the Fire and Emergency, Surf Lifesaving and the YES programme, as well as mentoring at Campion College when she was at school, earning her a GVC Certificate for Youth Volunteering in 2016. Of her new role of the GVC Board, Katie said "It is such a privilege to be on this new exciting adventure. I have always imagined that being a part of a community can be so rewarding, even an honor to stand amongst the space of growth / making a difference. Most importantly the people that I work with but also those I can make a difference for."
During her spare time you’ll find Katie exploring New Zealand or out in nature. When she gets the chance, homemade baking is normally where she's at, listening to personal and business development books. Katie works in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, so she enjoys a good brunch.