Meet the Trust
We are a collection of locals who enjoy getting together and solving problems. Meet our trustees and our employees. Our trustees are our final decision makers representing the community and they develop and implement our and our mahi and vision. Our employees help with running the day-to administration and coordination. Friends of the trust help with specific projects or skills in whatever capacity they can. This is a collective effort and many others have also been lending their time, professional skills and support.
We are always open to people supporting the Trust - so if you have some time to spare or some expertise and solutions that would benefit us, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us via email paekakarikihousingtrust@gmail.com
Trust employees
Sam Buchanan
Co-Ordinator
Sam Buchanan is an ageing activist who grew up in Paekākāriki and, after 25 years away, returned when he purchased his childhood home. He’s annoyed by the free-market housing crisis that milks every cent it can get from people, ruining lives in the process. He has been involved in a variety of community projects within Paekākāriki, organising gigs, cooking for Burma fundraisers, putting on kids’ parties and playing records on Paekākāriki FM. In his spare time he writes grumpy political essays, volunteers for the Freedom Shop anarchist book store in town and has previously worked as an engineering draughtsperson, DOC ranger, chef, shop assistant, newspaper sub-editor and communications manager.
Trustees
Tina Pope
Chairperson
Until recently I was chair of the Board of Trustees for Paekākāriki School, having been on governing boards in the past for Tenants Protection Association and Community Law Centre in Christchurch. I’ve worked for Housing New Zealand and as a tenancy educator in the past, and currently put my law degree to good use doing legal and technical writing and editing. I’m passionate about building strong and connected community and Paekākāriki truly is my place. I lived here 20 years ago and returned with my husband Mike and kids Olive and Louis six years ago. I believe warm, dry and affordable housing for all is a basic human right and is necessary before any other social issues can be addressed. I believe housing is about homes and communities, not capital gains. I believe tenure protection is vital for everyone and particularly for children. I feel concerned that our school roll is dropping because families can’t afford to stay here.
Anne Woodside
I am Irish and came with my young family from Belfast, at the height of the troubles via Australia, to Aotearoa in 1986. We started in Tawa and have slowly moved up the line to our final resting place. The paradise that is Paekakariki.
We moved here in 2013 to a home that we could adapt for our son Andy who had Primary Progressive MS and to be closer to our daughter and her family. I thank Andy everyday for bringing us to this amazing village and the community of wonderful people that make it so special.
I am a Social Worker and therapist and outside of my paid employment have always been interested and involved in community initiatives to support disabled people, refugees, mothers and children.
Stable, secure and affordable housing is a human right and makes a huge difference in the life of any child or adult.
Sue Peglar
I found my way to Paekākāriki in 2006, but earning my living as a teacher left me little time for community interests outside of school. However, since choosing to work part time I am finding a way to “pay back” for the privilege of living in this amazing community. I am at the very beginning of that journey and look forward to meeting you along the way.
Jade Farrell
Kia ora my name is Jade Farrell I was raised in Paekākāriki most of my life.
My father is Karl Farrell, his mother, Jean Andrew’s, and my great grandmother, Mutu Mira, were all raised from Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki.
I currently reside in Tawa but Paekākāriki will always be my home and I am grateful for the opportunity to help others and learn more about our community and meet new people along the way.
Sorcha Ruth
Trust administrator
Sorcha was born in Ireland and moved to Paekākāriki when she was a child, where she has lived almost ever since. She has a strong appreciation for the welcoming and active community of Paekākāriki. She is in her final year of university, studying towards a major of Environmental Studies and minors in Māori studies and marketing. She cares about environmental and social justice, recognising the interlink between the two. She is also on the Paekākāriki Community Board.
Daphne Eriksen
Chairperson
I am a people-centered, community-minded person with skill, passion and drive to
improve the wellbeing of those around me through the development and support of
mana-enhancing kaupapa for present and future generations. I have an extensive
background in facilitating bi-cultural kaupapa, operational and project management,
herbal medicine, research & development, spacial and environmental design and most
recently facilitating housing need and identifying housing opportunities within the Kāpiti
Coast District. In short, I am focused on creating positive, tangible outcomes for the
community and environment.
Mandy Preston
I’ve lived most of my life in Wellington. My parents came from Scotland and England and I grew up in Island Bay.I now live in Smith street with my partner Sue and Nelly the cat. We have 5 daughters and many mokopuna and whanau who visit and stay. My daughter Sarah has also lived in Paekākāriki.I feel very lucky to live as part of a diverse and resilient community where people take care of each other.Work wise, I have experience in nursing/ health systems, social work,HR, mentoring and policy. I enjoy governance and am currently on the Volunteer Kapiti Board.Te Tiriti o Waitangi underpins the way I live and work. I’ve always worked against oppression. I have supported people’s rights to pay equity, safe and secure housing, gender identity and non - violent environments.I am pleased to be a member of the Paekākāriki Housing Trust.
Mark Galbraith
Treasurer
Mike Stringfellow
I'm from Otautahi. I've lived in Paekākāriki for six years with Tina, Olive and Louis. We live on Tilley Rd. I've been involved in government housing organisations most of my working life. I have come to believe that community housing organisations are better at providing affordable and managing housing than the government or private sector. I have been a member of Abbeyfield Porirua trying to establish housing for elderly. I want to contribute with my knowledge of housing models and products.
Sarah te One
Terry Fenn
Luka Benefielt
Friends of the Trust
Christian Judge
We are always looking for new friends - people who help out where they can, in whatever way suits them, but without the same regular commitment as Trustees.