Rob is a Kaiako and researcher with Brainwave Trust, working to raise public awareness of brain development to help tamariki reach their potential. He serves as a Senior Grievance Panelist in Care & Protection and Youth Justice residences and is a Senior Research Fellow at Otago University. Rob has long been active in family violence prevention and in supporting tamariki in care and their caregivers, through roles across the public service, NGOs, and community groups throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Based in Ōtepoti Dunedin with his son and partner, Rob is tangata tiriti and deeply committed to honouring obligations to mana whenua under te Tiriti o Waitangi and addressing inequity. He is passionate about community development and empowering people to take responsibility and action to address social issues.

Based in Queenstown, Michael has over 16 years experience in the Fundraising sector. Passionate about his mahi, Michael has a well rounded breadth of experience working with digital and data teams, external agencies and supporter journey teams. In previous roles, Michael worked for Oxfam Aotearoa and Greenpeace Australia Pacific, helping them build strong relationships with supporters. At Family, Michael manages all of our fundraising activities in Aotearoa New Zealand and works to grow our incredible community of loyal and generous supporters.

Sophia lives in Auckland with her husband and daughter. She has worked in sales and customer service for over 15 years. Her work experience ranges from the fashion industry to managing accounts at ANZ and being a Programme Manager for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, overseeing their professional development programme. Outside of work, Sophia loves travelling, keeping fit and meeting new people. Sophie is the key contact for our amazing supporter base. 

Filipe was born in Rio de Janeiro. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in International Relations, he focused his research on internet governance, digital security, and human rights. He spent five years at Amnesty International, mobilising a nationwide network of activists and leading campaigns on public security, reproductive rights, racism, and protection for human rights defenders. In partnership with Greenpeace, he developed training programmes on security and nonviolent action for young activists. A vegan and yogi, Filipe also enjoys long walks, gardening, and reading. At Family, Filipe now works on building our movement through supporting our members in their advocacy work and collaborative research.

Nicole brings more than 10 years of experience in the charity sector to the Family for Every Child team. She has previously worked in a range of areas including monitoring and evaluation, programme development and providing Secretariat support to other alliance organisations. Nicole has direct experience working with vulnerable young people in the UK and country experience in Canada, Serbia, The Gambia, Italy, Croatia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Nicole has a MA in Urban Development and Reconstruction Specialising in Developing Countries.

Andrea has nearly 20 years fundraising experience. She has developed and managed fundraising programmes across 15 global fundraising markets. Her experience covers voluntary and institutional fundraising and communications. Prior to joining Family, Andrea worked for ActionAid as International Director of Fundraising and Communications. She has led teams through significant change processes and has co-drafting substantial organisational strategies.

Deirdre has over 10 years experience working in communications and marketing in the non-profit sector and has worked for several membership organisations including, UK Community Foundations, the London Reuse Network and the Federation for Community Development Learning. Her previous roles have focused on website development, brand management and digital communications. Deirdre holds a B.A in History and a Post Graduate Certificate in Community Development from the University of Sheffield. Outside work she enjoys travel, gardening and cycling.