Our Team

Michelle is passionate about building stronger communities through volunteering. With a background in marketing and years of experience in the for-purpose sector, Michelle knows firsthand the value volunteers bring-how their contributions strengthen organisations and create lasting impact across the communities they serve. She believes everyone has something valuable to offer and that volunteering is as much about what you gain as what you give. Outside of work, she volunteers with Bellyful Hamilton and Good Bitches Baking.

Creating meaningful connections and fostering community involvement are central to Lydia’s approach. With a degree in Marketing and Communications, she brings a fresh perspective and youthful outlook to the Volunteering Waikato team. Lydia enjoys using her marketing skills and passion for storytelling to raise awareness for volunteer organisations across the region and inspire more people to get involved. Outside of work she volunteers with her local church.

Danielle joined the Volunteering Waikato team in July 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and recently completed her master’s degree in business management at the University of Waikato. Prior to this, Danielle worked with British Airways in Bombay for over 15 years, where she developed strong networking and people management skills. She volunteers at the Cambridge Hospice Shop, enjoying being involved in the community and making a positive difference.

Joy is the Chairperson of Volunteering Waikato and has over 30 years of experience spanning education, health, and the private sector. She believes volunteering is a powerful way to connect people and create meaningful impact. Throughout her career, Joy has seen how giving back enriches communities and fosters personal growth. A long-standing member of the Kirikiriroa and greater Waikato community since 1994, she is dedicated to leading initiatives that build stronger, more resilient communities across the region. 

Caccia joined the Volunteering Waikato team as a Community Advisor in February 2025. Raised in Kirikiriroa, she has strong connections with various community organisations across the Waikato and brings extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector. Passionate about fostering relationships, Caccia looks forward to collaborating with members and volunteers, especially within Māori and Pasifika communities.

Shayne holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Waikato. He has spent much of his career in tertiary education and leading hapū economic development in Northland. Shayne has also served with Literacy Aotearoa and Pregnancy Counselling Services, inspired by how voluntary organisations support physical, emotional, social, and economic needs. He is passionate about enabling voluntary organisations and growing haporiparticipation.  

Adam is a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor at CKL in Hamilton, specialising in land development projects across the Waikato region. Originally from Palestine, he spent much of his time in New Zealand living in Whangarei before moving to Hamilton in 2017. Adam is enthusiastic about being part of Volunteering Waikato and contributing to its positive impact within the community. 

Robbie has over 30 years of experience in television as a Producer and multi-camera Director. Since 2006, he has been self-employed as a television and documentary filmmaker and event manager. His background also includes roles in hotel and restaurant management, civil service, and local government. Robbie has an extensive voluntary portfolio, including serving as Chairperson of a School Board of Trustees, Trustee of his Marae, and active membership on various trusts and committees focused on environmental and sports organizations across Hamilton, Whāingaroa, Pureora, and Ōtorohanga.

Peter has been a Trustee of Volunteering Waikato since May 2024 following his retirement. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, including roles as CEO of Waikato Bay of Plenty Football, and General Manager at Te Awamutu Rugby Sports Club, Motorcycling New Zealand, and Ngaruawahia Golf Club. Peter understands the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities. In addition to Volunteering Waikato, he serves as Treasurer on the Boards of Citizens Advice Bureau Hamilton and Hamilton Hearing Association. Peter balances his commitment to community with his passion for travel. 

Kanj holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Management Studies in Accounting from the University of Waikato. As an auditor at PwC, he has worked with both charitable and for-profit entities. Kanj is excited to bring his diverse skill set to Volunteering Waikato, where he looks forward to supporting and empowering volunteers to make a positive impact on the wider community. 

Richard is a Year 13 student at Rototuna Senior High School who currently serves as Head Boy (Manukura). He is passionate about leadership, youth voice, and community engagement. Richard actively participates in the Waikato Youth Student Advisory Group (WYSTAG) and volunteers regularly at Vinnies Hamilton. He has played a key role in organising inter-school Model UN conferences (WAIMUN) and supports student wellbeing through the school’s Community, International, and Media Councils. Committed to making a positive impact, Richard brings strong leadership skills and cultural insight to support and strengthen communities across the Waikato region. 

Ankit is a Business Development Manager and is passionate about giving back.  He enjoys helping projects succeed, thriving on turning ideas into action while connecting with people along the way. Outside of work, Ankit enjoys planting trees, supporting community events, exploring museums, and learning Te Reo Māori. Making a positive difference, whether big or small, is what excites Ankit most.

Konah brings experience in housing, health, and social development, shaped by years of working alongside dedicated teams and communities. With a background in operational management and stakeholder engagement, Konah has supported multi-disciplinary efforts across government and community sectors, contributing to meaningful outcomes for those most in need.

Rachel Poša holds a Bachelor of Professional Communication, adult teaching qualifications, and is a registered NZQA assessor. With extensive management and principal academic experience in tertiary education, she now works as a freelance Instructional Designer. Rachel has served as Senior Kaiārahi with Literacy Waikato, a mentor for RAW NZ, is a Justice of The Peace, and is passionate about championing the voluntary community sector and its vital role in society, providing mana-enhancing experiences for all stakeholders

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling, and a Graduate Diploma in Human Resources.  Sandra founded and managed an HR Consultancy for over 20 years covering the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.  She has served on boards in the health and disability sectors in the past.  In her earlier career, she managed a ‘for purpose’ organisation; and established a new women’s health service in the region for the then Health Waikato. Sandra has a passion for working with community organisations and serving our communities.

Rachel Poša holds a Bachelor of Professional Communication, adult teaching qualifications, and is a registered NZQA assessor. With extensive management and principal academic experience in tertiary education, she now works as a freelance Instructional Designer. Rachel has served as Senior Kaiārahi with Literacy Waikato, a mentor for RAW NZ, is a Justice of The Peace, and is passionate about championing the voluntary community sector and its vital role in society, providing mana-enhancing experiences for all stakeholders.