Meet the Team
We’re a small, community-minded team who genuinely love what we do – helping people find ways to give back and supporting organisations to strengthen their volunteer programs.
Meet the Board
Michelle Rae
Lydia Wills
Danielle VanShipley
Joy Foot
Caccia Dennison
Shayne Wihongi
Adam Musa
Robbie Neha
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 Arndell
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 Patel
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 Kandel
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 Choudhary
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 Park
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
Secretary
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 Diekerhof
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
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.

