Our Volunteers
Our dedicated volunteers are truly the foundation of our organisation. We are fortunate to have an amazing team of individuals who selflessly dedicate their aroha, efforts, and valuable time to support both our organisation and our guests. We absolutely couldn’t achieve our goals without their unwavering commitment, and we appreciate them beyond words for all they do.
Our Board of Trustees
Gina graham, chairperson
Gina joined Under the Stars in 2021 as a volunteer, eager to contribute her time and skills to a cause she genuinely cares about. In 2023, she took on a more prominent role by joining the Board of Trustees. Gina feels a deep and personal sense of connection to the compassionate and non-judgmental way in which Under the Stars provides essential support to the local homeless community. She feels a strong connection, having come from a lived experience of homelessness herself and having been a ward of the state during her childhood. Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in te reo Māori and Māori and Indigenous studies, and is currently working on her Master of Social Science, with a focus on Māori and Indigenous studies, to deepen her knowledge and impact.
Keiran Stuart, Trustee
Keiran has been a dedicated volunteer of Under the Stars since 2018. He has been on the Board as a trustees since 2020 and brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate spirit to the governance of our organisation. As well as being a trustee, Keiran often volunteers as a Meal Manager and is known for his generosity and kindness, Keiran’s commitment to fostering community and support shines through in all his efforts, making a lasting impact on those he serves.
dave willingham, trustee
Dave (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Atiawa) joined our Board of Trustees in 2023. Dave is a former soldier and cabinet-maker and is currently in the process of completing his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Policy at the University of Waikato. Dave has a wealth of experience in team-sports coaching and governance, as well as volunteer work in the homelessness and men’s mental health sectors. His diverse experiences (both in New Zealand and abroad) have greatly enriched his understanding of the many challenges faced by marginalised groups.
Carol Machaj, Trustee
Carol began volunteering at Under the Stars as a volunteer in 2020, quickly becoming a valuable asset in managing numerous meals. Her dedication and skills were recognised, leading her to join our Board of Trustees in 2022. With her blend of business acumen, compassion, and strong organisational abilities, Carol significantly contributes to the growth and effectiveness of our organisation. Her experience ensures that we continue to serve our community with excellence and commitment.
Paula clode, treasurer
Paula's journey with Under the Stars began as a volunteer, often cooking for our meals. Her dedication and passion for supporting others soon led her to take on a more significant role. In 2021, she transitioned into a trustee position, leveraging her extensive background in finance and business. As Treasurer of our Board of Trustees, Paula works hard to ensure the organisation's success and financial stability. Her skills and concern for others highlight the teamwork necessary for creating real change.
Our Staff
Ani Stace, Strategic partnership and Funding Manager
Ani is our Strategic Partnership and Funding Manager at Under the Stars, where she has been making a positive impact since 2021. In addition to her managerial role, Ani often volunteers as a Meal Manager and gets amongst it with our volunteers and guests alike. She combines her passion for community service with her expertise in strategic planning to drive meaningful initiatives. Ani believes in the power of collaboration and is committed to creating brighter futures to those in need.
Rose Kent-Wilson, Operations Coordinator
Rose started volunteering at Under the Stars in early 2022 and transitioned into the Operations Coordinator role in 2024. Rose has a positive attitude and attention to detail and faces every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset. With a knack for streamlining processes and fostering collaboration, Rose keeps everything running smoothly, allowing everyone to focus on what they do best. She still volunteers frequently as a meal manager and loves working and connecting with our volunteers and guests.