Our name, HOPENZ not only reflects our Kiwi roots but honours our affiliation to the world-wide family of HOPE International Development Agency based in Vancouver, Canada.
HOPENZ was established in March 2005 by a group of founding trustees who were deeply moved by the suffering of families in the developing world.
All New Zealand based personnel for HOPENZ are volunteers who work out of a sense of compassion and expectation that things can be made better for families in need and hold the belief that ordinary Kiwis can be an integral part of the solution to poverty.
Current Board
Richard Tankersley, Chairperson
Richard is involved in business and has a heart for community enterprises. Seeing an opportunity come to fruition and then impact a community is the best adventure for Richard. Richard and Anne have 4 adult children.
Gordon McIvor, Director
Gordon works as a Business Development Manager for an international I.T. Services firm. He has a sales, I.T. and customer service background. Gordon is married to Josie and together have two children. He has represented both Manawatu and New Zealand in sport.
Tony Mackereth, Financial Director
Tony manages a team of research engineers for a dairy company. Tony is married to Diana and together have three grown up sons. Tony has a passion to empower people to help themselves.
Anna Woolston, Director
Anna is a primary school teacher, married to Grant, with two sons. She is passionate about empowering others through education and support, helping them reach their full potential. Aligned with HopeNZ’s ethos of offering a hand up, not a hand out, Anna is dedicated to fostering self-reliance and opportunity. Her connection to HopeNZ began with her father, Richard Brown, a past project manager, and the project trip they took together in 2008.
Cam Brown, Director
Cam is a dairy farmer, married to Anna, with two sons. He is passionate about sustainable farming and supporting his community. Cam’s connection to HopeNZ began through his family’s involvement, including his Dad and brother, and the values of helping others that have been a part of his life.
