Chief Executive

As Chief Executive for The Aotearoa Circle, Vicki is helping drive systems level change to restore nature and ensure sustainable prosperity in Aotearoa for future generations.

Vicki has private sector experience spanning three decades that focuses on building organisations from scratch, forming and executing strategies, creating structures and workplace cultures that last, reaching ambitious funding or revenue goals, coordinating large scale events, and collaborating with leaders to achieve positive outcomes for our communities and Aotearoa.

This work has cut across a wide range of organisations doing good work for New Zealand, including but not limited to the Sir Peter Blake Trust, NZEA, the New Zealand Leadership Institute and in her current role at The Aotearoa Circle.

As a parent of two young adults, Vicki is driven to create a better world for them and their peers, and finds inspiration by getting out into nature, whether it be runs through Tāmaki Makaurau or walks through the South Island, mainly Arrowtown, where she is reminded of what we are all working to protect.

Contact

vicki@theaotearoacircle.nz

+64 27 537 6088

Project Coordinator

Jess is Project Coordinator at The Aotearoa Circle, a where she plays a crucial role supporting our Chief Executive and Directors of Implementation in managing various administrative and logistical aspects of our workstreams. Within our small team, Jess takes on multiple responsibilities, including event planning, graphic design, accounts administration, project support, HR assistance, IT support, and executive assistance when needed.

Prior to joining The Aotearoa Circle, Jess thrived as an EA in fast-paced and creative studio environments. This background has equipped her with the ability to think on her feet and adapt quickly to change. She loves being part of The Circle kaupapa, recognising its critical role in preserving Aotearoa for future generations.

Contact: jess@theaotearoacircle.nz

Director of Engagement and Communications

Fiona is experienced in crisis communications, government relations, investor relations, stakeholder engagement, internal communications, industry relations and media relations. She has led teams large and small, in newsrooms across New Zealand and diverse international teams spread across EMEA, the US and Asia.

Fiona has a deep passion for the ocean which was fostered by her time at New Zealand's largest and oldest seafood company Sanford, where she was General Manager of Corporate Communications for six and a half years.

Fiona's priority is people, and she believes in values-driven leadership and that there is no progress without collaboration.

Executive Assistant

Prior to joining The Aotearoa Circle, Hannah worked in trust and commercial law, both in client facing and administrative roles.

Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring the Waitakere ranges, on the potter’s wheel, or cooking delicious food to share with family and friends

Mark has significant experience in both the public and private sector over a 17 year career, most recently as Senior Manager Strategic Partnerships at the Department of Conservation, where he worked for five years. He has also worked as the environmental business manager at Ravensdown. Mark trained in environmental and marine science and postgraduate qualifications in strategic leadership