Team
Team
Meet our Staff
Sarah Finlay-Robinson
National Trust Manager
With over 20 years of experience in youth development, Sarah brings a deep commitment to supporting the people and organisations who walk alongside young people every day.
Her career has spanned care, youth transitions, health promotion, local government, and tertiary education—always grounded in a belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive. She’s worked with government agencies, councils, and youth organisations to strengthen strategies, programmes, and practices that truly make a difference for young people.
Sarah provides training and professional supervision to youth workers and is an active member of Korowai Tupu, the professional association for youth work in Aotearoa. Sarah is passionate about growing a connected and confident professional community that puts young people first.Sarah brings a unique mix of practical experience, deep care and a genuine belief in the power of collaboration. She understands systems and strategy, and leads with people—centering the voices, experiences, and aspirations of young people. In her role as Trust Manager, Sarah walks alongside youth organisations across Aotearoa—celebrating strengths, sharing insights, and working together to grow impactful practice and better outcomes for taiohi.[/expander_maker
Her career has spanned care, youth transitions, health promotion, local government, and tertiary education—always grounded in a belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive. She’s worked with government agencies, councils, and youth organisations to strengthen strategies, programmes, and practices that truly make a difference for young people.
Sarah provides training and professional supervision to youth workers and is an active member of Korowai Tupu, the professional association for youth work in Aotearoa. Sarah is passionate about growing a connected and confident professional community that puts young people first.Sarah brings a unique mix of practical experience, deep care and a genuine belief in the power of collaboration. She understands systems and strategy, and leads with people—centering the voices, experiences, and aspirations of young people. In her role as Trust Manager, Sarah walks alongside youth organisations across Aotearoa—celebrating strengths, sharing insights, and working together to grow impactful practice and better outcomes for taiohi.[/expander_maker
Eleanor Becker
Book Keeper
Meet our Kaumatua
Ruru Hona
Kaumatua
Tēna koe
Tēnā koutou
Tēnā rā koutou katoa
Kō Wainui te pito ō tōku ao
Kō Ngāti Ruamahue te marae
Kō Kāteatea te urupā
Kō Ngā Moko te awa
Kō Maunga Kōhatu me Whakarārā ngā maunga
Kō Ngāti Kahu me Ngā Puhi ōku Iwi
Kō Te Tai Tokerau te takiwā
Kō au tēnei
Tēnā koutou
Tēnā rā koutou katoa
Kō Wainui te pito ō tōku ao
Kō Ngāti Ruamahue te marae
Kō Kāteatea te urupā
Kō Ngā Moko te awa
Kō Maunga Kōhatu me Whakarārā ngā maunga
Kō Ngāti Kahu me Ngā Puhi ōku Iwi
Kō Te Tai Tokerau te takiwā
Kō au tēnei
Meet our Trustees
Paddy Pawson
Co-Chair
From the hearty landscape of County Sligo and northern England to the story of Rakaihautu describes a little of where I am from.
For the last 30+ years with various hats I have volunteered, lived amongst, worked and supported young people and communities utilising the medium of our natural world. I established adventure therapy at the then Waipuna Trust and believe strongly in the value of nature world experiences and the contribution they make to our lives. A big picture person I enjoy drawing on the systems, structures and processes of the natural world to develop our human.
For the last 30+ years with various hats I have volunteered, lived amongst, worked and supported young people and communities utilising the medium of our natural world. I established adventure therapy at the then Waipuna Trust and believe strongly in the value of nature world experiences and the contribution they make to our lives. A big picture person I enjoy drawing on the systems, structures and processes of the natural world to develop our human.
Emma Peek
Co-Chair
bio coming
Stacey Te Puhoe Rose
Trustee
bio coming
Angela Williams
Trustee
bio coming
James Pomeroy
Trustee
Born and raised in Christchurch, James Pomeroy was Educated at Middleton Grange School and Ara Institute of Canterbury. Graduating in 2019 with a Diploma in Business in conjunction with a Certificate in Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship, to enable him to build on nearly ten years of acquired skills in the hospitality industry at senior management level.
An active member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he has been able to connect and build strong relationships across the community including with Christchurch Pride and AIDS Foundation but also in a more personal way with the community outside of the organisations. Along with his partner Philip, they are often at LGBTQIA+ events along with senior members and leaders of the community. He particularly enjoys a close relationship with the Chair and vice- Chair of Christchurch Pride and many Board Members, as well as Rainbow Labour.
. As a Member of the Institute of Directors, James has gained valuable skills and networks within the wider Governance Sector. Some of these skills include Governance best practice and management of NFP’s. This professional development is on-going and gives great insight into the many challenges that Boards of all shapes and sizes face in the modern workplace.
His work with the Christchurch City Choir is of particular note, having been able to achieve the most financially successful seasons for the organisation in nearly a decade. During his tenure he was instrumental in achieving a number of corporate sponsors along with a re-brand to modernise the organisation to allow diversity and continued growth with audiences. He continues to support many Arts organisations ad hoc. He, through Pomeroy Group, is delighted to be a Principal Sponsor of this year’s Christchurch Aria, the prerequisite competition for the national Lexus Song Quest run by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.
Naturally, hospitality is the industry in which most of his experiences are made up. This led to the creation of Pomeroy Group – a hospitality business advisory and recruitment firm. With having so much experience, and not afraid to ask the hard questions, he is able to advise on a number of topics and provide advice to ensure effective change with positive outcomes
An active member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he has been able to connect and build strong relationships across the community including with Christchurch Pride and AIDS Foundation but also in a more personal way with the community outside of the organisations. Along with his partner Philip, they are often at LGBTQIA+ events along with senior members and leaders of the community. He particularly enjoys a close relationship with the Chair and vice- Chair of Christchurch Pride and many Board Members, as well as Rainbow Labour.
. As a Member of the Institute of Directors, James has gained valuable skills and networks within the wider Governance Sector. Some of these skills include Governance best practice and management of NFP’s. This professional development is on-going and gives great insight into the many challenges that Boards of all shapes and sizes face in the modern workplace.
His work with the Christchurch City Choir is of particular note, having been able to achieve the most financially successful seasons for the organisation in nearly a decade. During his tenure he was instrumental in achieving a number of corporate sponsors along with a re-brand to modernise the organisation to allow diversity and continued growth with audiences. He continues to support many Arts organisations ad hoc. He, through Pomeroy Group, is delighted to be a Principal Sponsor of this year’s Christchurch Aria, the prerequisite competition for the national Lexus Song Quest run by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.
Naturally, hospitality is the industry in which most of his experiences are made up. This led to the creation of Pomeroy Group – a hospitality business advisory and recruitment firm. With having so much experience, and not afraid to ask the hard questions, he is able to advise on a number of topics and provide advice to ensure effective change with positive outcomes
