Board of Governance
PGrad Arts Mgmt, LTCL, Dip PA
Following her childhood passion in Hawke’s Bay, Margot trained professionally in dance drama with a lifetime of contribution to the Performing Arts amidst senior leadership roles in the retail financial services, education, tourism and Human Resources sectors. Largely self-employed, Margot worked successfully as a facilitator/consultant across Australasia throughout her career prior to returning home with her husband.
As an avid volunteer contributing to numerous organisations over decades, she has undertaken governance roles in NFP Arts and Culture and Social Services organizations for regional and national organizations across Aotearoa New Zealand. Now semi-retired, Margot works as a celebrant, loves being ‘Granny’ to family across the North Island and contributing through her numerous volunteer roles supporting people and communities to achieve their goals and dreams. Kia ora!
I started young and want to go long for the community. I started my governance chapter by running for the Student Elections at EIT Hawke's Bay and have been on the Board since then. I am also the Youth Rep for the Multicultural Association Hawke's Bay Inc. I am privileged to be one of the 18 Youth Councillors at the Hastings District Youth Council and am a representative at the Civic & Administrations Subcommittee table with the Councillors at the Council.
My aim has always been to gain more experience and give back to the community, who are my whanau. I have been doing that by being on several other organisations, namely NZUSA, Hawke's Bay Living Wage, and Student Brand Ambassador at EIT School of Business. I am passionate about numbers, studying my Bachelor with Accounting Major and currently doing my IBL at BDO Hawke's Bay.
Barbara has a background in education in classroom, administrative and leadership roles both in New Zealand and Great Britain.
More recently she has managed programmes for New Zealand Red Cross and was employed as a consultant for Careers New Zealand, where she had responsibility for the development of programmes and working strategically with school leadership to implement these. She also led staff professional development for other consultants.
Now retired, she is not only involved with Volunteering Hawkes Bay but also serves on the New Zealand Red Cross East Coast Area Council and is an active member for Hawke's Bay Heritage Trails and Historic Places Hawke's Bay committees.
Although a recent addition to the VHB team I was introduced to the organisation and its active support of the HB community during Cyclone Gabrielle. As a volunteer it was great to witness the organisation and co-ordination of the volunteer communities in the region.
Volunteer work has always been of interest with previous contributions having been in the Meals on Wheels, and Cranford Hospice organisations. The opportunity to join the board allows me to expand my connections and experience in the volunteer space which I am looking forward to.
Professionally I have worked in banking and finance for over 25 years, currently working for ANZ in their HB Mobile Mortgage Manager team following several years as a self-employed mortgage broker. Working with ANZ also allows opportunities to support volunteer efforts with all employees having a day off each year to work in the community as volunteers, as well as a Staff Foundation for regular staff donations to be put to good use in our communities.
Outside of work and family life, I have also enjoyed active participation in community theatre with Napier Operatic Society both on and off stage since my late teens. This is a fantastic escape from the day to day, where I get to pursue those passions alongside people of all ages, and from all walks of life, including many who are also very actively involved in our communities and volunteer work.