Meet the Team

Trust Chairperson

Portia holds a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato, graduating with double First Class Honours in Economics and Strategic Management. As the founder of Good Growth, she works as a consultant and advisor to values-led projects across Aotearoa and beyond, supporting initiatives focused on enabling technology, accessible education, regional development, and the circular economy. A passionate advocate for mental health and community wellbeing, Portia brings a holistic lens to leadership, drawing on both her professional experience and her training as a mental-health aware yoga teacher. She is honoured to support the Trust in activating thriving futures for rangatahi and the wider community.

Trustee

Hannah has always been driven by a search for meaning and a commitment to supporting wellbeing and thriving in all areas of life. Having overcome her own mental health challenges—largely through running—she has also walked closely alongside her three teenage and emerging adult children through their own seasons of struggle. Her educational background spans law, psychology, human development, education, and governance. With a teaching background and a deep passion and shared concern for teen mental health in New Zealand, Hannah strongly believes in the power of self-help tools that empower individuals to overcome their own challenges. She is currently the Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Influence for Rod Drury, the Founder of Xero.

Trust Secretary

Ashleigh is a social innovation and graphic designer with experience in human-centred design, systems change, strategy, and research. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Design for Social Innovation and Business from Victoria University of Wellington. Her professional background spans the not-for-profit, iwi, and corporate sectors. Ashleigh currently works for Tokona te Raki – Māori Futures Collective, an indigenous innovation lab focused on achieving equity in education, employment, and income for Māori by 2040. She has also contributed to philanthropic work with the Peter McKenzie Project (Child Poverty Action Group), serving as a committee member involved in decision-making.

Trust Treasurer

With over a decade of experience as an Accountant, Rebecca has developed expertise across a wide range of industries, including property, local government, investment, and Big 4 audit firms. She became a Chartered Accountant in 2017. Motivated by a desire to use her skills to support meaningful causes, Rebecca became involved with Soul Learning. Through this work, she contributes to the Trust’s mission of empowering tamariki— our future—to unlock their full potential and thrive.