Governance

Gareth has spent his entire adult life campaigning for progressive causes and is a passionate advocate for animals. He spent eight years working at Greenpeace NZ and Australia including coordinating New Zealand's largest climate campaign, Sign On. He served in Parliament for a decade starting as the youngest MP of the term and was the Green Party Musterer (Whip), spokesperson for animals and was the Chairperson of the Social Services Community Select Committee.

Dee will be joining the board as a seasoned Senior Assurance, Operational Risk, and Compliance Leader with a strong background in financial services and the public sector. Currently working as Principal Consultant at Mosaic Financial infrastructure Services, Dee brings a blend of expertise in risk management and compliance, showcasing her ability to drive continuous improvement and strategic growth. With a passion for driving positive change and spearheading diversity and inclusion initiatives, Dee’s dedication aligns perfectly with SAFE’s mission to advance animal welfare.

Kat is currently a Regional Councillor for BOP Regional Council where she is driving positive outcomes for the environment, the ocean, climate action and freshwater. Having worked as a Campaigner for Animal Rights and Animal Rescue Charities back in the United Kingdom, Kat brings both experience and passion to the SAFE Board, along with a strong drive to make a positive difference for all animals across the motu.

After leaving her role as Executive Assistant to the CEO at SAFE, Courtenay spent the past year as the Administrator for the SAFE Board. Now co-opted to the Board, she brings her expertise in administration and marketing to the position, having held specialist roles in both the private and public sectors. Courtenay’s long-standing commitment to SAFE reflects her deep passion for ending animal exploitation through strategic change.

Marcelo is a senior lecturer at the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law, where he teaches and researches extensively in the field of animal law. He brings to the SAFE Board an in-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s animal welfare regulatory environment, and is passionate on reforming this area to improve the lives of animals throughout the motu.

Troy is an experienced Chair, Co-Chair and director across a range of sectors and covering not-for-profit, Government and business governance. She is a chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She also has grass roots campaign experience with Sea Shepherd, having been three times on campaign in Japan against the Taiji dolphin slaughter.