Meet the team

We are a team of activists, thinkers and experts united by our shared mission – to end the exploitation of Animals in Aotearoa.

Debra Ashton

Chief Executive Officer

Debra became SAFE’s CEO in 2018. A long-time animal advocate, Debra was SAFE’s Managing Director in 2012, after a twenty-five-year career in film and television. Her love of animals and a concern for the way they are treated led Debra to work with a wide number of groups wanting to make positive changes for animals.

Debra is SAFE's key media spokesperson, please see her media profile for inquiries.

Belle Ong

Head of Operations

Belle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs and a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration. Their career has taken them across Asia, the Middle East, North America, and New Zealand, spanning private and not-for-profit organisations. At SAFE, they oversee organisational operations, supporting the team to deliver meaningful change for animals.

Jessica Chambers

Head of Campaigns

With a background in project management and film production, as well as a science degree specialising in animal management and welfare, Jessica brings a diverse skill set to the team. Jessica spearheads efforts focused on hen and chicken welfare, driving impactful change in corporate and policy arenas.

Jessica is a media spokesperson at SAFE, please see her media profile for inquiries.

Charlie

Campaign Coordinator

Charlie began as an intern with SAFE as part of her Master of Public Policy degree. As one of SAFE’s Campaign Coordinator’s she specialises in policy analysis and research reports. Beyond work she is an avid lover of the performing arts and a good old fashioned paperback.

Courtney

Assistant to the CEO

Elise Herrera

Communications Manager

Elise has a background in Communications Design and Strategy in the NGO and Political space. At SAFE, she develops the Public Communications Strategy and oversees its implementation across all channels. Elise is a competitive Powerlifter, foodie, and hiking hobbyist – proving that eating plants can make you strong and healthy!

Emily Hall Media Profile photo - SAFE for Animals

Emily Hall

Campaign Manager

Emily has worked in the not-for-profit sector across Aotearoa New Zealand, the UK, and Australia. She is one of SAFE’s Campaign Managers and believes small shifts in awareness can lead to big changes for animals. Outside of work, Emily loves travel, music, and plant-based cooking, and is often found exploring the west coast beach near her home.

Emily is a media spokesperson at SAFE, please see her media profile for inquiries.

Emma Brodie

Campaign Manager

With a background in environmental campaigning and a Master’s in Public Policy, her research explored regulatory capture and the critical need for independence in New Zealand’s animal welfare system. Emma is deeply committed to addressing systemic injustice and uses policy expertise, strategic campaigning, and media advocacy to drive meaningful change.

Emma is a media spokesperson at SAFE, please see her media profile for inquiries.

Gabriel

Digital Marketing Specialist

Gabriel is SAFE’s Digital Marketing expert, bringing sales and marketing experience from the private sector to elevate SAFE’s digital advocacy efforts for animals. In his spare time he likes to lift weights, and roam the ridgelines and forests of Wellington.

Ian

Communications Manager

At SAFE, Ian oversees all communications, using data-led strategies to amplify our kaupapa and accelerate change for animals. When he's not working for animals, Ian is a father, a musician, and Aotearoa's #1 oat-flat white consumer.

Isa

Campaign Coordinator

Isa is a passionate animal advocate who has been part of the SAFE team for over two years. With a deep love for animals and nature, she is committed to helping create a better future for all living beings. Isa believes the future is plant-based and is motivated by the vision of a world where compassion for animals and respect for the environment are at the heart of our choices.

Kendall

Fundraising Communications Specialist

Michelle

Supporter Care Specialist

As a passionate animal advocate with hands-on experience in TNR programmes, marine mammal rescue and animal shelter management, Michelle bridges activism and action. Now overseeing supporter needs and care at SAFE, she feels privileged to work for animals while nurturing her other true loves: nature and the outdoors, books, yoga, art, music and creating ceramics.

If you’ve ever called or emailed SAFE, you’ve probably spoken to Michelle! Get in touch at [email protected] or call 0800 7283 2646 for any general queries about our work or your donations.

Samantha

Fundraising Manager

Samantha is dedicated to helping SAFE secure the funds needed to create a better future for animals. She’s passionate about making sure SAFE’s supporters feel informed, valued and connected to the difference they make. In her spare time, you’ll find her singing, dancing, watching videos of bears, and cuddling cats.

Sarah

Finance Manager

Sarah combines her passion for sound financial management with a commitment to creating a more compassionate world for animals. She enjoys turning financial information into meaningful insights that support informed decision-making and empower our team to drive positive change for animals in Aotearoa. In her spare time she enjoys fostering puppies in need and family time with her two boys.

Shar Garriock

Events and Community Engagement Coordinator

Meet the Board

SAFE’s Board of Directors is made up of compassionate people who volunteer their time and expertise to help animals and ensure good governance. Our board members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including animal advocacy, digital media, accountancy, psychology and business.

Kat MacMillan

Chair

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.

Benoit Auvray

Secretary

Benoit brings over 25 years of experience in statistics, machine learning, and AI across diverse sectors. Having co-founded several technology startups, he combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, multidisciplinary team leadership, and experience securing funding through grants and investor engagement. His background in data-driven solutions and evidence-based approaches positions him well to support SAFE's advocacy work. Benoit is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to reduce suffering, advocate for sentient life, and advance equity and inclusion, bringing analytical rigour and entrepreneurial experience to drive meaningful change.

Dee Lodhia

Treasurer

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.

Gareth Hughes

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.

Liz Gosling

Liz Gosling is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. Liz holds an MBA (Human Resources Management), Distinction from AUT, has attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and undertook the Institute of Educational Management intensive course. She holds an Executive & Organisational Coaching Certificate and is an Agile Certified Professional, and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. Key skills include leadership, strategy, governance, organisational change, communication, service management, relationship building and people management. She brings governance experience from not for profits, membership organisations and a Crown company. A vegetarian since the age of 7, Liz cares deeply about animal welfare.

Jesse Chalmers

Jesse was Managing Director of Chalmers Organics Ltd, NZ manufacturers of the vegan plant- based food brands Tonzu and Zenzo for 21 years and remains a Director and Manager of Finance for the company. Jesse was the youngest elected member of the Waitemata Local Board of the inaugural Auckland Super City Council. Jesse’s passion for animal rights drives her to provide affordable and healthy plant-based alternatives to meat and she is excited to bring her experience in business growth and development, her management skills and passion for animal welfare to the SAFE board.

Olivia Pierre

Olivia is an experienced senior leader with customer, commercial and operational experience gained in the aviation and electricity sectors. She is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, pursuing the governance chartered membership pathway. She is passionate about building positive and trusted relationships, aligned to SAFE’s vision to ensure the rights of animals are valued.

SAFE Rules

(Constitution)