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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.