Our People

Since taking time out to complete a fulltime MBA at Trinity College Dublin in 1998-99, Anthony has held senior management positions in companies across a diverse range of industries including Ticketek and Noel Leeming Group.

A few years ago Anthony made the decision to devote more time to 'doing good' for the community. To achieve this, he concentrated on fundraising and volunteering time for not for profit organisations, coupled with mentoring teenagers. In time, this became a passion. The next step was to look at how to utilise his skills and experience in a fulltime capacity with the right organisation within this sector.  

"There are so many reasons why I get excited about working at the First Foundation, none more so than to assist really talented New Zealand students achieve their aspirations." 

Anthony and his wife Vanessa, together with their three children live in Campbells Bay, Auckland.

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If you ever want to find out what makes First Foundation tick this is the place to start. Liz was introduced to First Foundation in October 2004 when she was invited to attend the Auckland Awards Ceremony.

Since then Liz has worked with schools in Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin to recruit the bulk of the 300 Scholars who have either been or are currently in the programme.

"The team always knows when recruitment has started because I will come back to the office and tell them about the fantastic kids I have met that day."

For those who are successful, Liz and the team have the pleasure of formally working with them for 4 years as they finish school and enter tertiary education. And for those who don't - "I take great pleasure in hearing that they too have found other success in life."

Amanda is a University of Canterbury graduate, gaining a BA double major in Business and Japanese before a Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Amanda has travelled extensively, with stints working in Canada, Japan, London and Sydney, before returning to settle in Auckland.

Since returning Amanda has worked as Operations and Business Development Manager at ACCESS Technology, (Wellington and Sydney), and Sponsorship Manager for Major Events at Auckland City Council.

Having taken 18 months out of the workforce to be a full-time mum to 2 toddlers, Amanda had a chance to reflect on what she really wanted out of her next role.

"There are so many reasons why I enjoy working at First Foundation. First Foundation and its model are inspirational and visionary. It allows me to utilize my key skills and experience in a challenging and worthwhile role that makes a real difference. It impacts the lives of young people that really need and deserve it".

Andrea has 30 years teaching experience including 14 years in Careers Education and Guidance. Her work has been primarily with individual students to identify their future career goals.

Andrea established a school-wide career mentoring programme at One Tree Hill College called Pathways and every student in the college had one significant adult who took a personal interest in their development and achievements. Whilst there, Andrea grew a close association with the First Foundation.

"I enjoyed seeing the sense of pride in the students when they were selected as Scholars. Mostly they were overwhelmed when they realized that somebody really believed in them as a young person and wanted to give them an opportunity they had never had before. I saw first-hand how First Foundation giving young people a hand-up really makes such a difference.   It is the support of the Scholarship Partner, the Mentor and the team at First Foundation surrounding each Scholar that makes a real difference in their lives."

Leanne has been involved with many aspects of Education for many years. She has been a teacher, Play Centre and Board of Trustees member whilst her children were young. For the last 15 years she has worked at a year 1-13 College as a fund raiser/event and alumnae manager.

"I am delighted to be part of of a team that has the goal of helping students who might not have been otherwise able, to build a better future for themselves and for others".