Marianne Cavanagh named Chief Executive Of the Whanganui Community Foundation

The Whanganui Community Foundation, one of twelve community trusts in New Zealand, has named senior leader Marianne Cavanagh as Chief Executive. Marianne is well known to many with her executive roles in local government and as Chair of the New Zealand Masters Games. With a strong commitment to strategic leadership, customer-focused service delivery, and fostering strong community and stakeholder relationships, the Trustees are looking forward to the contribution Marianne will bring.

“We are looking forward to Marianne strengthening transparency with robust processes that enable the Foundation to continue supporting our communities, celebrating our stories, and increasing the visibility and awareness of the Foundation’s work,” enthusiastically states Chair Kathy Cunningham.

“I have led cross-functional teams with a strong focus on delivering measurable and meaningful outcomes for our regional communities and I am passionate about Whangnaui and invested in its future.

“There is inspiring mahi happening across our communities, and I am excited about the opportunity to support, share and celebrate this work, while also embedding resilience within both our communities and the Foundation to ensure we can continue supporting future generations,” explains Marianne Cavanagh.

The Whanganui Community Foundation invests around $1.5millionin in grants each year in the Whanganui, Waimarino and Rangitikei region. Now with $57 million dollars under management, the Board is focused on raising more funds so that additional grants can be given.

In addition to naming a new Chief Executive today, the trust has three new Trustees that the Associate Minister of Finance named in December 2025. They are Judy Kumeroa, Sally Ross and Te Ahu Teki.

About the new Trustees: –

Judy Kumeroa

He uri o Ngāti Tamakana, Ngāti Tūwharetoa hoki, ko Judy Kumeroa ahau.  Married to Greg Tichbon, with three fabulous children, our life is an expression of supporting rangatahi, whānau and our community to thrive.  My whakapapa connects me to my papakainga at Makaranui and my daily life in Whanganui connects me to my Stone Soup community, and Te Ora Hou.  These special connections ground me. 

I look forward to serving our communities through the Whanganui Community Foundation.  I will  bring my knowledge, and build a greater understanding of the needs and aspirations of the region the foundation serves, to support enhanced community wellbeing. 

Sally Ross

I bring a strong commitment to holistic, community-led projects and outcomes, supported by sound governance and thoughtful stewardship of resources. My experience includes strategic thinking, relationship building, and working alongside stakeholders to align around a shared vision, with a focus on achieving long-term, practical impact.

My goal is to strengthen and support sustainable growth across our region and to help the Foundation continue to respond meaningfully to the evolving needs and aspirations of our community and our people.

Te Ahu Teki

Whanganui born and raised, Te Ahu is passionate about the wellbeing and future of the region. He works in leadership and organisational development, supporting organisations to strengthen governance, grow capable leaders, and build strong, values-led cultures. Te Ahu is motivated by supporting the people and communities of Whanganui and its regions to thrive.

For more information about the Whanganui Community Foundation, please visit www.whanganuicommunityfoundation.org.nz