Kathy brings a wealth of commercial, governance and philanthropic experience with decades of leading fundraising and marketing communications initiatives from a soup kitchen in The Bronx to The Delegates Dining Room of The United Nations to award winning campaigns for the most respected companies in New Zealand while serving on several charity Boards. Kathy co-curates Small Talks in Whanganui and is passionate about serving the community.
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 brings a strong commitment to holistic, community-led projects and outcomes, supported by sound governance and thoughtful stewardship of resources. Her 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.
Sally’s 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.
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.
Whanganui born and bred, invested in local progress. Working at the area’s oldest print shop, I help people get their books out there. Resource-conscious, I aim for best results with least effort, focusing on recycling and smart resource use. I’m interested in sustainable food, getting the most out of what we eat, and community health. Down time is spent fly fishing on the Tongariro.
Douglas brings 44 years of chartered accountancy experience to the Board, including nearly a decade as the Foundation’s own administrator and accountant from 2014 to 2023. His deep knowledge of the Foundation — its history, its finances and its people — is an enormous asset. In his spare time he enjoys golf, fishing, hobby farming, motor-homing, and time with his five grandchildren.
Marianne leads the Whanganui Community Foundation, driving strategy, partnerships, and philanthropy to create lasting impact across the region. Focused on connecting people, purpose, and community, to ensure generosity turns into meaningful change for Whanganui, Rangitīkei, and Waimarino.
Debra supports the Foundation by managing grants, community engagement, and organisational systems. working closely with community partners, providing guidance, support, and information to ensure processes are efficient, transparent, and aligned with the Foundation’s values.
