When people ask me about philanthropy, here is what I usually say: If we are lucky enough to live financially comfortable lives, we should be sharing some of our wealth. And, we should be giving in proportion to what we have. Additionally, our giving should help address the injustices that enabled our wealth. In recent…
Continue reading →We are asking the wrong questions and counting the wrong things, according to Steve Phillips’s article – why are straight white men overrepresented in positions of power. His take is to stop asking why marginalized groups are underrepresented in our board rooms and senior leadership – instead ask why straight, white men are overrepresented. He…
Continue reading →Recently, my family and I walked the Jumbo circuit in the Tararua Mountains, a stunning three-day tramp, much of it above the bush line. I have to admit the climb was a bit of a challenge for someone like me who is slightly past their tramping prime, but so worth it. At Powell Hut, I…
Continue reading →I recently realised that I have been quietly blogging for twelve years. So here are a few of my most popular and relevant posts. Some useful tools: We’ve all been in meetings where someone won’t shut up. Equity of voice and why it matters (3 minute read) is still a popular blog years later, and…
Continue reading →As 2026 begins, what do we wish for? Do we want to be accepted and liked by others, just the way we are? And to feel safe from crime, hate, mass shootings, and war? If so, chances are we are seeking social cohesion, which is something we can build together. And the humble practice of…
Continue reading →That moment when someone makes a comment about Te Tiriti o Waitangi or Te Ao Māori which is ignorant or offensive, and we want to say something, but we struggle to find the right words, or are too stunned to respond. What to do? The trick is to just say something, no matter how imperfect. …
Continue reading →The NZ local government elections are almost here, and I will be voting to keep Māori wards. So will my 101-year-old Mum. And we hope you will too. Here are some reasons why I am voting to keep Māori wards: Improved decision making: Having Māori voices at the council table means better decisions. As I…
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Recently I was at Auckland airport’s Koru lounge, and I saw that our new Deputy Prime Minister, David Seymour, was sitting nearby. On impulse, I went over, shook his hand, and said that I very much hoped he would withdraw the Regulatory Standards Bill. His smile faded and he asked why. I began to answer,…
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Are you a leader in philanthropy or social change in Aotearoa NZ who wants to deepen your understanding, connection and support of Te Ao Māori and Māori aspirations? If so, check out the 2025 Ki te Hoe Wānanga series – we would love to have you come along! Ki te Hoe (literally ‘to the…
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It seems like caring and respect for people and planet have been sidelined, while greed and aggression are taking centre stage. I see little caring and respect for people and planet in the policies and legislation of our current coalition government here in Aotearoa NZ, with their focus on supporting corporations, undermining Te Tiriti o…
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