The Community Waitakere Main Office (click here for map)
Level 1, 13 Edsel St
Henderson
Waitakere City

For a map of parking nearby, click here

Postal Address
PO Box 21068
Henderson
Waitakere City
0650

General Enquiries
Ph: 09 838 7903
Fax: 09 838 7206
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The Waitakere Community Resource Centre (click here for map)
8 Ratanui St
Henderson
Waitakere City

Community Waitakere is a registered charity - Charities Commission number CC26225

The Community Waitakere Team

Pat Watson - Chief Executive
Ph: 09 838 7904 ext 701 
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Pat was appointed Manager of Community Waitakere in January 2008.  This followed a long career with Barnardos which started in Waitakere City in 1983 and led on to regional, then national positions in strategic policy and senior management. She is a community development champion with a proven record of making things happen, through collaboration, strategic relationships, vision and enthusiasm.  Pat was a founder member of the West Auckland District Council of Social Services in 1983 and the original secretary for several years.  In 2007, WADCOSS changed its name to Community Waitakere, and changed legal status to a Charitable Trust.

Sara Lovitz – Community Engagement Coordinator, Project Twin Streams Henderson Creek
Ph: 09 838 7904 ext 702
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Originally from Maine, USA, Sara has a background in chemistry, natural resource planning and environmental advocacy. Her role is to assist community groups, schools, and businesses in the restoration of Henderson Creek through a hands-on approach, strengthening community spirit and educating about the broader issues of sustainability. This project facilitates learning about the history of the area, our native plants and animals; the celebration of our diverse cultures and communities; and the understanding of our connections to the environment.

Simon Grant:  Community Environment Coordinator, Project Twin Streams Henderson Creek
Ph: 09 838 7904n ext 703
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Simon brings an unusual and valuable combination of storytelling skills and environmental knowledge to the PTS Henderson Creek Team. Among other things he provides stream restoration advice and creative ideas to strengthen the connections between the community and the Henderson Creek. 

Sophie Allen: Community Environment Coordinator, Project Twin Streams Henderson Creek
Ph: 09 838 7904
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Sophie hails from the beautiful top of the South Island. She holds a Masters in Freshwater Ecology from Uppsala University in Sweden and a Bachelor degree in Zoology and Biochemistry from the University of Otago. Sophie has worked in the areas of weed management and biosecurity as an adviser with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and has experience in child and youth education, environmental politics and outdoor sports. Sophie is getting stuck into the project ‘Our Place’, an initiative between CYF and Community Waitakere to provide stream restoration and life skill education to at-risk youth, as well as helping out with the community-led restoration of Henderson Creek through Project Twin Streams.

Mandy Spencer – Centre Administrator
Ph: 09 838 7903
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Mandy joined Community Waitakere in February 2007.  Her role is to administer the day to day operation of the Waitakere Community Resource Centre in Henderson, which offers affordable meeting room hire,  low cost office accommodation and a range of services to support local community groups.   Mandy is keen to keep our community informed, and  maintains the Community Waitakere Community E-Noticeboard.  She is always looking for information to disseminate, so please do not hesitate contact Mandy if you have community news or events you
wish to share. 

Louise Stokes - Business Development Manager
Ph: 09 838 7904 ext 706
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Originally from Nottingham in the UK, Louise has a degree in Economics from University College London and recently graduated from Unitec with a Bachelor in Social Practice, majoring in Community Development, after which she worked in Otahuhu as the Community Development Coordinator.  Louise’s role is to ensure the smooth running of Community Waitakere’s day-to-day operations, including managing the organisational systems, financial accounts, the Community Waitakere website, IT support, and all other operational needs.

Bonnie-May Shantz:  Community Development Manager
Ph: 09 838 7904 ext 704 
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Bonnie-May joined the Community Waitakere team in August 2011.  She has been working in the field of Community Development through local government, academia and the non-profit sector for the past 15 years.  She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA but has created a home in New Zealand over the last decade.  She is a strategic thinker and careful relationship builder with passion for exploring opportunities, capturing potential and assisting communities to achieve their dreams.

Marie Jenkins: Business Development Administrator                                                                
Ph: 09 838 7904 ext 700
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Marie is originally from the UK and came to New Zealand in 1998.  She joined the Community Waitakere team in February 2012 and has extensive knowledge and experience in business administration, payroll and accounting.  She has been working in the Not for Profit sector since 2004 and will be responsible for the provision of financial and operational support to the Community Waitakere team.

Matt Appleyard: Community Developer
Ph: 09 838 7904 ext 705
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Matt joins Community Waitakere from a predominately public health background.  Matt’s role as a community developer is to primarily strengthen and support community sector organisations and initiatives in Waitakere.  Matt has previously worked for Maori community health providers, the Auckland District Health Board and has a wide range of experience in facilitating and driving community led projects across an array of community settings.    Matt holds qualifications in
nutrition, Maori health, and public health.