Contact Us

General Enquiries
Ph: 09 838 7903
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The Community Waitakere Team

Pat Watson - Manager
Ph: 09 838 7593 
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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.

Richelle Kahui-McConnell - Community Development Broker
Ph:  09 838 7901
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Tena koutou katoa, Ko Ngati Maniapoto taku iwi, Ko Ngati Kinohaku taku hapu. Talofa lava, Malo le soifua, O a’u o Richelle (Stowers) Kahui-McConnell, Ou te sau mai Magia, Upolu.  With a degree in environmental resource management and a background in nursing Richelle has a passion for connecting our society to the environment. She believes that social and environmental outcomes can be aligned so that learning, sharing and growth can be achieved for the benefit of the community. Her key roles include supporting place-based neighbourhood development projects and fostering collaborative action between agencies and communities that develop, support and co-ordinate sustainable neighbourhoods in Waitakere. Manuia le aso soifua, Tihei Mauri Ora.

Sara Lovitz – Community Coordinator, Project Twin Streams Henderson Creek
Ph: 09 838 7113
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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.

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. 

Niamh Wingate - Funding Hub Coordinator
Ph: 09 838 7903
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Niamh is the Funding Information Hub Coordinator at Community Waitakere and works from the Resource Centre on Ratanui Street.  She is available to guide you through the maze of funders and the application process. She has just over twenty years experience in the not-for-profit sector during which time she undertook numerous roles as both a volunteer and a paid worker including: being a volunteer at grassroots level; a board member; a community development worker; and a development manager.  She also has experience in assisting groups with sustainability issues.

Louise Stokes - Administration Support
Ph: 09 838 7904
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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 provide personal support to the Manager and 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.