Our People

Our Team

Our Board

Gemma - 021 046 0830

gemma@skgf.org.nz

Gemma Donaldson, Ngāpuhi, Taiāmai ki te Marangai

Gemma has been Chief Executive of South Kaipara Good Food (SKGF) since October 2021, leading a dedicated team and volunteers to build a more connected, food-secure South Kaipara.

With over a decade of experience in operations, strategy, and not-for-profit leadership, she has guided SKGF from immediate food relief to long-term community resilience through initiatives in food rescue, home growing, education, and social enterprise models.

Gemma is also pursuing Master’s research on how not-for-profits leverage relationships and resources to build resilience, and works with national organisations to strengthen food security networks across Aotearoa. She champions sustainability, local leadership, and collective action to create lasting change.

Katherine - 021 0915 7944

operations@skgf.org.nz

Katherine Smith

Katherine’s passion for her community spans decades. In 2007 she created the safe house in our community, Kia Timata Ano which was brought on from her desire to support women in need of help and a safe place to recover.

Katherine now oversees the Food Security Team in her role as Operations Manager and is the right hand of the organisation. Her extensive management skills are utilised in her position to oversee the flow of food for Kai Assist, through the Kai Rescue and Kai Grow teams.

Her holistic intervention approach helps bridge the gap for clients who come to Kai Assist in a state of kai insecurity. Clients often present with complex needs and she builds trusting relationships through a gentle and non-judgemental, strengths-based approach.

Jo - 021 071 0246

kaigrow@skgf.org.nz

Jo Ogilvie

For more than 30 years, Jo has called Helensville home. During that time, she has been an active and valued member of the community, volunteering her time generously and serving on a range of committees and boards.

Now, as Team Lead for Kai Grow, Jo describes this role as the most fulfilling she has held. Her passion lies in supporting people to step outside, connect with nature, and build confidence through hands-on learning in the garden.

Jo’s leadership is grounded in her deep community ties and her belief that growing kai is about more than just food – it’s about wellbeing, resilience, and sharing knowledge for future generations.

Andrea, Ngāi Tūhoe and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui

Andrea - 021 0863 0710

seedlings@skgf.org.nz

Andrea, Ngāi Tūhoe and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui

With 25+ years of experience across continents in horticulture, propagation, pest and animal control, and ecological restoration, Andrea is ideally suited to lead our Mihirau Greenhouse Development. She excels at managing projects from conception to completion, including SOPs, H&S, budgets, staff training, and future planning.

Having led teams of up to 180 people as Head of Propagation for a large greenhouse in Canada, Andrea’s strengths lie in building strong, authentic relationships quickly. Trained in natural therapies, specialising in holistic massage and rongoā Māori, she is passionate about mentoring the next generation and encouraging youth in planting and growing healthy kai.

Laikynn - 021 0915 7944

referrals@skgf.org.nz

Laikynn, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara

Laikynn has a strong desire to give back to her community. In 2022 she reached out for a work placement as part of her studies for a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) Social and Community Services through Te Pūkenga, which is for people who work alongside community members and whānau in a community facilitation setting. Additionally, she facilitates Otakanini Haranui Marae’s te taio projects

Board Of Trustees

Frank Fernandez

Frank Fernández has been on the Board of South Kaipara Good Food (SKGF) since its inception and has been Chair since October 2024. Having years of Marketing and Corporate Communications leadership experience in multi-national environments, he has built a reputation for setting value-adding strategic direction and operational excellence – striving always to achieve optimised returns from organisational business. As Chair of SKGF, Frank’s focus has been to drive a multi-dimensional approach toward addressing food insecurity and achieving personal food self-suffiency in the community. He believes SKGF’s strategic lean away from a principally foodbank approach serves as an innovative mixed-model template that SKGF can share with other organisations operating in the same space, and with the Government and its agencies in addressing food insecurity in the community.

Mike Bridgman

Mike has held senior management positions in the media and publishing sectors, having worked domestically and internationally in Fiji and Australia. Mike was the Proprietor at Bridgman Marketing and Media for 15 years, before re-entering media in a senior management role.

Mike, a family man with 3 adult sons, is the current Manager of South Kaipara Men’s Trust and supports various other local charities.

Rachel Colley

Rachel is UK-born, growing up near Liverpool before moving away for university. She qualified as a barrister in 1997 and emigrated to NZ in 1999 to work for Russell McVeagh, and subsequently other commercial law firms. For the past 13 years, she has run her own specialist IP law firm.

Rachel has been a member of the New Zealand organising committee for the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ) for over a decade, serving as president for two years. She also served on the trans-Tasman committee with members from the Australian state committees, and currently serves as a board member of the French New Zealand Business Council for over six years. Rachel lives in Glen Innes with her family, and is acutely aware of food insecurity in and within the community she serves and lives within.

Janine Kidd

Janine brings a wealth of experience in occupational therapy and behaviour support, paired with a deep connection to rural life through her family’s sheep farm in Helensville. With over 20 years working alongside individuals, whānau, and support networks, she’s passionate about helping people build confidence, independence, and wellbeing in everyday life.

Janine’s background spans brain injury rehabilitation, behaviour support, and community-based care — all underpinned by her belief that everyone deserves the chance to live well and contribute meaningfully. Grounded, practical, and community-minded, Janine combines her professional expertise with her understanding of rural living to support local people in ways that truly make a difference.

Dan Dale

Dan Dale is a trustee for South Kaipara Good Food, holding the Commercial portfolio. With 10+ years in business and a degree in finance and marketing, Dan brings practical experience in strategy, media, and partnerships. He has worked with charities to run large fundraising auctions, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Having worked in grocery, Dan understands the real challenges families face to keep food on the table. He’s committed to food sustainability and availability across the South Kaipara, focusing on sustainable revenue, strong partnerships, and good governance so SKGF can deliver more kai to more whānau.

So so so grateful

“Thank you so so sooooo much for your help with food. I really appreciate all the produce and can assure you absolutely nothing goes to waste – what we can’t use fast enough gets prepped and frozen (been a godsend to be able to go to the freezer for veggies lately!!) So so so grateful for the community we have around us and the support available – we appreciate each and every one of you!”

“You are such a huge asset to our community. I personally have been so grateful for the support received and wouldn’t have made it through some of the last year without it. The team are so friendly and helpful without judgement and their kindness and aroha makes it all that much easier when asking for help.”
– Kai Assist Recipients

Such a wonderful attitude

“SKGF has consistently made access to kai a seamless experience for both whānau and myself as a community social worker. The team has such a wonderful attitude, which is extra noticeable when I turn up unannounced due to whānau requiring emergency support. The team always provide awhi, kindness, confidentiality, and professionalism which as a result, has developed a strong sense of empowerment for our Tangata Whaiora to feel confident, comfortable and safe to approach the team independently of other services. I feel very grateful to have such an incredible resource located within our own community, that not only services Te Awaroa, but the wider South Kaipara rohe.”
– Social Worker

Committed to their mahi

“Helensville Police work alongside South Kaipara Good Food which allows us to reach out to those whānau in need, and assists in strengthening and developing relationships that are sometimes difficult to form. This tool helps Helensville Police build trust and confidence within the community while trying to keep whānau and tamariki healthy and well. Helensville Police have had some great results with the assistance of the South Kaipara Good Food who are committed to their mahi and make a positive difference to the Helensville community. South Kaipara Good Food provides an excellent service to the community and we look forward to working alongside them in the future.”
– Senior Sergeant Damien Albert, Helensville Police

Empowering change

“Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance’s ambition is to create a future where no food is wasted and no one who needs food goes without. South Kaipara Good Food is a critical part to help divert more food from going to landfill by increasing awareness of the food waste issue, by empowering behaviour change and by ‘upping’ awareness of, and increasing capacity in local food rescue organisations”
– Dawn Hutchesson, General Manager AFRA