OUR GOVERNANCE BOARD

The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board meets regularly to ensure the smooth running of the Trust by providing strategic leadership and direction.

Amy Banks

Chair

Amy Banks took up the Chair role in 2020, after sitting on the board as a member since the Charity’s inception in early 2018.

Amy is a successful business owner, co-founding Tag Business Services with fellow board member Joel Boyte in 2016. Her background in marketing and experience with managing her own business and people has made her a valuable asset to Kids In Need Waikato.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to sit on the Board for Kids In Need Waikato, and offer help and guidance to this amazing charity.”

Graeme Roil

Trustee

Graeme has been involved in fostering for over 25 years. The development of the Kids in Needs Waikato Charitable Trust was the result of a shared passion of Graeme and Linda. While Linda has been the driving force behind the set up and operation of the Trust, Graeme has used his skills and experience to support the strategy, direction and funding through working collaboratively with the other Trustees. This has included the engagement of other professional support as necessary.

Graeme has significant experience in governance, having served on school Board of Trustees including as Chairman. In his current role, he works closely with the Boards of Trustees of a network of over 30 schools. For the past 7 years, he has been a Director on the Boards of New Zealand Catholic Education Ltd and New Zealand Catholic Education Finance Ltd.

Family is really important to Graeme and Linda. They have permanent care of an energetic and thriving 5 year old girl, plus they share 7 adult children and 10 grandchildren between them.

Joel Boyte

Trustee

Joel Boyte is a local Chartered Accountant who joined the Board in 2018.

Joel’s skill set and experience are vital to Kids In Need Waikato. We were very thankful when he offered his time to help on the board, and oversee the Charity’s financial records. Joel co-founded Tag Business Services in 2016, and with his business partner Amy, they have established a very successful business consultancy firm.

“If we can make a change to help a child in our community feel some self worth, through gifting them a pack to show someone cares, that difference could impact their whole life. It’s an honour to help Kids In Need Waikato.”

Marie Day

Trustee

Marie has lived in Cambridge for most of her life, since moving here from the UK.

After 13 years working overseas, Marie returned with her husband James and three children. Marie met Linda at Bunnies Early Learning Centre where they both worked, and struck up a friendship. Since then Marie has been a huge support to Kids in Need Waikato, and was honoured to be asked to join the board of trustees.

"I feel very privileged to be part of this amazing charity, working alongside an amazing team to support our tamariki and their whānau."

Matthew Ockleston

Trustee

Matthew has been practising as a lawyer for over 20 years, specialising in property law and providing strategic advice to clients. He is a Partner at law firm Dentons Kensington Swan, where he is also a Board member and practice group leader.

Matthew has extensive experience with charities, having previously held a range of legal, financial and governance roles at local, regional and national levels in the Anglican Church for over 20 years. He is currently Chairperson of the Board of the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist School, a trustee of another charitable trust, and a member of a Law Society Standards Committee.

Joining the Board of The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust in July 2022, completes a journey that began in 2018 when Matthew first met Linda and Graeme, and helped them establish the charitable trust. Matthew and his wife (who also volunteers with Kids in Need Waikato), and their young daughters moved from Auckland to Tamahere in January 2021. They love the country lifestyle, and being able to contribute to their new community.

“I am hugely impressed with the growth and professionalism of the charity and the Trust Board, and am delighted to join the Board to support this valuable work.”

Carrie Eady

Trustee

Carrie is a local Life & Health Advisor for PIC Insurance Brokers, who joined the board in late 2022. She has lived in Cambridge for most of her life.

She has been involved with Kids in Need since the beginning, and has supported KIN right the way through.

Her skill set and networking abilities are an asset to Kids In Need.

“I feel very humbled and privileged to be a part of Kids In Need and working with an amazing team. Together we can make a difference, now and in the future”