Our People
InCommon seeks to exemplify the diversity we value in the membership of our team. We believe only through people from varied backgrounds and perspectives working together will we really bring about a more inclusive society.
Our Advisory Group
Our advisory group provides strategic overview, input and advice in the mahi of InCommon. The advisory group consists of community leaders from mana whenua, ethnic, faith and cultural communities.
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Noraini Abbas (she/her/ia)
Malay and Muslim community member.
Community Outreach Coordinator with Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi, supported by Purapura Whetu Trust. Leader of Active Muslim Explorers Whānau Group and founder of Sow a Lyttel Seed community group.
InCommon Advisory Group member from 2021 to present.
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Akira Le Fevre (he/him/ia)
Māori and Japanese descent, lived experience of disability, member of the Rainbow community, born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Former committee member for Christchurch Pride and long time supporter of Qtopia Queer Youth Support. Works for Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora previously in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and is currently the National Lead Rainbow Communities in the Consumer Engagement and Whānau Voice team.
InCommon Advisory Group member from 2022 to present.
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Christina Henderson (she/her/ia)
Te Wheke te whare tupuna,
Ko Rapaki te Papakainga,
Te tupuna ko te Rakiwhakaputa,
Ko Whakaraupō te Moana,
Ko Ngai Tahu, Te Aupouri, Ngati Mutunga me Te Whare Kauri te Iwi,
Ko Christina Henderson toku ingoa.
InCommon Advisory Group member from 2023 to present.
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Simon Oe (he/him/ia)
Korean Kiwi.
Chair of Korean Society of Christchurch.
Civic and International Relations Advisor, Christchurch City Council.
InCommon Advisory Group member from 2021 to present.
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Samuel Hidray Equbazgi (he/him/ia)
Eritrean Kiwi, former refugee settled in Aotearoa in 2019.
Completed his Social Work degree in 2024. Passionate leader in the Eritrean community.
InCommon Advisory Group member 2024 to present.
Our Working Group
Our working group undertakes the operational and strategic work of InCommon. It is a group of people dedicated to our kaupapa with expertise in community development, health, finance, impact evaluation and the humanitarian sector.
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Holly Griffin (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Grew up in Waitaha Canterbury.
InCommon Manager.
Background in political science, humanitarian aid work, refugee support and integration theory, community development and project management.
Lived and worked in France, Fiji and Bangladesh.
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Cathy Lum-Webb (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Born in Fiji, with family ties to Zhongshan (Chungshan), China. Moved to Ōtautahi Christchurch as a teenager.
InCommon Coordinator.
Background in community work, food industry and health sector. Lived in Ethiopia.
Community advocate and member of community group Sow A Lyttel Seed.
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Anzeel Chitraker (he/him/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Nepali Kiwi. Moved to Aotearoa in 2018.
InCommon Financial Officer.
Background in accounting and finances, an expert in excel and Xero!
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Emily Gribbin (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Grew up in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Provides project support to InCommon as part of portfolio as Mental Heath Promoter for Te Whatu Ora.
Background in health science, mental health promotion and community wellbeing. Also trained in joinery and woodworking!
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Emily Gillingham (she/her/ia)
English. Lived and worked in Aotearoa 2022 - 2024, now living in Melbourne, Australia.
InCommon Impact Advisor.
Background in impact, evaluation, brand development and marketing.
Our Board
Our board undertakes the governance and strategic planning behind InCommon. Our trustees come from the academic, faith, business and community sector.
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Lucy D'Aeth (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Born and grew up in England, moved to Ōtautahi Christchurch as an adult.
Background in community development and health promotion, originally in England and then in Ōtautahi.
Currently a minister within Te Hāhi Weteriana/the Methodist Church of Aotearoa.
Founding member of InCommon.
Favourite food: My mum's shepherd's pie!
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Louise Bendall (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Born in Tāhuna Queenstown, grew up in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Background in Financial planning and modelling, with experience in the manufacturing sector in Christchurch and Local Government in London. Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Experience in Chair, Fundraising and Treasurer Trustee roles with not-for-profits in Christchurch.
Volunteer Advisor and Business role with InCommon since early 2024.
Favourite food: aged comté cheese.
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Sue Turner (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Born in Invercargill and grew up in Te Waipounamu.
Background in secondary school teaching, community development and mental health promotion.
Retired from formal employment in 2022, now spends time as a grandmother, gardener, and volunteer professional supervisor and advisor.
Founding member of InCommon.
Comfort food: Ice-cream and soy chai latte!
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Liz Hawes (she/her/ia)
Tangata Tiriti. Born and grew up in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Background in social work and community development, specialising in the multicultural sector.
Manager of Social Equity and Wellbeing Network and member of the New Zealand Midwifery Council.
Founding member of InCommon.
Favourite cuisine: Thai.
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