Our Trustees

Rebecca Turner

Chair, Trustee

Rebecca became a Trustee in 2015, and Chair in 2020. She has volunteered for, and provided mentoring and leadership to, a variety of philanthropic, education, tourism, and arts charities. In addition, Rebecca has over 20 years of governance experience in the sustainability, local government, and property development sectors. She was appointed to the Todd Corporation board in 2021. Rebecca is proud of the Foundation’s commitment to continuously evolving its strategy and practice, and of it being a leader in the philanthropic sector.

Charlotte Sellar

Deputy Chair, Trustee

Charlotte joined the Foundation Board in 2016. A keen equestrian, she has investment, directorships, professional sporting and athlete management experience. As a parent of teenagers Charlotte is only too aware of the pressures facing young people today. The Foundation’s vision of ‘an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand where all families, children and young people can thrive and contribute’ is one she fully endorses. Charlotte represents the Foundation on Weave (formerly the Working Together More Fund) and considers relationships key to good funding.

Lee Cooper

Council Of Trade Unions Representative

Lee (Ngāpuhi) is Te Pou Tuarā (National Māori Officer) for the Tertiary Education Union. He is passionate about working with Māori and Pākehā to develop and advance the Tiriti relationship. His work reflects his interest in social justice and equity for all, and he has served on the Todd Foundation board since 2014. Lee comments on the shift to the current funding model “We made a really conscious decision because we wanted to lead the space and be brave, and not be too risk averse in what can be achieved. It’s a high-trust model but it’s one we believe was necessary.”

Pam Davidson

Law Society Representative

Pam is a Malaysian-born barrister of Chinese descent who has lived in New Zealand for over forty years. She specialises in taxation but has wide legal experience. She has been Wellington District Law Society President and a Board member of the New Zealand Law Society. Pam enjoys astronomy and music and has been Chair of the Wellington Bach Choir, which performs several concerts a year. “I feel really lucky to be at the cutting edge of philanthropy in New Zealand, ” she says.

Katie Milne

Federated Farmers Representative

Katie has lengthy experience in New Zealand’s rural communities, advocating for the health and wellbeing of our agricultural sector and serving on a number of agricultural and conversation committees and groups. In 2017 she became the first female president of Federated Farmers, has been named Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, previously won the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards and is the Oceania representative on the World Farmers Organisation. Katie believes “The more resource you have at the bottom level, and the more people have their basic needs met, the more likely they are to be able to do something for their neighbours, their community or the environment.”

Vaughan Renner

Business NZ Representative

Vaughan joined the Foundation in 2020. His corporate career has included senior roles in manufacturing, distribution, sales and IT. For the past 20 years he has held governance roles in the Private, Public and Not-for-Profit sectors. Vaughan is a strong supporter of the strategic change made by the Trust in 2018, moving from competitive funding to fund systems change. He sees the collaborative, high-trust approach making a significant difference to whānau and the communities the Trust is partnering with.

Rachel Reid

Trustee

Rachel joined the Foundation Board in 2023.

Allanah Hare

Trustee

Allanah joined the Foundation Board in 2023. Previously a business owner, Ballet teacher and Pilates instructor, Allanah is now working as a Marketing Specialist. She is passionate about the physical, mental health and wellbeing of others and seeing children and young people reach their full potential. Having spent 10 years teaching and working with young people, she finds it rewarding to see others flourish and grow. Allanah brings her skills in marketing and communications to her trustee role, and is excited to serve as a Trustee and is dedicated to ensuring the Foundation’s ongoing legacy of supporting the wider community and making a difference.

Our Staff

Seumas Fantham

Executive Director

Seumas (Ngāti Porou / Whakatōhea) has over 20 years’ experience working with young people and community groups. He holds a degree in Education and Sociology, is deputy chair and a trustee on the Philanthropy New Zealand board, has been on the Māori Advisory Committee for Philanthropy NZ (7 years), and is also a trustee on a Family Foundation Te Muka Rau.

Susie Schwartz

Programme & Relationships Lead

Susie has many years’ experience working in social policy, advisory, and community development roles in the community, government, and philanthropy sectors. She holds degrees in Psychology, Criminology, and Education.

Helen Anderson

Programme & Relationships Lead

Helen has worked for the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation and J R McKenzie Trust and is on the board of the Frozen Funds Trust. She has a background in the not-for-profit sector, is a community filmmaker, has degrees in Criminology, Psychology & Film and sits on the Philanthropy NZ Youth Advisory Group.

Sara Ware

Operations Lead

Sara joins our team with a strong background in operations, administration and financial management. She has most recently held roles at the Todd Corporation, and in the Financial Services sector. "While I have always had an interest in the charity and community sectors, having my own children has shown me even more, the importance local community groups can have."