Welcoming Aisha Daji Punga, CEO of Toitū, to Purposely.
Aisha is an experienced leader whose career has taken her across industries and sectors, from FMCG and telecommunications to health and wellbeing. She’s led major organisations, including her time as CEO of the Starship Foundation, and now heads Toitū, one of New Zealand’s most recognised names in sustainability and environmental certification. In our conversation, she shares how clarity, connection, and purpose shape her leadership—and why she’s energised by the toughest parts of the job.
Her path to Toitū has been anything but linear. Alongside her executive leadership roles, she also ran her own consultancy. But what ultimately pulled her back into a CEO role was people. “I love being around people. I love being connected. I love teams,” she says. Consulting provided stimulation, but lacked the shared purpose and momentum that come from leading a group with a common mission. Returning to that environment was about aligning “head, heart, and soul”—the combination she says fuels her best work.
That philosophy is clear in how she leads. Progress happens when teams move together. Alignment matters more than hierarchy, and clarity is the means to get there. “You have to be clear to be kind,” she notes—a mantra that underpins how she handles everything from strategy to day-to-day conversations. Feedback from her board reinforces that clarity and decisiveness are already shaping Toitū’s direction.
From her first day, Aisha set out to listen. She spent months in conversation with clients, staff, and industry partners—not just to surface what was working, but to hear the harder truths. Those insights became the basis for resets and pivots, with a willingness to say, “this is where we need to go now.” For her, listening and alignment aren’t delays to action; they are what make action possible.
Sustainability wasn’t her specialist field, but that has never been a barrier. She’s surrounded herself with scientists and subject experts who, she says, “astound and inspire me every day.” Her role isn’t to know everything, but to connect people, scale impact, and make Toitū’s purpose resonate widely. “I don’t need to be an expert,” she says. “I need a certain level of understanding, but I don’t need to be all things to all people.”
What comes through in conversation is a style of leadership that avoids jargon and pretence. She doesn’t claim mastery of every detail; what she offers is authenticity, focus, and a commitment to the purpose at the centre of Toitū’s work. Success, for her, isn’t defined by accolades. It’s found in the energy of her team, the trust of stakeholders, and the impact Toitū can deliver in a rapidly changing world.
Looking ahead, Aisha remains grounded: listen deeply, adapt quickly, and never lose sight of purpose. It’s a simple formula, but one that offers a powerful model of leadership for complex times—clear, connected, and unapologetically purposeful.
Thank you to our sponsors Trust Investments
In this episode of Purposely Podcast, we sit down with Rod Baxter, CEO of Kings Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore how the Trust is helping 17- to 30-year-olds build confidence, enterprise, and opportunity.
Rod shares:
Why listening to young people is the starting point for meaningful change
The challenges young people face as traditional entry-level jobs disappear
How the Trust’s enterprise programme and Hikano seed funding scheme are sparking new ventures with a 94% survival rate
The importance of “radical collaboration” in New Zealand’s crowded non-profit sector
Inspiring stories of young entrepreneurs building businesses and giving back to their communities
Kings Trust Aotearoa is part of a global network with roots in The Prince’s Trust, but its approach is uniquely local—grounded in the voices, aspirations, and realities of young people across Aotearoa.
Tune in to hear Rod’s journey, his vision for youth development, and why purpose sits at the heart of lasting impact.
Tina McCafferty, CEO of Tōtara Hospice, talks with Purposely Podcast about the meaning of hospice care and the work her organisation does to support people across South and East Auckland.
Tina shares her personal journey from Glasgow to leading one of New Zealand’s most inclusive hospices. She explains why hospice care is about more than medical treatment—it’s about respecting people’s wishes and helping them live well in their final days.
She also discusses Tōtara Hospice’s role in navigating assisted dying laws, emphasising the importance of supporting people’s choices with respect and care.
Most hospice care happens in people’s homes, with thousands of visits each year. Tina highlights how connection, compassion, and respect are at the heart of their work.
The episode also covers the recent documentary Hospice Heroes, which brought honest stories from patients and families to a wider audience. Tina reflects on the impact of the show and the ongoing need for secure funding and fair pay for hospice staff.
This conversation offers insight into the challenges and rewards of leading a hospice and shows why Tina believes hospice care deserves greater recognition and support in New Zealand.
Listen to the episode: purposelypodcast.com
Learn more about Tōtara Hospice: totarahospice.co.nz
James Stewart, CEO of Home Capital Partners, joins Purposely Podcast to talk about housing, purpose-driven leadership, and creating pathways to home ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand.
James shares how his team at Home Capital is working to address one of the country’s most urgent social issues: access to safe, secure, and affordable homes. The conversation explores the full housing continuum—from social housing to affordable rentals and ownership—and the real-world impact of helping families find stability and hope.
James reflects on his personal journey, including formative experiences in Christchurch and international development, and how his faith and values now shape his leadership. He also speaks to the importance of balancing financial sustainability with mission, building strong partnerships, and designing housing models that serve communities long-term.
Themes discussed:
The link between housing, health, and opportunity
Purpose and profit: why both matter
Faith and values in leadership
The power of patient capital and long-term thinking
Building homes, building hope
Learn more about Home Capital Partners:
https://homecapital.co.nz
Live from Changing Face of Philanthropy event in Auckland July
This episode explores how corporate foundations can move beyond brand-building into genuine community impact. Ezekiel Raui shares how One NZ Foundation is unlocking corporate resources—from access to elite sports environments to financial expertise—for the benefit of community partners.
He unpacks the “healthy tension” between purpose and profit, and how internal company culture plays a crucial role in sustaining philanthropic focus—even through economic pressure.
Key insight? Real partnership isn’t transactional—it’s relational. Charities should align with funders who share their values, rather than chasing every opportunity. And, looking ahead, Ezekiel offers a bold alternative to traditional philanthropy: community-owned businesses with profits flowing back to the people, permanently.
Big idea: Philanthropy at its best is not about giving back—it’s about sharing power.
In this episode of Purposely Podcast – People Inspired By Purpose, host Mark Longbottom is joined by Sydney Straver, founder and CEO of &BLOOM Sustainability, a values-led business supporting organisations on their sustainability journey.
Sydney launched &BLOOM just two years ago in Aotearoa New Zealand with a clear belief: that business can and should create positive outcomes beyond profit. Since then, she’s been building a purpose-driven consultancy shaped by community, reflection, and a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Sydney shares how early support from friends and family helped her take the leap into entrepreneurship, and how she later sought professional mentoring and leadership training to grow the business in a more structured, intentional way.
She talks about:
The realities of starting a values-led business from the ground up
Her evolving leadership style and learning journey
&BLOOM’s ambitions to work across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific
The importance of capability building and fair, inclusive approaches to sustainability
Why she believes values must guide both her business decisions and personal lifestyle
Sydney also reflects on how her thinking has shifted over time—from questioning her own habits to embracing change through experience and conversation.
&BLOOM is still early in its journey, but Sydney’s approach is thoughtful and grounded. She’s building a business that grows at a sustainable pace, with purpose at the centre of every decision.
Listen now to hear how Sydney is helping others ‘ride the green wave’—and why she believes sustainability should be both inclusive and actionable.
👉 Visit &BLOOM Sustainability: https://www.bloomsustainability.co
Thanks to our sponsors Trust Investments
https://trustinvestments.co.nz/
Purposely SHORT with Lani Evans MNZM
What if communities made the funding decisions that affect them?
In this SHORT episode, Lani Evans unpacks the power of participatory philanthropy—more simply, community-led giving—and why it offers a better way to fund impact and build long-term trust.
Key insights from Lani:
Participatory philanthropy shifts power to where it matters most
Community-led processes can reduce competition and build mutual aid
Trust and transparency can replace traditional reporting
When communities are trusted, they collaborate—not compete
“We’ve taught ourselves to behave competitively. But we can unlearn it.”
This short conversation challenges the traditional model of philanthropy and offers an inspiring alternative rooted in trust, generosity, and community strength.
Welcoming Arian Ataie and Dion McDougall to the Purposely Podcast—two of the driving forces behind dmtr, a volunteer-led organisation working to end hunger by backing local solutions to food system challenges.
Arian and Dion come from different parts of the world and different professional backgrounds, but they share a clear goal: to support the people and ideas creating long-term change in communities facing food insecurity. They believe that real progress comes not from top-down aid, but from empowering local entrepreneurs and changemakers with the tools, funding, and support they need to thrive.
Their work through dmtr brings together global finance experience and grassroots insight. Arian draws on a mix of frontline experience in food banks and international research into hunger tech. Dion focuses on open data, systems change, and practical innovation at the community level. Together, they’ve created a model that blends financial know-how with a deep commitment to social impact.
dmtr is still in its early stages—run entirely by volunteers—but the ambition is big. Arian and Dion hope to grow the organisation to a point where it can employ staff and expand its reach, helping more social enterprises and food innovators around the world.
Running a global organisation from different time zones isn’t easy. Arian is now based in the UK and Dion in Jordan, with limited crossover in their working hours. But they’ve built a rhythm that works—making steady progress independently and meeting regularly to check in, share updates, and keep each other moving forward.
They also co-host the Social AgTech Podcast, where they talk with others working at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and social impact. It’s become a key part of their mission—educating, connecting, and shining a light on people and projects tackling hunger in new and creative ways.
Throughout the episode, Arian and Dion spoke openly about the personal side of this work. For Arian, it’s been a chance to reconnect with inspiring people from his past and build new relationships through shared purpose. For Dion, it’s been a reminder that there are many others out there trying to build a fairer, more sustainable world—and that finding them is a reward in itself.
Their story is about more than just ending hunger. It’s about collaboration, trust, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Even with a small team and limited resources, Arian and Dion are proving that thoughtful, community-focused work can have a real impact.
🎧 Listen to the episode now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Thanks to our sponsor, Trust Investments NZ.
#SocialImpact #FoodSystems #EndHunger #SocialAgTech #Innovation #Philanthropy #Podcast #PurposeDriven
Purposely SHORT with Martin Rohner
Executive Director, Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)
What if your bank did more than just hold your money?
In this SHORT, Martin explains how values-based banks differ from the mainstream—and why intentional, community-grounded finance matters now more than ever.
From microfinance in the Global South to renewable energy in the North, he makes the case for finance that puts purpose before profit—and why that doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.
“We’re not trying to be values-based for competitiveness. We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do—and that’s what gives us strength in the market.”
🎧 Listen to the full Purposely Short episode and learn why the future of banking may look a lot more like its past.
#BankingOnValues #FinanceForGood #PurposeDrivenFinance #MartinRohner #PurposelyPodcast #GABV #ImpactBanking
The Changing Face of Philanthropy – Impact Lunch Highlights
In this special live-recorded episode of Purposely, we take you inside our recent Impact Lunch at The Grid in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, where 50 PLUS leaders from across Aotearoa’s charity, philanthropy, and investment sectors came together to explore the future of giving.
Host Mark Longbottom is joined by three returning guests—Lani Evans MNZM, Ezekiel (Zeek) Raui, and Izzy Horrocks—for a thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversation on the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Aotearoa. From community-led approaches to corporate and venture philanthropy, this kōrero unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and bold ideas shaping how we give.
We also hear a powerful mihi and welcome from Dale Corlett, CEO of Script to Screen, who grounds the conversation in te ao Māori values and reminds us that true impact starts with people and relationships.
In this episode:
Corporate foundations as true community partners
What it takes to grow and fund social innovation
The power of participatory philanthropy and shifting decision-making to communities
Honest reflections on competition, collaboration, and redefining success in the sector
Venture philanthropy
Featured Guests:
Lani Evans MNZM – Co-Founder of Fundsorter
Ezekiel Raui – Head of the One New Zealand Foundation
Izzy Horrocks – CEO and Co-Founder, Aotearoa Lifecourse Fund
Dale Corlett – CEO, Script to Screen
Supported by:
This episode and event were proudly supported by Trust Management NZ and Trust Investments NZ.
🔗 Follow Purposely
Never miss an episode—subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite app. Visit purposelypodcast.com for more inspiring conversations with people leading with purpose.
A really warm welcome to Purposely SHORT—short, as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their insights on a focused topic to help you deliver on your charitable mission.
In this episode, Dean Hegarty reflects on a critical tipping point for New Zealand’s financial system and the broader responsible investment movement. With clarity and urgency, he makes the case for lifting both financial literacy and long-term capital investment—especially through mechanisms like KiwiSaver—and learning from Australia’s success with superannuation.
Dean shares why investing responsibly isn’t just the right thing to do anymore—it’s the smart thing to do. From renewables to affordable housing, he highlights the opportunity (and obligation) to remove barriers, scale impact, and align capital with a sustainable and equitable future for all New Zealanders.
A big thanks to our sponsors Trust Investments
In partnership with Science Alliance
We’re pleased to welcome Dr Jacqueline Orian, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, to a conversation exploring her work on a new approach to autoimmune disease—along with the habits and values that help sustain a career in scientific research.
While medical research is often associated with labs and data, Dr Orian sees value in slowing down and stepping outside. A long walk across campus or a quiet moment among La Trobe’s gardens is part of her routine. “Walks are very important,” she says. “Smelling the flowers, taking the long way between buildings—it’s important to make time for that.”
Even with a daily forty-minute commute, she finds time for reading, crafts, and music. While she sometimes works from home—especially for virtual interviews—she prefers the pace and energy of the lab, where she works alongside students and colleagues on new ideas and experiments.
Her current research focuses on platelets, the small blood cells known for their role in clotting. But her team has uncovered evidence that platelets are also involved in the progression of autoimmune diseases—conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
In MS, current treatments can slow disease progression, but they often suppress the immune system more broadly. This makes patients more susceptible to infections and can come with other side effects.
Dr Orian is working on a more targeted alternative. Rather than suppressing the whole immune system, her aim is to modulate the role of platelets, reducing their contribution to damaging immune responses without compromising overall immune function. “Blocking a process is a bit of a sledgehammer approach,” she explains. “We’re aiming for something more precise.”
Her goal is to develop a platelet-targeting drug that limits tissue damage and slows or prevents disease progression. Within the next two years, she hopes to identify a promising molecule and generate early proof-of-concept data. If successful, this could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for MS and potentially other autoimmune conditions.
This research also has implications beyond MS. Because platelets are involved in various immune pathways, there may be opportunities to apply this approach to a broader range of immune and neurological disorders.
Dr Orian shares her findings through international conferences and collaborative networks, helping her team’s work reach researchers in other disciplines. “There’s a lot of opportunity for conferences,” she says. “It’s where knowledge is tested and shared.”
Mentorship is another key part of her role. She works closely with students in the lab, encouraging them to contribute ideas and take ownership of their research. “Their curiosity fuels mine,” she says—highlighting the value of working in an environment that supports learning and shared progress.
Dr Jacqueline Orian’s work is part of a growing effort to move beyond one-size-fits-all treatments and toward more tailored, precise solutions for complex diseases. With a combination of scientific focus and a commitment to thoughtful, balanced work, she is helping shape the next generation of research in autoimmune health.
Welcoming Martin Rohner, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), to Purposely Podcast to share how finance—when aligned with purpose—can drive lasting, positive change for people and the planet.
Martin and his team lead a global network of independent banks committed to using money to support social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. His role takes him to communities around the world, from Europe to Africa, where he sees first-hand how values-based banking is creating real-world impact.
During a recent trip, he reflected on his time in Uganda—where, despite global pressures like inflation and food insecurity, he encountered a nation full of energy and possibility. “It was energising to see what’s possible when access to finance supports resilience and growth,” he said.
Martin explained that values-based banks don’t see finance as neutral. Every dollar—whether saved, spent, or invested—has an impact. These banks choose to channel capital into organisations and projects that contribute to a healthier environment and stronger communities.
He encouraged individuals to consider the role their money plays. “Where your money sits matters,” he said. “It’s not just earning interest—it’s shaping the future.”
Today, values-based banks operate in more than 44 countries. For anyone looking to make a shift, Martin suggests starting by learning more—whether it’s switching to a local mutual or using resources like gabbv.org to find mission-aligned options.
He also addressed common concerns around financial returns. “If a system delivers strong returns but leaves people hungry or the climate in crisis, that’s not success,” he said. “Good finance creates long-term value—for people, communities, and ecosystems.”
Martin shared a compelling example: building design. Constructing a building with sustainability in mind can deliver decades of positive impact—reducing emissions, lowering costs, and improving wellbeing. “But if we build only for short-term gain, the harm can last for generations.”
His message is clear: finance has the power to either reinforce harmful systems or support transformation. The values-based banking movement shows that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand—and that money, used wisely, can shape a better future.
A warm welcome to Purposely SHORT, short as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission.
This week, Shaun Greaves, CEO of Presbyterian Support Northern, shares his refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, self-awareness, and staying future-focused in a changing sector. Shaun talks about rejecting one-size-fits-all ideas of success, instead shaping a rhythm that plays to his strengths. He reflects on the value of coaching, the loneliness of leadership, and why adaptability is key to both personal resilience and organisational relevance. He also shares his drive for social justice and why he believes charities, like PSN, must evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Dean Hegarty became Co-CEO of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) to help grow the role investment plays in tackling social and environmental challenges. As the first New Zealand-based CEO of the organisation, he brings a different viewpoint-shaped by his background outside traditional finance and by a strong belief in collaboration. Alongside Co-CEO Estelle Parker, Hegarty is helping to lead RIAA’s mission across both sides of the Tasman through a model of shared leadership that values trust, transparency, and purpose.
RIAA represents a broad membership base of asset owners, fund managers, advisers, and others committed to using capital as a force for positive change. The association sets standards, influences policy, and supports investment practices that account for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.
For Hegarty, responsible investment is about more than avoiding harm—it’s about enabling capital to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future. He sees the sector at a pivotal moment, with ESG no longer on the margins but increasingly part of mainstream investment decisions. As renewable energy becomes more affordable and social pressures mount, investors are paying closer attention to long-term value and societal impact.
“Responsible investment has shifted from being the right thing to do, to also being the smart thing to do,” Hegarty notes.
But he’s quick to point out that momentum alone isn’t enough. “There are still barriers preventing capital from reaching the projects and communities that need it most.”
As someone who came into the investment world relatively recently, Hegarty speaks openly about his learning curve—supported by mentors and colleagues willing to share their knowledge.
Based in Queenstown, he leads RIAA’s New Zealand efforts and contributes to its trans-Tasman presence. His location has required adaptability and clear communication, particularly when it comes to staying connected with the Melbourne-based team.
The decision to adopt a Co-CEO model was a deliberate move by RIAA. Hegarty and Parker bring complementary strengths: Parker with her background in diplomacy and public policy, and Hegarty with a values-led, mission-oriented approach shaped by his experience in New Zealand’s sustainability and business communities. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to the organisation’s purpose.
While co-leadership can present challenges—especially across time zones and geographies—Hegarty sees its benefits clearly.
“Two perspectives allow us to make better decisions. We each bring different questions to the table, which helps test our thinking and improve outcomes.”
The arrangement also enables deeper engagement across both Australia and New Zealand, two markets with distinct regulatory settings and investment landscapes. RIAA’s growing influence in both jurisdictions benefits from having visible leadership on the ground in each.
Looking ahead, Hegarty wants to see responsible investment become more inclusive. He believes that improving financial literacy and access- especially through mechanisms like KiwiSaver—will help grow the pool of capital directed toward positive outcomes. He describes responsible investment as a spectrum, with approaches ranging from avoiding harm to actively investing in solutions, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and infrastructure.
Ultimately, Hegarty’s focus is on creating the conditions where more capital can flow to where it’s needed most. “If we want investment to serve the future-not just the present- we need to make it easier for good money to find good outcomes.”
Through his leadership at RIAA, Dean Hegarty is helping shift how the investment sector sees its role in society—not as separate from social and environmental challenges, but as a vital part of the solution.
Jenny Horst, Chief Executive at Upside Mentoring Aotearoa, joined Purposely Podcast to talk about the pressures facing young people in Aotearoa—and how mentoring can help build stability and confidence in uncertain times.
She spoke openly about the challenges of leading a small team, having stepped into the CEO role just weeks before the first COVID lockdown. Like many in the community sector, Upside Mentoring had to adapt quickly, shifting to remote work while trying to stay connected to the young people it supports. Today, Horst faces another difficult period as rising costs and economic uncertainty put more pressure on the organisation’s funding and growth plans.
Despite this, the focus remains clear: supporting consistent, safe mentoring relationships that help young people build emotional strength and a sense of belonging. Jenny emphasised that youth mentoring—when done well—is a practical, cost-effective approach that leads to better outcomes in education, work, and wellbeing.
The statistics she shared paint a stark picture. New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the OECD. One in five young people are experiencing serious mental health challenges. Fewer than half are regularly attending school. Meanwhile, Upside Mentoring’s work is showing results. Independent analysis suggests that every dollar invested delivers $4.70 in social value.
Jenny also spoke about the influence of online content on young people—especially boys aged 9 to 13—who are increasingly exposed to harmful messages online. Upside’s mentoring programme helps young people think critically about the messages they see and supports them to develop their own values and sense of identity.
Looking ahead, Upside is focused on training other organisations to embed mentoring in their work, extending the programme’s reach. Building long-term partnerships—with funders and community groups alike—will be essential to this next stage.
A key thread in Jenny’s message is the power of connection: strong, trusting relationships between mentors and young people can shift lives in lasting ways. Supporting youth isn’t the job of one person or organisation—it requires shared commitment. Whether through funding, volunteering, or partnership, we all have a role to play in helping the next generation grow, thrive, and feel they belong.
A warm welcome to Purposely SHORT, short as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission.
This week, Gwen Green, General Manager – Engagement & Fundraising at Blind Low Vision New Zealand, shares her perspective on dismantling silos and embracing a whole-of-organisation approach to delivering impact. She reflects on the importance of every team—whether fundraising, finance, or HR—seeing themselves as equal contributors to the mission. Gwen also talks candidly about her leadership journey, from early missteps to a more intentional and people-centred style that values communication, collaboration, and playing to your team’s strengths.
We’re joined on Purposely Podcast by Gwen Green, General Manager of Engagement and Marketing at Blind Low Vision New Zealand. Gwen talks openly about her leadership approach, her career shift from the UK to New Zealand, and the ongoing work to strengthen the organisation’s connection with the people it serves.
Gwen first joined Blind Low Vision NZ on a short-term contract to lead fundraising during a period of transition. What began as a temporary role quickly turned into a long-term commitment. Seeing the potential to create more impact, Gwen took on the role permanently and brought together fundraising, communications, and marketing into a single engagement function. The goal: better alignment, shared direction, and a stronger team culture.
A big part of that change involved supporting Blind Low Vision NZ’s recent rebrand. Gwen talks about the internal and external challenges that came with the shift—especially helping staff and supporters adjust to a broader focus on people with different levels of sight loss. For Gwen, the rebrand wasn’t just about updating logos and language; it was about making sure the organisation reflects the communities it works with and speaks to people in an honest, inclusive way.
Originally from the UK, Gwen reflects on how working in Aotearoa is different—especially when it comes to work-life balance and the scale of the charity sector. She sees value in adapting international experience to suit local contexts, and credits her team’s openness and collaboration for making that transition work.
Digital fundraising, understanding donor behaviour, and managing change are all part of Gwen’s day-to-day focus. But just as important is building a workplace culture where people feel supported, clear on their roles, and part of something meaningful.
Looking ahead, Gwen is focused on strengthening services, pushing for better accessibility legislation, and making sure the organisation continues to meet the needs of the community. That means listening carefully, staying flexible, and working across teams to get things done.
A warm welcome to Purposely SHORT, short as in not long—a weekly episode featuring one of our past guests and their expertise on a certain topic. The aim is to give you a useful insight that you can action, helping you to deliver on your charitable mission.
This week, James McCulloch, CEO of Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support, shares the importance of owning your story in order to live and lead with greater intention and purpose. He reflects on his own journey, including the powerful moment he realised that imperfection doesn’t diminish value—a lesson that shaped both his leadership and his personal life.
Shaun Greaves, CEO of Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN),spoke on the Purposely Podcast about the challenges of leading a large charity, his leadership style, and how ambition drives the future of social services in New Zealand.
Shaun shared reflections on his career path and therealities of balancing leadership with well-being. While he once considered a career in politics, it was the advice of a close MP friend that redirected his focus. Rather than working within the political system, Shaun saw greaterpotential for impact by leading from the community sector—advocating for human rights and social justice through service delivery and organisational change.
At PSN, Shaun leads an organisation facing the everydaypressures of the social services sector: ensuring staff well-being, responding to community needs, and meeting board and stakeholder expectations. He spoke openly about the emotional weight of leadership, and the importance of staying grounded and adaptable. His workday starts later than most CEOs but extends into the evening—a schedule that aligns with his natural energy and allows himto stay focused over the long term.
Well-being is a personal priority. Shaun works outregularly, not just for fitness but also to maintain routine and connection. He and his partner enjoy live comedy, often attending Friday night improv shows.
In the professional space, Shaun is most energised bystrategic planning. He spoke about PSN’s recent strategy work, where the team asked bold questions like, “What would it look like if we didn’t need to exist?” For Shaun, imagining a future without the need for social services canbe a productive way to challenge assumptions, reset goals, and drive innovation.
He also highlighted the role charities play in New Zealand’seconomy—contributing £27 billion annually and accounting for 2.4% of GDP. Yet, he believes the sector’s value is often under-recognised. Shaun called for more public and political awareness of the impact community organisations have,particularly during crises such as the ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting families across the country.
Shaun’s own career trajectory is one of focused ambition.Early on, he set a goal to become a CEO by age 40—a milestone he achieved through deliberate planning, visual goal-setting, and persistent action. His approach shows that clear intentions, combined with purpose, can lead totangible results.
Shaun shared his vision for Presbyterian Support Northern—afuture defined by meaningful impact, fairness, and sustainable growth. He underscored the importance of addressing community challenges with thoughtfulplanning and a commitment to social equity.
Under Shaun's leadership, Presbyterian Support Northernprioritises long-term solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives.
His approach reflects a dedication not only to responding to immediate needs but also to driving significant change within New Zealand's social services landscape.
