Our People


Community Research is run by a Kaitiaki (co- governance) group using a two-house model – a Tangata Whenua caucus and a Tangata Tiriti caucus, and a dedicated team of kaimahi (staff), based in Te Whanganui ā Tara.

Our kaimahi work a four-day week from Monday to Thursday and are individuals are committed to the growth and development of our communities – feel free to reach out and chat with us. We always want to know how to serve our communities and your input is integral.



Tangata Whenua caucus members

Pania Coote | Co-Chair

Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Porou; JP, MSW, Dipswk, MANZASW Pania is a founding leader of Community Research.  She has a background in social, health and education, with a…

Eden Skipper

Tēnā koe ko Eden Skipper toku ingoa, ko Wairewa papatipu rūnanga (Ngāi Tahu) ahau. Eden is passionate about youth, the environment and Māori development. He brings much mauri to our…

Brendan Stevenson

Ngāpuhi te Iwi (Ngati Hau), Scandinavian, Scottish, English | Masters in Psychology (working toward PhD in Māori cultural identity and public health) Ko Ngāpuhi te Iwi Ko Ngati hau te…

Joanne Waitoa

Ko Hikurangi te maunga  Ko Waiapu te awa  Ko Horouta te waka  Ko Ngati Porou te iwi  Ko Ngati Putaanga te hapu   Ko Putaanga me Rahui nga marae  …

Tangata Tiriti caucus members

Garth Nowland-Foreman

Garth has been with Community Research almost from the beginning. He is a true servant of the community: Garth brings more than 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, researching…

Jennifer Leahy

I am passionate about lifelong learning opportunities, and my current role as South Island Manager for Ako Aotearoa (Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence) means that I have the chance to…

Dr Arpita Das

Tēnā koutou katoa Ko Arpita Das tōku ingoa E ono ngā tau e noho nei au ki Aotearoa. E whā ngā tau e noho nei au ki Pōneke. Nō Inia…

Raylyn Christian | Kaitohutohu Mātua Whakapā - Communications Lead

Ko Te Aroha tōku maunga Ko Waihou tōku awa Ko Ngāti Maru tōku iwi Ko Ray āhau. Raylyn (Ray) is our Communications Lead – Kaitohutohu Mātua Whakapā. Ray comes from…

Lorna Ingram | Kaiwhakahaere Matua - General Manager

Kaiwhakahaere Matua – General Manager Lorna brings a wide variety of experience to her role at Community Research with over 10 years’ experience in the not for profit sector and…

Batool Arif | Kairuruku Rangahau Manene - Former refugee and migrant research co-ordinator

Kairuruku Rangahau Manene – Former refugee and migrant research co-ordinator Batool Arif is a Community Advocate from Pakistan living in Aotearoa for the past 10 years. She strongly believes in…

Owen Baxendale | Kaitūhono - Research sector and engagements lead

Owen is our Kaitūhono – research sector and engagements lead. Owen has a background in conservation which includes science communication, storytelling, research and evaluation, and reporting. He has a strong…

Eve Cookson | Kairukuruku Administration co-ordinator.

Ko Tarawera te maunga, Ko Kaituna te awa, Ko Te Arawa te waka, Ko Ngāti Uenuku-Kōpako te iwi, Ko Eve āhau Eve is our Kairuruku – Coordinator.Eve is passionate about…

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