About us
We provide emergency shelter to people who have lost their home to disaster, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO – Governor-General
Much of Dame Cindy’s career has been in the tertiary education sector, where she became a distinguished researcher and held leadership roles at Massey University, Victoria University Wellington/Te Herenga Waka and the University of Auckland.
Her public sector roles have included Children’s Commissioner (the first woman and first Māori to be appointed to the role) membership of the Ministerial Cross-Sector Forum for the Ministry of Education, and Chair of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group.
Dame Cindy has had extensive experience in the public health sector, including a role as General Manager Funding and Services Planning and Māori Health for the Auckland District Health Board.
Prior to taking up her role as Governor-General, Dame Cindy was Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Dame Cindy is the first Māori woman to be appointed as Governor-General.
Brent Eddy – Chair
Brent joined ShelterBox in Jan 2019, from a background in ICT and software and latterly, growing and making wine in Wairarapa.
Brent has a lifelong interest in international affairs, political economy, history and philosophy – MA (Hons) in Development Studies from University of Auckland, 1995.
“ShelterBox to me, goes beyond performing the vital function of providing shelter and basic necessities for people thrown into chaos in the wake of disaster. We’re a fundamental expression of the goodness of people. And it is a privilege to be part of that goodness.
“As small a nation as we are, as far away from these situations as it is possible to be, New Zealander’s nevertheless recognise a common bond to fellow humans so less fortunate than we are. Our donors’ commitment to those we seek to assist is very encouraging and humbling.”
Monica Mulholland – Board Member
Monica’s passion for humanitarian work led her to ShelterBox soon after its founding in New Zealand by the Rotary Club of Mosgiel. As a dedicated representative for the Queenstown Rotary Club, she championed the cause for several years before taking on a leadership role on the ShelterBox NZ Board.
From 2016 to 2019, Monica (under a different name) served as Chair of ShelterBox NZ, guiding the organization through critical years before stepping down. However, her commitment to the mission never wavered. Recognizing that the Rotary connection to ShelterBox had weakened in recent years, she felt a renewed calling to serve – and the board welcomed her back.
A firm believer in the power of safe and secure shelter, Monica is driven by the conviction that dignity, hope, and resilience begin with a roof over one’s head.
Jonathan Usher – Board Member
Jonathan rejoined the ShelterBox NZ team in December 2024. This is his second stint on the board having previously been involved from 2009 to 2013. Living in Cromwell in Central Otago, Jonathan is an active Rotarian having been a member since 1997. Self-employed, he runs fourteen Z Service Stations and is also a professional Magician.
“ShelterBox has played a huge part of my Rotary journey. It’s an organisation that has such a strong connection with Rotary, I’m keen to do all that I can to ensure this connection is strengthened”.
