Michelle Malcolm is a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor, and the founding Senior Partner of Findex Tauranga, which was established in 2000. She has held various Board Positions, including Tourism Bay of Plenty, Wakeboarding New Zealand and currently sits on the Good Neighbour and Enterprise Angels Boards.

Michelle has a real passion for helping her clients navigate all aspects of business challenges in the financial/business advisory space and loves using her skills to give back to the community to help others, to make a our community a better place to live for generations to come.

Michelle is married with two teenage daughters. Her interests include gardening, skiing, walking and spending time with friends and family.

Michelle was appointed to the Board in January 2020, and is the current chair of the Audit, Risk and Policies Committee.

Larry graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from a Canadian University and started work for the world’s largest oil, gas and chemical company, where he worked almost exclusively in the chemical’s division. He worked in project engineering, maintenance engineering and environmental engineering in the first five years of his employment before moving into management positions. During this time, Larry also completed an executive MBA at the Darden School of Business in the USA.

Larry was offered a role as a group general manager for a chemicals/fertiliser business (Ballance) in New Zealand and moved his family to New Plymouth from Canada. Within two years he was offered the role of CEO of Ballance and led the business for 14 years until his retirement.

As the CEO of Ballance, Larry reported to the board of directors and also chaired many boards that were subsidiaries of the company.  He understands the importance of a good board, directing and supporting the organisation.

Larry is currently the chair of the Tauranga Community Foodbank and a director and treasurer of the Kaimai Pistol Club. He joined the board of Acorn in late 2020 and we are delighted to have him on board. 

Michael is a consultant at Burley Castle Hawkins Lawyers in Tauranga, working largely in the property and business-related areas, with an emphasis on Trusts and Estate planning.

Michael sees his involvement with Acorn as an opportunity to give back to the area in which he was raised, and where he now raises his own children.

Michael is married to Robyn, and they have two school-aged children. His interests include tennis and running.

Michael was appointed to the Board in June 2016 by the Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch of the NZ Law Society.

Trish, in partnership with her husband Paul, has a considerable kiwifruit and dairy business – of which Trish is the Financial administrator.  During the kiwifruit harvest months she is a Zespri Ambassador, touring with offshore customers and media groups.
 
Prior to raising her three (now adult) children, Trish was a Dietitian, mainly hospital-based.  She has long been actively involved in her local Pongakawa and Te Puke community. 
 
She is a trustee of a family charitable Trust and DMS Progrowers Charitable Trust, and is  presently Chair of Rabobank Client Council, Central North Island.
 
Trish enjoys cycling, walking her dog, yoga and skiing.

Rohario grew up in Tauranga Moana and is a proud descendant of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Tūhourangi and Ngā Puhi with Scottish, English and French ancestry. She is a Senior Solicitor at the Ministry for the Environment and enjoys working remotely from Tauranga. 

Rohario holds various Board positions including Chair of Murray Orchards based on Matakana Island, founding partner of Puru Investments and Tangata Whenua representative on Tauranga City Council’s Strategy, Finance and Risk Committee. She was also the Tumuaki Wahine of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, the Māori Law Society (2018 – 2020).

Rohario was appointed to the Board in July 2021 and says she is excited to join a foundation focussed on giving back to the wider community, and looks forward to bringing her knowledge and skills to the board table. In her spare time, Rohario enjoys kapa haka, wānanga reo Māori and spending time with family and friends.

Brian has lived in Tauranga for the past 32 years and has a background in investment banking and governance.

Brian is currently Head of Investment Services for MyFarm, which provides syndicate investment opportunities primarily in land-based horticultural assets. He is responsible for the preparation of MyFarm's investment offers, deal structuring and financial modelling. Over the past five years MyFarm has completed 22 new syndicates and raised $159 million.

Prior to joining MyFarm in 2011, Brian was Director of Investment Banking (Agribusiness) for Craigs Investment Partners for 10 years.

Brian joined the board of Acorn in July 2021 and says he can’t think of a better way to put something back into the community than contributing to the work of Acorn.

Beppie is a long-time supporter of Acorn and has been a member of our Investment Advisory Committee for the past 5 years.

Beppie’s international commercial experience and local involvement with WNT, Enterprise Angles and Purpose Capital will enable her to being a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Board.

Beppie joined the board of Acorn in November 2022 and says she is honoured to contribute in a governance role. 

Keri is Acorn's newest Trustee. 

Keri will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Board with her years of national and international journalism experience and her crisis communications background. After retiring as a journalist, Keri has built a thriving boutique content creation and communications agency based in Tauranga called All the Words Ltd.

She has participated in a range of volunteering activities over the years and has served on multiple boards including Volunteer Wellington, Momenta Charitable Trust and is the Resourcing Committee Chair and Trustee for the new Font Public Art Trust in Tauranga.

“I have realised that volunteering on boards gives me an opportunity to use my skills in a realm which is infinitely more positive. And I can’t think of anything more positive than the work Acorn does for the people and communities of Tauranga Moana,” says Keri.

Michael is a partner at Burley Attwood Law in Tauranga who works largely in the property and business-related areas, with an emphasis on Trusts and Estate planning.

Michael sees his involvement with Acorn as an opportunity to give back to the area in which he was raised, and where he now raises his own children.

Michael is married to Robyn, and they have two school-aged children. His interests include tennis and running.

Michael was appointed to the Board in June 2016 by the Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch of the NZ Law Society.

Trish, in partnership with her husband Paul, has a considerable kiwifruit and dairy business – of which Trish is the Financial administrator.  During the kiwifruit harvest months she is a Zespri Ambassador, touring with offshore customers and media groups.
 
Prior to raising her three (now adult) children, Trish was a Dietitian, mainly hospital-based.  She has long been actively involved in her local Pongakawa and Te Puke community. 
 
She is a trustee of a family charitable Trust and DMS Progrowers Charitable Trust, and is  presently Chair of Rabobank Client Council, Central North Island.
 
Trish enjoys cycling, walking her dog, yoga and skiing.

Paul has had a colourful and varied career, starting life as a teacher in the UK before moving into a variety of leadership roles both in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. His specialism was Change Management and developing high performing teams.

Paul spent many years as a self-employed Management Training Consultant, working with some of the top companies in Australasia. Paul’s mission is to assist people to achieve their goals in their professional career and personal life, through sharing his experiences, expertise and knowledge - and having a laugh along the way.

Paul has worked for a number of not-for-profit organisations including the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre, The Beyond the Couch Trust, Tauranga YMCA, and the Wright Family Foundation.

In his spare time he sits on the boards of:

• Creative Bay of Plenty
• TEDx Tauranga
• Establishment Board of Trustees for the new primary school in The Lakes – Taumata School.

He is also Former Chairman of the Kaimai Outdoor Centre Inc, where he served for 15 years.

Paul has lived in NZ for over 30 years but still misses his Mum and goes home to visit her every year.

Annabel and her husband Duncan have been part of the Bay of Plenty community for over 15 years since they moved from Wellington and previously overseas. They have a daughter Lucy who is at primary school.  

In recent years Annabel has been involved in fundraising events for a local primary school, the ‘Mount Everest’ challenge, House & Garden Tour supporting Breast Cancer and the Catwalk Trust.

Annabel works for New Zealand Police in a national strategic role as the principal advisor for Police’s assets and infrastructure; developing strategy, managing key partnerships and planning portfolio investment to enable effective service delivery and safer communities and better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

"I am thrilled to become part of Acorn and contribute to the fantastic work of the foundation and the positive impact it has on so many lives.  I look forward to being part of Acorn's continued growth into the future and the meaningful difference helping many people in our communities across the Bay of Plenty".

Larry graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from a Canadian University and started work for the world’s largest oil, gas and chemical company, where he worked almost exclusively in the chemical’s division. He worked in project engineering, maintenance engineering and environmental engineering in the first five years of his employment before moving into management positions. During this time, Larry also completed an executive MBA at the Darden School of Business in the USA.

Larry was offered a role as a group general manager for a chemicals/fertiliser business (Ballance) in New Zealand and moved his family to New Plymouth from Canada. Within two years he was offered the role of CEO of Ballance and led the business for 14 years until his retirement.

As the CEO of Ballance, Larry reported to the board of directors and also chaired many boards that were subsidiaries of the company.  He understands the importance of a good board, directing and supporting the organisation.

Larry is currently the chair of the Tauranga Community Foodbank and a director and treasurer of the Kaimai Pistol Club. He joined the board of Acorn in late 2020 and we are delighted to have him on board. 

Julie has lived in Tauranga for over 25 years but was raised in Katikati where she still has significant ties with business interests and extended family. Julie is married to John and has two adult children. Julie holds a Bachelor of Management degree and worked in marketing and strategy before returning to Tauranga. She worked for a local business for several years before joining the family business, Puma Darts, 17 years ago. 

Julie has been involved in the Garden Arts Festival, school PTA’s, and the business and export community. Julie has completed four IOD governance courses and completed a Level 2 certificate in te reo in 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her friends and family, her garden, yoga and walking/biking adventures. 

Julie has a strong community focus and a passion for helping others, with a special interest in the environment and the arts. She is excited to join Acorn and wants to play a role in improving the well-being of our region.

From the mountainous backdrop of Phetchabun, Thailand, Tan moved to the bright lights of London at the age of 13, embracing the vibrant, bustling, and multicultural city.

After completing his Sports Science degree, Tan began his career teaching physical education before making his way to New Zealand to start a new adventure. Once settled in Tauranga, Tan worked as the Operations Manager at the local charity Momenta.

He joined Tauranga City Council in 2022 as the Connected Communities Advisor before progressing into the Inclusive Cities Advisor role. This role focuses on connecting Council with its priority communities to together plan a sustainable future for the city and the organisation. Tan works closely with older people and the disability community to ensure all people are fully included and valued in city life.

Tan is eager to use his diverse skills and experience to build meaningful relationships and create positive change for the city he now calls home. 

Annabelle grew up by the sunny seaside in Papamoa attending Mount Maunganui College where she first grew a taste for working in the community. 

As a year 9 student, she was voted onto the school's Board Of Trustees as the youngest Student Representative in the School's strong 64 years of history. 

In recent years Annabelle has been heavily involved in the community through disability support roles, nannying and working in schools teaching music. 

At present Annabelle is studying full-time at the University of Waikato towards a Bachelors of Social Science Majoring in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. 

In her spare time, Annabelle plays the Flugelhorn in the local Tauranga City Brass Band and is an active member of the Bands committee, managing fundraising and grants applications.

By joining Acorn, she hopes to become more involved with local community organisations and make a positive difference.

Anne has been an aficionado in the hospitality trade; from owning to partnership in the Mediterraneo Café, Astrolabe and Forrest Café on the Strand.  Anne currently organises events for the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce including the Tauranga Business Awards. 

Anne fills her cup from with businesses to realise their potential and mentors a number of businesses.  Anne has a strong interest in economic development for the region, and is a member of SmartGrowth Strategic Partners, Population Aging Technical Advisory Group and City Centre Action Group. Anne sits on several other boards including Tarnished Frocks and Divas.    

She has had a number of previous governance experience as Vice President of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, the Enterprise New Zealand Trust Supporters Council, a Tauranga City Councillor, Vice Chair of Tauranga Mainstreet and was Chair of Live For More.  Anne has a very strong focus on arts and culture, social community outcomes in the city.

James is Arts & Culture Manager for Tauranga City Council. Originally from Maidenhead in South East England, James trained as a theatre director at Rose Bruford Drama School in Greenwich, South East London, and worked for a variety of arts venues in London, including the Lyric Hammersmith, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and The Orange Tree Theatre.

Arriving in Aotearoa in 2005, James worked as General Manager for Massive Theatre Company, prior to joining Q Theatre, first as Executive Producer and then as Chief Executive. Prior to his current role, James was Manager at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre. James served on the executive board of the Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ), and co-chaired the organisation for four years. As part of his work with PANNZ, James was involved in the development and launch of NZ's National arts touring agency, 'TourMakers', and worked closely with the executive and management team of PANNZ to grow the annual arts market into a key event for festivals, producers and venues, both in NZ and Internationally.

James is a 2013 Alumni of the Leadership New Zealand programme, and currently serves as as a panel assessor for Creative New Zealand and the Creative Communities scheme.

James is passionate about creating opportunities for young and emerging artists to develop their craft and bring their stories to wider audiences. He is an advocate for the arts in all forms and it's ability to bring communities together.

David grew up in Masterton, studied at Massey University and lived in Wellington for twenty years. He moved to Tauranga with his family in 2015.

David has had a career in sport management, and local  and central government.  He has worked for New Zealand Rugby, Sport New Zealand, ACC, University Sport New Zealand, NZ Transport Agency, Rotorua Lakes Council, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and is now the Community Manager for Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

David has two daughters, one at Otago University and one at Tauranga Girls’ College, both are active in various sports.

As a volunteer, David sits on the Boards’ of Tauranga Hockey Association and Swimming Bay of Plenty, is a judge for the annual Sport Bay of Plenty awards and is a lifeguard at Mount Maunganui Surf Club.

David has worked in financial markets and investments for over 20 years. He has recently founded Novus Consulting (http://www.novusconsulting.co.nz/), a social enterprise aiming to help large NZ investors, especially those in the charitable sector, implement responsible investment approaches. He is also working towards a Master’s degree in sustainability.

Previously he was a Portfolio Manager and Deputy CIO at Milford Asset Management, and earlier in his career spent over a decade overseas with BT Funds and Merrill Lynch.  

Having recently moved to Tauranga, David is pleased to be able to contribute to the great work the Acorn Foundation is doing, and help continue its very strong investment track record. 

Alongside the founding shareholder & Chair roles Beppie holds with RAM3D (Rapid Advanced Manufacturing Ltd), she is also both a founding limited partner in the technology-focused business incubator WNT Ventures and a board member of WNT Ventures Management Limited.

Beppie’s career has included working with BP in New Zealand in senior communications and external relations management roles for 14 years, followed by 10 years working in HR with BP in Japan, South East Asia and Angola to support the development of local personnel for new businesses. 

After returning to New Zealand in 2009, she worked at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in business development and project management roles for four years.  Beppie is a member of the Institute of Directors and a Director of Enterprise Angels and Purpose Capital Limited. 

Brian has lived in Tauranga for the past 32 years and has a background in investment banking and governance.

Brian is currently Head of Investment Services for MyFarm, which provides syndicate investment opportunities primarily in land-based horticultural assets. He is responsible for the preparation of MyFarm's investment offers, deal structuring and financial modelling. Over the past five years MyFarm has completed 22 new syndicates and raised $159 million.

Prior to joining MyFarm in 2011, Brian was Director of Investment Banking (Agribusiness) for Craigs Investment Partners for 10 years.

Brian joined the board of Acorn in July 2021 and says he can’t think of a better way to put something back into the community than contributing to the work of Acorn.

Paul is a commercial lawyer and a partner at Cooney Lees Morgan.

 Paul grew up in Rotorua and then studied law and commerce (economics and accounting) at Victoria University. In 1996, after living in Wellington for 10 years for study and work, Paul shifted to Mount Maunganui and joined Cooney Lees Morgan. In this role, Paul works with businesses across many sectors of the economy. He has a particular interest in advising businesses in the horticultural sector.

 Paul has always been active in the community and this includes involvement with the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and being on the board and deputy chairperson of TECT. Cooney Lees Morgan has had a long association with Acorn. Paul is delighted to carry on this involvement by being a member of the investment advisory committee.

Morgan has worked in the financial services industry for nearly 10 years.

He currently works as an Investment Research Manager at Findex, who managed ~$17bn in assets across Australasia.

The core of his role includes asset allocation (strategic & tactical), investment committee operations, manager selection & monitoring, performance reporting, investment implementation and communication.

Previous roles include various support & operational roles, as well as being a financial adviser for a period.

He has a Bachelor of Business from Massey University, majoring in Finance.

Having moved down to Tauranga in 2020 he is keen to utilise his skills to help Acorn Foundation in achieving ongoing success and delivering positive impacts to the local region.

Murray is a senior executive with extensive governance experience across the investment, finance and property sectors.

Having started his career with what’s now KPMG, he transitioned through Chief Financial Officer roles to being Chief Investment Officer of a philanthropic funder overseeing a globally diversified investment portfolio of circa $650 million. During his ten-year tenure, investment returns funded $225 million of grants to circa 9,000 community groups, with over $60 million added value contributed from outperformance of the composite benchmark.

Previously, Advisory Committee Member of Direct Capital Private Equity Fund VI of $350 million and Morrison & Co Public Infrastructure Partners Limited Partnerships investments in public-private partnership social infrastructure assets, totalling over $3 billion.

Murray's roots with the Bay started with childhood holidays in Mt Maunganui. Recreational activity includes relaxing with family at their holiday home in Mt Maunganui, golf, cycling and running.

Alisha has a depth of experience in finance garnered in roles in portfolio management, investment advice, investment banking, equity research and sales, currency management and running her own businesses. 

Alisha has a Bachelor of Management Studies ( 1^st Hons) from Waikato University and has worked in financial markets in NZ, the UK and the USA. 

She is currently a financial advisor, she engages with clients on an individual basis to assess risks, opportunities and mitigate these risks to confidently take steps to build wealth over the long term. 

Alisha spent her childhood in Tauranga and after study and work overseas, returned 19 years ago to bring up her own children.  

Alisha considers it a privilege to contribute to the Acorn foundation, leveraging her professional expertise to serve the community.

Michelle Malcolm is a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor, and the founding Senior Partner of Findex Tauranga, which was established in 2000. She has held various Board Positions, including Tourism Bay of Plenty, Wakeboarding New Zealand and currently sits on the Good Neighbour and Enterprise Angels Boards.

Michelle has a real passion for helping her clients navigate all aspects of business challenges in the financial/business advisory space and loves using her skills to give back to the community to help others, to make a our community a better place to live for generations to come.

Michelle is married with two teenage daughters. Her interests include gardening, skiing, walking and spending time with friends and family.

Michelle was appointed to the Board in January 2020, and is the current chair of the Audit, Risk and Policies Committee.

Rohario grew up in Tauranga Moana and is a proud descendant of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Tūhourangi and Ngā Puhi with Scottish, English and French ancestry. She is a Senior Solicitor at the Ministry for the Environment and enjoys working remotely from Tauranga. 

Rohario holds various Board positions including Chair of Murray Orchards based on Matakana Island, founding partner of Puru Investments and Tangata Whenua representative on Tauranga City Council’s Strategy, Finance and Risk Committee. She was also the Tumuaki Wahine of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, the Māori Law Society (2018 – 2020).

Rohario was appointed to the Board in July 2021 and says she is excited to join a foundation focussed on giving back to the wider community, and looks forward to bringing her knowledge and skills to the board table. In her spare time, Rohario enjoys kapa haka, wānanga reo Māori and spending time with family and friends.  

Doune is a risk management professional and actuary with over 35 years experience working in the life insurance industry. Her experience ranges across executive roles, risk management, compliance, investments and corporate governance.

Doune received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australia and NZ Institute of Insurance and Finance in 2021 and a Distinguished Service Award from the NZ Society of Actuaries in 2022. S

he has recently retired from corporate roles and is looking to help organisations set themselves up for long term sustainable success by utilising her skills and experience.