Meet the team

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.

Pare is the proud Mum of Gabriel and is currently works as an MP Support to Hon Jan Tinetti following terms as an MP Support to Tāmati Coffey and then Angie Warren-Clark.

Pare is passionate about Raranga or Māori Weaving and whenua Māori land development as a vehicle to actualise the hopes, dreams and aspirations of Māori Owners.

Pare joined the Acorn Distributions Committee 2 years ago bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and insight into the Tangata Whenua and Mana Whenua landscape in Tauranga Moana.

Her governance experience includes serving as a Trustee of Ongare and Ranginui No 12 Trusts (high value hort sector), serving as a Director of Matakana Berry LP and being a previous Trustee for the Ngai Te Ahi Raupatu Settlement and Ngai Tukairangi Hapu Trusts (hapu settlement space). 

Pare is also a graduate alumni of Waikato University with a Masters in Social Science and spent several years living and teaching English as a second language in Japan.

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. 

Jo grew up in the Western Bay of Plenty in Te Puke before moving overseas to travel, work, and experience other cultures. After spending nine years abroad, she returned to the Bay to purchase a home and get involved with her community.

She is on the Merivale Community Centre Board in  her local community, a long-term volunteer for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and works between Wellington and Tauranga as a Senior Advisor for NEMA as part of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Being able to serve the community and understand what people need in order to be more empowered is a priority and a passion for Jo. She believes that being involved on the ground and genuinely engaging with people is the key to building a unified, integrated society.

Jo says, “I am excited and eager to contribute to Acorn as part of the Distributions Committee; it means the world to me to be making a real difference to people’s everyday lives.”

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 is currently Deputy Chair of the BOP Garden and Arts Festival and has been involved in the past in 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.

Acorn welcomed Carlo Ellis to the Board in November 2021.

Carlo has more than 20 years of experience in health management, business development and in local government roles.

Currently, Carlo serves as the Manager of Strategic Māori Engagement at Tauranga City Council and among his many community engagements, is Board Chair of Tu Kaha Foundation.

In addition to serving on the Acorn Board, Carlo also volunteers on our Distributions Committee.

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.