Meet the team

James is a Founding Partner of Oriens Capital Limited, a private equity funds management business based in Tauranga.

He has worked in NZ financial markets businesses for 25 years, and his experience includes investment analysis and research, capital markets advisory, including managing initial public offerings (IPOs), investment advisory and funds management. 

James is a member of the Institute of Directors and currently sits on the boards of Oriens portfolio companies Rockit Global and Retirement Income Group. 

He Chairs the Audit and Risk Committee for Rockit Global, the Oriens Capital Investment Committee and is also a member of the Investment Committee of New Zealand Cricket.

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. 

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.

The newest member of the Investment Advisory Committee, John was a partner in PwC for 24 years specialising in audit, risk management and acquisition services.

During the past eight years he has been involved in governance work and is currently independent Chair for Booster Investment Management and Booster Assurance (funds under management $3b) as well as director or chair of four other organisations.

John's previous roles have included involvement with Victoria University and the Foundation/Research Trusts as a Minister appointed Council member.

In terms of philanthropy, over the last 15 years John has led and seed funded a 500k project relating to an indoor cricket facility, field enhancements and coaching support at Onslow College. He sees this as supporting the growth of young people and thereby strengthening local communities.

He has also been involved in the PwC Foundation which donates to many worthy causes in which staff are involved. 

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.

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.