In giving, we receive. Bringing together our generous community to give back to local wāhine and whānau, with our time, kindness and resources is such a privilege to be a part of.

Ka Mua ka muri refers to the interconnectedness of past, present and future, where the past informs and influences the future and with this fund, that’s exactly what we are aiming to achieve. Taking action now, to have a positive ripple effect for the future.

Keryn is a Chartered Accountant, with over two decades of experience. She started her journey with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in 2002, initially joining as an intermediate accountant.

In 2005, Keryn ventured to Australia, where she gained further experience in a Chartered Accounting firm on the Gold Coast. Over the course of five years, she gained experience in the complexities of Australian Tax, obtaining invaluable insights for clients with business interests in Australia.

In 2010, Keryn returned to Baker Tilly Staples Rodway. Since her return, she has integrated herself into various facets of the firm, specializing in business advisory. Her dedication to client success is evident in her multifaceted approach, offering support at staff, management, and owner levels.

Keryn has undertaken secondment roles with clients as an interim CFO and finance manager. This hands-on experience has deepened her understanding of client needs and enhanced her reputation as a trusted advisor.

“Generosity has always been a core value passed down to me by my family. Being involved in the establishment of the Women’s Fund has been incredibly fulfilling. The thought of our efforts not only benefiting the community today but also creating a positive ripple effect for generations to come fills me with immense pride”.

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.

“It is always fulfilling to see people achieve, and to be part of that journey in anyway is rewarding, I see this fund as having huge potential to do just that”

Christie is a Partner at Copeland Ashcroft, a boutique New Zealand wide workplace law firm.  She specialises in employment law, having practised as a lawyer for over 20 years. 

Christie’s experience spans various employment law roles, including most recently as Partner of a large Bay of Plenty law firm.  She also held employment law roles in Sydney, Auckland and Hamilton.

A passionate, bold advocate for her clients, Christie is, at the same time, known for her sensible, plain English, commercial advice.  Getting to the heart of an issue to find pragmatic, cost-effective solutions is what she does best.

Christie is committed to giving back, and sits on the Board of Tautoko Mai, which provides sexual harm support services through Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

Outside of work she is a proud mum and has a busy family. 

“I am excited to be part of this initiative, working for the benefit of women and whanau in our community. There are so many deserving causes that stand to benefit from this fund.”

Kia Ora, my name is Naomi Baldo and I am currently a year 13 student at Tauranga Girls College. I immigrated to New Zealand from the Philippines when I was five and have lived here ever since. 

I am passionate about helping the community, with the hope of making a difference, no matter the level of impact. I have been fortunate to be an Instep Young Leader returnee with Priority One, a member of the Global Ambassadors with Enigmatic Global, and a Youth Leader within my cultural community.

Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of awareness, contribution and involvement when addressing the issues we face in our community and the world. As a young ethnic woman, I am excited to bring a youth perspective and energy to the Western Bay of Plenty Women’s Fund.

I was first interested in the women’s fund because of the way they uplift women and support meaningful charities across our community. Learning more about the Women’s Fund inspired me to join the Kaupapa and find ways to contribute. 

Across history, women have been fighting, in the past, recently, and even today women have been fighting, fighting for their rights, for equality, for autonomy and for their safety. As we evolve and grow through generations, I hope the future brings a world where women no longer feel the need to keep fighting, where our struggles are not forever. 

The women’s fund is a step in this journey, helping to bridge the gap between these inequalities. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of it and I hope moving forward that our Kaupapa continues to grow. I am looking forward to learning, contributing, and carrying and applying the lessons and knowledge I gain from the Women’s Fund with me. 

Frances works for the Acorn Foundation as their Marketing and Events Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Management Studies Majoring in Tourism Management and Public Relations from The University of Waikato. Frances loves spending time with her housemates walking the dogs and finding different ways to be crafty.

“Day to day I get to hear about the amazing mahi charities are doing in the Western Bay. It makes my heart warm to know that there are people in this community that want to support those charities. The Women’s Fund will provide locals with more ways to give, making philanthropy more accessible. The fact that donations will be pooled together, allows charitable giving to have a larger impact. All donations are welcome, big or small. I hope the Women’s Fund opens people's eyes to community needs and acknowledges the people out in the community doing the mahi. Acorn’s role is to ensure that collected donations reach the deserving community groups supporting women and whānau.”