Our People
The Climate Action Co-Leads support the implementation of The Funders Commitment on Climate Action an Initiative funded by Combined Community Trusts Aotearoa and supported by Centre for Social Impact.
Climate Action Co-Lead
Arohanui West
Arohanui has a background in waste minimisation, wetland restoration, journalism and communications. Her formal involvement in climate issues began with a role as an environmental intern with Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Current roles include consulting to Para Kore, a Māori, not-for-profit, zero waste organisation with a vision of oranga taiao, oranga whānau, oranga marae.
Tribal affiliations: Te Arawa whānui, Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Climate Action Co-Lead
Esther Whitehead
Esther brings extensive experience working in the not-for-profit sector, the Centre’s climate change kaupapa. A passionate advocate for the natural environment, Esther has a BSc in Ecology. She is a founder of Sustainable Queenstown Community Trust, and a councillor at Queenstown Lakes District Council. Other significant roles include being an educator, author, change facilitator and key researcher on Social Impact, for example, the Ākina Foundation's Impact Initiative on Transforming our Economy.
The Climate Action Working Group is currently made up of representatives from Wellington Community Fund, Bay Trust, Community Trust South, Foundation North (Centre for Social Impact), Toi Foundation, Rātā Foundation and Trust Waikato.
Linn Araboglos from Wellington Community Fund is leading the Working Group. Foundation North’s Centre for Social Impact is providing secretariat and project support.
Climate Action Working Group