Our People
Our 2023/24 committee is made up of a cross-section of industry leaders within the built environment who are passionate about helping to create more equitable housing for all.
Hi, I'm James. I'm an existing committee member and I'm wanting to put myself forward to carry on the momentum and build on the great foundation that the previous committee has created. My passion for collective housing is in its ability to build stronger, people focused communities that utilize innovation for better housing outcomes. I was heavily involved in the policy work that THIS did this year, and am keen to make sure we deliver on the strategy that has been developed by last year's committee.
Working as a business development manager within a land surveying firm I am responsible for growing the business and its presence which I see as two key components I can contribute to the continued growth of THIS and the collective housing sector. Over the next term I would like to see the committee continue to build awareness for collective housing and support our community to build more which in turn will build further awareness.
I have been a member of the THIS committee for the past 2 years. I am one of the founders of the Urban Habitat Collective, a resident led cohousing apartment project in Wellington. My background is in law, property development and community projects. I believe that THIS has huge potential to improve the environment for collective housing projects. For Aotearoa New Zealand to have a vibrant housing ecosystem we need a variety of housing typologies and ways to create them. Without support and recognition projects that create thriving communities find it hard to get off the ground. I would be honoured to be part of creating a collective housing sector that energises diverse and effective projects.
I am impressed at the Maori renaissance occuring in iwi based and papakainga housing. Partnership that utilized matauranga Maori and the international experiences of the collective housing movement would create a unique response to the challenge off meeting individual and community needs in modern built environments. This opportunity exists no where else in the world. We will all be poorer if we do not take it.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates. Let's get building.
A design, media, business, entrepreneurship, ecosystem building and technology professional who has been working with Community-led Co-working and Co-operative, Tiny-house, Ecovillage, Co-living, Home building, and other housing related entrepreneurs and ventures for 10 years.
Currently Co-founder and Director of 3 businesses, and mentor to 100's more over the last 14 years in New Zealand with whom knowledge and experienced in business startup, modelling, system and sector strategy and innovation, media, marketing, funding and financing have been shared. Willing and able to connect a network that spans the country and facilitate collaborations between strong portfolio's of connecting ideas, people and enterprises from whence new, future-focused sectors emerge. Most recently was privileged to contribute to the How We Live report and campaign, bring together professionals to support and dig-in to doing the work in the final hours to get the best product possible across the line. A huge fan and passionate supporter of good people who strive with tenacity to co-create the world we all know is possible for my children and theirs, and theirs!
Greer is the co-founder and Managing Director of The Urban Advisory, a consultancy dedicated to creating healthier and more equitable homes, neighbourhoods, towns and cities. She has been involved in developing the cooperative housing model and supporting a range of groups to progress affordable housing and alternative tenures, and working with government and councils to understand how they can support the collective housing sector.
In 2018 Greer was part of the group who started the Housing Innovation Society, so that there was a forum where people interested in delivering or living in collective housing could come together. After some time out to have her first child, Greer is still keen to keep supporting the THIS kaupapa.
Irene Boles
Irene is an architectural graduate from Italy who has been living in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) since 2010. Currently teaching architecture at Ara Institute of Canterbury, she holds a teaching qualification and embed her knowledge of Te Ao Māori into her educational and research practices. Irene is also pursuing a PhD at the University of Canterbury, focusing on her passion for collective housing. Irenes tenure as chair of LiVS from 2013 to 2018 provided her with extensive experience in governance, fundraising, event organization, project management, and stakeholder collaboration.
With solid connections within the architectural industry both in New Zealand and overseas, Irene is well-equipped to navigate multicultural environments. Her professional network extends to the main architecture schools across New Zealand, enhancing their influence within the academic and professional communities. Irene is enthusiastic about contributing to the organization of the next CohoHui in Christchurch, aiming to leverage her expertise and passion to make the event a success.
An Architectural Designer based in Auckland, with a career that began as a flooring installer on building sites, which sparked a deeper interest in architecture. Completing a Bachelor of Architecture in Christchurch, an elective on Co-Housing with Irene Boles revealed the exciting possibilities and challenges of Collective Housing. This experience fostered a deep appreciation for the values and dedication of those striving to realize such projects.
Having served on the boards of various community groups, Caragh is looking forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals to advocate for Co-Housing awareness and explore ways to positively impact the architectural environment.
Briar is an experienced Associate Development Manager for the residential housing sector working in Tāmaki Makarau. She worked for 4 years on the Three Kings Quarry redevelopment across land development and apartment delivery, and is now working on infill housing, new subdivisions, and assessing new opportunities predominantly in West Auckland. Briar is deeply committed to regenerative design and completed The Regenerative Practitioner training through Regenesis in 2021. In 2019 Briar developed and launched the Fletcher Living sustainability strategy, and has worked over the last 18 months to develop their initial biodiversity strategy which will be a leading approach for residential development in NZ.
Briar really cares about our current reality and our future, and wants to see an evolution of housing offerings to connect people to nature, to each other, and to set us up for a changing future where we are resilient, grounded and nourished by te taio.
Past Committee Members
James Whetter, Architect & Principal at Jasmax.
Natalie Allen, Urban Strategist & Director at The Urban Advisory.
Blair MacKinnon, Director of 26 Aroha Housing.
Jules MacKinnon, Director of 26 Aroha Housing.
Zola Rose, Director at Common Ground
Mark Southcombe, Associate Professor & Architect at Victoria University of Wellington, Faculty of Architecture & Design.
Veronica Eastell, Urban Development Strategist & Photographer
Donna Howell, Project Director at the University of Otago Christchurch Campus Redevelopment, Director & Project Manager at Green Light Projects and Architect
Imogen Schoots, Urban regenerative leader, affordable housing specialist
Ben Preston, Project Director at MOTIF Agency, Regenerative Design Specialist
Jimmi O’Toole, Director & Architect at AHHA
Robin Allison, Founder Earthsong
Nikki Harnett, Consultant of Regenerative and Resilient Design, Affordable and Collective Housing
Get involved.
If you would like to get involved please reach out to us at hello@thehousinginnovationsociety.com.