Our People
Our 2021/22 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!
Ben led the development and adoption of Hamilton City Council's Housing Strategy. The strategy acknowledges the important role that collective housing solutions has on social wellbeing and affordability outcomes. Ben also led the establishment of the Waikato Community Lands Trust - ensuring that the Trust is fit for purpose for the Waikato context, achieves charitable status, and Council remains at arms length to ensure genuine community governance. To support the ongoing success of the the Trust, Ben and his team are leading the development of inclusionary zoning provisions in the District Plan, which would require developments at a certain scale to include a portion of affordable houses - most likely by way of giving that allocated land to the Lands Trust which will ensure the land stays in community ownership and used for affordable outcomes in perpetuity.
Ben is passionate about promoting all opportunities for improved wellbeing and affordability, and believes the various models of collect housing, and shared governance is crucial to solving our current housing crisis and addressing systemic inequities.
Robin Allison was the initiator and development coordinator of Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood, the award-winning 32-home cohousing neighbourhood in Auckland. She combines knowledge of design and the building industry as a former architect, with sustained experience of working within a cooperative group to achieve an innovative community-led housing project.
Robin now writes, teaches and consults around New Zealand to inspire and support thriving connected communities. She is the author of "Cohousing for Life – A Practical and Personal Story of Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood", available from www.robinallison.co.nz.
I am a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor with 15+ years experience in the land development industry. I have significant experience in managing subdivision/land development projects from feasibility and consenting, through to construction & legal titles. Based in Tauranga for most of my working life, I have seen first-hand the issues created by our current housing models and this has motivated my strong interest in affordable and sustainable housing. This interest has now resulted in my role with Maven, creating a sustainable development team.
I am of Ngai Tahu decent and have a strong belief that Māori knowledge holds the keys to solving many issues in today’s society. I do not yet have a wealth of knowledge in this area myself but am exploring ways to learn more. As well as my professional skills, I have some background abilities in social media and website design/management from designing & running my own website for Fresh Perceptions (my Permaculture based small business).
Alice Reade
Kia ora, I grew up in Māpua, just out of Whakatū, Nelson and am currently working on my architecture thesis in Pōneke, Wellington. The work I am doing on this looks to spark wider conversations on housing issues through GIF’s, visualisations, and direct actions to make information more easily accessible. These wider conversations aim to facilitate community discussion and interaction with more diverse material. I am passionate about how we engage the public with these conversations on alternative approaches to rebuild housing’s social role - as part of building stronger and more just communities.
Matt has significant background in property development. Matt has a Bachelor of Arts from University of Auckland and a Diploma in Agribusiness and Diploma in Property from Massey University. Matt is a Director of Landplay limited www.landplay.co.nz Landplay is a property business set up to capture opportunity in alternative land solutions that integrate landscape, nature, lifestyle and community. Landplay are passionate about helping landowners structure and create sustainable housing developments that improve the accessibility to housing for the community, in both the urban and rural environments.
Matt will bring a commercial land/built development perspective to the committee. Matt has a particular interest in developing feasible models to take these great concepts and turn them into reality. This body of work could include finance models, ownership structures and property identification and acquisition process.
Zoe Lee
I am studying online and project managing my house renovations for at least the next year so am very flexible with my availability. I want to be involved in a co-operative effort to articulate the need for and advantages of community housing. I attended the CoHoHui in Wellington this year and can see there is a lot of work to be done. I have had extensive involvement in a wide range of co-operative groups and organisations; I am trained in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and have been active in supporting Maori agency; I have worked through many issues with the resource and building consent processes and have a practical and realistic understanding of the home building process in New Zealand/Aotearoa.
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
Greer O’Donnell, Director & Urban Strategist at The Urban Advisory
Ben Preston, Project Director at MOTIF Agency, Regenerative Design Specialist
Jimmi O’Toole, Director & Architect at AHHA
Get involved.
If you would like to get involved please reach out to us at hello@thehousinginnovationsociety.com.