Our Board / Mana whakahaere

GILMA OROZCO

DEPUTY CHAIR

Key Skills:– Strategic thinking, research and analytical skills, Organisational development, collaborative leadership. Strong understanding of community wellbeing, empowerment and not-for-profit sustainability,

Gilma has been a valued member since 2011, commencing her involvement as Administrator and playing a key role in supporting the Society’s ongoing impact within the Taupō community. With qualifications in social research psychology and more than 18 years’ experience across the public and private sectors in NZ and internationally, she brings extensive expertise in research, community engagement, and organisational development. Passionate about empowering communities and strengthening wellbeing outcomes, Gilma contributes strategic insight and a strong commitment to the growth and sustainability of not-for-profit initiatives.

DEBBIE DAVIES

BOARD MEMBER

Key Skills: Strategic Leadership, Financial Governance & Oversight, Audit & Risk Management, Compliance & Accountability, Iwi & Community, Collaborative Leadership.

Deb is an experienced governance, finance, and administration professional with more than 20 years of experience across iwi, not-for-profit, commercial, and public-sector organisations. She brings a strategic, values-driven approach, grounded in strong relationships with iwi, hapū, and community, alongside deep expertise in financial management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Deb holds multiple governance roles within Raukawa Group, including Audit & Risk Chair and Deputy Chair of the Raukawa Charitable Trust. She is recognised for her collaborative leadership, clear communication, and ability to bridge governance and operational delivery. Her experience enables her to provide sound strategic oversight while maintaining a strong focus on accountability, risk, and sustainable outcomes.

TRENT HANCOCK

BOARD MEMBER

Key Skills: Financial administration and management, financial stewardship, governance, budgeting and reporting, treasury management, organisational administration, compliance, risk awareness, extensive community organisation experience.

Trent is a retired office manager with extensive experience in financial administration and governance. He has served as Treasurer of the Lake Taupō Sports Advisory Council and the Lake Taupō Sports Foundation for more than 25 years, and as Treasurer of the Society for five years. He has also been Treasurer of the golf section of the Taupō Cosmopolitan Club. Trent brings proven financial stewardship, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting community organisations.

Mark O’Callaghan

BOARD MEMBER

Key Skills: Community leadership, volunteer management, sports administration, governance, relationship building, community engagement, strategic leadership, organisational support, fundraising, and a strong commitment to serving the Taupō community.

Mark has been a valued part of the Taupō community since 1976, bringing a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and local sport. With deep roots in farming and decades of involvement in rugby administration and volunteering, he was recognised with the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for his contributions to the sport. Mark continues to support the community through his roles with Red Cross Taupō, the Lake Taupo Sports Advisory Council, and our society, where his experience and dedication continue to make a lasting impact.

David & Sandra Foss

BOARD MEMBERS

Key Skills: Community leadership, healthcare and wellbeing, nursing and clinical experience, volunteer coordination, community engagement, local knowledge, practical problem-solving.

David and Sandra are long-standing Taupō locals whose lives and careers have been closely connected to the wellbeing of their community. Together, they bring more than five decades of service, leadership, and volunteer experience, along with deep local knowledge, practical insight, and a shared commitment to supporting quality, equitable health services in Taupō.

David’s background spans the boating and trucking supply industries, alongside years of community involvement through scouting, boating, and volunteer work. Sandra is a retired registered nurse with extensive experience at Taupō Hospital. She has dedicated her career to healthcare and community wellbeing, including more than 20 years supporting Ironman medical services.

Together, they remain active contributors to the community and are united by a shared vision of a healthy, connected, and thriving Taupō.

John Williamson

BOARD MEMBER

Key Skills: Community leadership, governance, public service, strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, policy development, organisational leadership, community development, arts and cultural sector knowledge, environmental awareness, infrastructure oversight, education and health sector engagement, extensive knowledge of the Taupō community.

A proud Taupō local for more than 60 years, John has built a lifelong legacy of community leadership, governance, and public service. With more than 20 years of involvement in the Rotary Club of Taupō and with experience across community, health, arts, and education organisations, he has contributed to a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the Taupō district. He currently serves as President of Grey Power Taupō and has held governance roles with the Taupō School of Music, Life Education Trust Central Plateau, and our Society. From 2013 to 2025, he served four terms as a Taupō District Councillor, providing leadership across the arts, environmental, infrastructure, and community portfolios. His commitment to community wellbeing also extends to organisations including the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge, Friends of the Museum and Art Gallery, and the Waipahihi Botanical Society.

Aruna Singh

BOARD MEMBER

Key Skills: Community leadership, volunteer coordination, fundraising, event management, relationship building, community engagement, cross-cultural communication, partnership development, advocacy, teamwork, and a strong commitment to supporting diverse and connected communities.

Aruna has been a valued member of the Society for several years and a respected community leader with more than 30 years of volunteer service in Taupō. As Chair and President of the Kiwanis Club of Taupō, she helps mobilise volunteers, support major local events, and lead fundraising initiatives that make a meaningful impact locally and internationally. Proud of her Tongan and Fijian Indian heritage, Aruna brings a people-first approach and a passion for building connections across cultures and communities.