Oliver Kemp – Chairman

Ollie brings extensive experience in forestry, education, governance, and the community sector. Originally from Auckland, he spent 30 years working in the forestry industry before becoming a Senior Polytechnic Lecturer, where he taught forest management and wood processing.

His governance experience includes serving on the boards of a secondary school and a polytechnic, as well as eight years as a Board member of Manaaki Ability Trust, including seven years as Chair.

Ollie also has a personal connection to Manaaki as a parent of a Manaaki client. His professional experience, governance knowledge, and understanding of the organisation provide a valuable perspective to the Board.

Sir Peter Boshier – Deputy Chairman

Sir Peter Boshier brings extensive experience in law, governance, public service, and advocacy. He has held a distinguished career in the New Zealand justice system, serving as a Judge, Principal Family Court Judge, Law Commissioner, and Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand, a role he held until March 2025.

Sir Peter has a strong history of involvement with the disability community and is committed to supporting organisations that make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. He currently serves as Deputy Chair of Manaaki Ability Trust and will take up the role of Chair at the end of 2026.

He is also a patron of several organisations and serves on the Ethics Committee for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Wellington Community Fund.

Prue Payne

Prue has been a Board member of Manaaki Ability Trust for five years and brings extensive experience in governance, management, training, fundraising, and community engagement. She previously served with The Autism Intervention Trust, where she was a founding settlor.

Throughout her career, Prue has worked as a management and training consultant across the private sector, particularly with insurance and banking organisations, and has held senior internal training roles within both industries.

A passionate fundraiser, Prue has led numerous successful events supporting a range of community causes. She also volunteers with Mary Potter Hospice Retail as a creative stylist, helping to strengthen its retail profile and sales through digital media.

Prue brings 28 years of lived experience supporting disability and is passionate about ensuring Manaaki Ability Trust remains strong, sustainable, and focused on creating positive opportunities for future generations.

Pauline Prince

Pauline has commercial acumen, governance experience, strong advocacy, and lived experience in the disability sector. With a proven track record at the Institute of Directors, she has broad governance knowledge and understands good governance best practices.

Her adept relationship-building, strategic communication, and project planning experience has supported partnerships spanning both public and private sectors, community agencies, and funders. Pauline’s energy and composure make her a trusted advisor in any setting.

With her personal involvement as a member of the IHC Wellington Association and through family experiences navigating the disability sector, she brings a blend of deep empathy, insight, and is driven to deliver great outcomes for the disability sector.

Pauline is committed to ensuring Manaaki Ability Trust remains responsive, equitable, and impactful for people with disabilities across the communities it serves.

Karen Ross

Karen Ross brings extensive experience in leadership, governance, organisational development, entrepreneurship, and change management. Her career has provided her with broad experience in problem-solving, performance development, relationship management, and helping organisations grow and adapt.

Karen has a particular strength in supporting organisations to flourish through periods of growth and change. She has considerable governance experience and serves on a range of boards.

Karen was National Director of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award New Zealand for six years, until 2023. During this time, she worked closely with Manaaki Ability Trust to establish the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as an important part of the client experience.

Karen is delighted to continue her connection with Manaaki and to contribute her experience, knowledge, and passion to supporting the Trust and the people it serves.