Stronger Together 2025
New Horizons - Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia, kia tata
Garth Bray
Investigative Journalist
Garth Bray is an investigative journalist, broadcaster and podcaster with more than 25 years’ experience reporting on consumer affairs, business and politics, most lately for BusinessDesk and NZME.
Garth was a reporter and presenter on the Fair Go television programme for a decade, where his investigations into teen vaping, dodgy lenders, dangerous car airbags and the murky meth clean up industry changed laws and lives, while his use of costumes, mime and an Elvis impersonator kept it lively and light when that was needed.
Prior to all that, Garth was a TVNZ foreign correspondent posted in London and in Sydney, a business news reporter in Auckland, and a Parliamentary Press Gallery member and political reporter in Wellington. He's covered patches from Johannesburg to Aberdeen to Kabul, from Melbourne to Myanmar, and reported on earthquakes, elections and everyday people here, there and everywhere. Garth lives in Auckland with his wife and son, and tries to cycle to work every chance he can get.
Garth was a reporter and presenter on the Fair Go television programme for a decade, where his investigations into teen vaping, dodgy lenders, dangerous car airbags and the murky meth clean up industry changed laws and lives, while his use of costumes, mime and an Elvis impersonator kept it lively and light when that was needed.
Prior to all that, Garth was a TVNZ foreign correspondent posted in London and in Sydney, a business news reporter in Auckland, and a Parliamentary Press Gallery member and political reporter in Wellington. He's covered patches from Johannesburg to Aberdeen to Kabul, from Melbourne to Myanmar, and reported on earthquakes, elections and everyday people here, there and everywhere. Garth lives in Auckland with his wife and son, and tries to cycle to work every chance he can get.
Hadyn Jones
Journalist
Hadyn Jones began his journalism career at New Zealand's smallest daily paper, The Gore Ensign. The locals called it "The two minute silence".
He worked in radio while attending university and started his television career at CBC in Canada.
Hadyn may have worked on every show at Television New Zealand from Holmes to 20/20 to presenting Fair Go, Seven Sharp, Breakfast and Good Morning. He's the founder of Goodsorts which just turned 15. He describes it as his fourth child. Lately he's founded a charity t-shirt enterprise called Mr Jones and Tees and a production company (Mr Jones and Content) specialising in helping community groups.
In his spare time, Hadyn runs ultra-marathons, eats family bags of potato chips in a single sitting and dreams of being a professional bio writer.
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William Moores
Chief Executive, Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment
William Moores is a Canadian leader who has spent over 25 years, working to shape national and global standards in financial literacy and counselling certification, client-centred education, ethical standards and legislative reform. In 2005, he helped launch Canada’s premier financial counselling certification and now leads as CEO for the Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE), where a human-first approach is not aspirational but foundational.
Sponsored by DebtManagers
Tim Mehrtens
Tim Mehrtens is the Director at My Everyday Wellbeing an award-winning workplace wellbeing programme of support. Their work helps employees and organisations build resilience and maintain better mental and physical health.
Tim’s mission is deeply personal. After experiencing significant mental distress that nearly broke him, he realised the importance of proactive wellbeing strategies. With the right support and a lot of personal effort, he was able to regain stability and now dedicates his work to normalising conversations about mental health and equipping others with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.
His goal is simple: to help people thrive, even when life feels hard.
Tim’s mission is deeply personal. After experiencing significant mental distress that nearly broke him, he realised the importance of proactive wellbeing strategies. With the right support and a lot of personal effort, he was able to regain stability and now dedicates his work to normalising conversations about mental health and equipping others with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.
His goal is simple: to help people thrive, even when life feels hard.
Dr Alexander Stevens II
Senior Māori Academic at AUT University
Founder StandingTallNZ.org
Dr Alexander Stevens II is a Senior Māori Academic at AUT University and a health expert with expertise across eight different specialities. He is also the founder of StandingTallNZ.org, an online e-health platform dedicated to supporting Māori and Pacific men impacted by childhood sexual abuse. Drawing on his experiences working at the Retirement Commission, Good Shepherd, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Dr. Stevens II has developed a unique understanding of the intersection between financial wellbeing, community health, and trauma recovery.
With an extensive background as a qualified dual diagnosis clinician, Kaupapa Māori researcher, and adult educator/facilitator, Dr Stevens II brings years of expertise across multiple areas and sectors, including public health, education, social services, Indigenous development, finance, and mental health. He is dedicated to creating holistic, culturally responsive approaches to support Māori and Pacific whānau, ensuring their voices and needs are heard. His pioneering work continues to shape the future of trauma recovery, financial wellbeing, and social support for these communities, striving to create a more inclusive environment for all.
With an extensive background as a qualified dual diagnosis clinician, Kaupapa Māori researcher, and adult educator/facilitator, Dr Stevens II brings years of expertise across multiple areas and sectors, including public health, education, social services, Indigenous development, finance, and mental health. He is dedicated to creating holistic, culturally responsive approaches to support Māori and Pacific whānau, ensuring their voices and needs are heard. His pioneering work continues to shape the future of trauma recovery, financial wellbeing, and social support for these communities, striving to create a more inclusive environment for all.
Stephanie Fieldsend
Body Language Expert
Stephanie studied non-verbal communication and behavioural science under a Paul Ekman Franchise (The world’s leading expert) in 2007 for two years. In 18 years since then, she hasput thousands of hours into honing her skills and helped thousands of businesses and individuals using the power of body language.
If you are observant, you already have a great starting point. If you learn what you are looking at in people, then that will give you an edge in life. If you use those skills to become a betterhuman, then the world will be a better place
Marina Taylor
Speaker & Transformational Leadership Coach of Amplifyou Ltd
Marina is a determined and highly skilled Pasifika motivational speaker with 19+ years of experience as a Transformational Leadership Coach and Speaker. Marina works with groups, individuals, and organisations to identify and amplify their natural talents authentically and empower them to continuously develop and strengthen their Leadership and Communication skills in the ongoing pursuit of becoming their very best both professionally and personally.
As a finalist in two categories at the Pacific Business Trust 2022 Pacific Business Awards as Kanumea Afine Loto Toa Award for Pacific Woman in Business and Arataki Award for Leadership in the Pacific Community, Marina is gathering a reputation for providing her clients with exactly the right combination of ‘talk’ and ‘walk’ that lead to meaningful outcomes.
With her enchanting mana, alofa and steadfast dedication to amplifying the best of each person and audience, Marina Taylor is an inspirational, humorous, and fearless voice for transformation who is known for leaving audiences in high spirits, inspired, motivated, and equipped with nuggets to take action!
Megan Thorn
Exult, Managing Director
Megan is a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm with nearly 25 year’s experience in facilitation, as well as developing, designing and delivering training programmes. She has worked with people in corporate, government and non-profit organisations all over the world, and her passion is working with people who make a real difference in their communities.
An intense curiosity of how people have ideas and how they take them from idea to action, fuels Megan’s special interest in the fields of creativity, innovation, collaborative teamwork and leadership. She is particularly skilled at facilitating problem solving or planning discussions, and knows how to cut through the ‘yeah buts’ that often stop an organisation from moving forward.
In addition to sailing this ship, Megan volunteers with her local branch of Bellyful New Zealand. This on-the-ground volunteering means she knows first-hand the challenges faced by small organisations.
An intense curiosity of how people have ideas and how they take them from idea to action, fuels Megan’s special interest in the fields of creativity, innovation, collaborative teamwork and leadership. She is particularly skilled at facilitating problem solving or planning discussions, and knows how to cut through the ‘yeah buts’ that often stop an organisation from moving forward.
In addition to sailing this ship, Megan volunteers with her local branch of Bellyful New Zealand. This on-the-ground volunteering means she knows first-hand the challenges faced by small organisations.
Rhonda Maughan
Rhonda Maughan is a dynamic, high-energy motivational speaker with extensive business experience. As a business coach, entrepreneur, and mother of two adult children, she is passionate about self-leadership, embracing the philosophy: "Know Thyself – practice makes the master." She believes true leadership starts with self-responsibility and having the courage to show up authentically every day.
With a background in running successful franchises and direct marketing businesses, Rhonda has a deep understanding of business growth, talent recruitment, and team development. She is known for her ability to cultivate high-performing teams by identifying and nurturing the right people
With a background in running successful franchises and direct marketing businesses, Rhonda has a deep understanding of business growth, talent recruitment, and team development. She is known for her ability to cultivate high-performing teams by identifying and nurturing the right people
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Lance Burdett
Director, Consultant, Facilitator, Warn International
Following a successful career in construction, Lance Burdett spent 22 years in the NZ Police, 13 as a crisis negotiator. He brings experience from training in New Zealand, Australia, England, and the USA with the elite units of police, prisons, emergency services, the military, and the FBI. Lance has a Master of Arts majoring in Terrorism, Safety, & Security, a Diploma in Policing, a Diploma in Business Studies, and is completing a Diploma in Positive Psychology & Wellbeing. He is a published author of the bestselling books – Behind The Tape and Dark Side of the Brain – with a third book on managing anxiety recently published. Lance also makes regular media appearances.
Ross Gilmour
Gilmour Consulting
A passionate Kiwi, Ross Gilmour has a unique ability to connect and engage with his audiences. Within a few short minutes, he breaks down the barriers that may separate people through funny, energising and practical presentations that facilitate changes in behaviour and move your audience to action.
Ross is a powerful keynote speaker and workshop presenter. People walk away from his sessions feeling inspired, with new skills and techniques – so they behave and think differently. His sound research and intelligent assessment of what it takes to achieve your goals, has ensured that Ross is in demand internationally as a speaker.
All his presentations are high energy, funny and practical and have serious, meaningful messages told through entertaining and memorable stories and activities. He is a master at carefully orchestrating each presentation to ensure it links into your key business drivers, maximising return on investment. With Ross’s skills in group dynamics, relevant content and humour, attendees remember him as “a great speaker that impacted on their life”
Ross Gilmour has a Masters degree in psychology. Prior to establishing his own business over 25 years ago he worked in the Human Resources field and as a Justice Department *Speaker change from originally advertised
Ross is a powerful keynote speaker and workshop presenter. People walk away from his sessions feeling inspired, with new skills and techniques – so they behave and think differently. His sound research and intelligent assessment of what it takes to achieve your goals, has ensured that Ross is in demand internationally as a speaker.
All his presentations are high energy, funny and practical and have serious, meaningful messages told through entertaining and memorable stories and activities. He is a master at carefully orchestrating each presentation to ensure it links into your key business drivers, maximising return on investment. With Ross’s skills in group dynamics, relevant content and humour, attendees remember him as “a great speaker that impacted on their life”
Ross Gilmour has a Masters degree in psychology. Prior to establishing his own business over 25 years ago he worked in the Human Resources field and as a Justice Department *Speaker change from originally advertised
Daz Burns and Emily Ussher
The Good Day Matrix
Dairne 'Daz' is a mother of three young children, Director of Burns Construction and Founder of The Good Day Matrix and Lift55. In 2022 Daz was also the Manager of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Netball Team in the National Premiership. Daz is a Children's Book Author, Soda Inc. Programme Graduate and proud member of the Microsoft Small to Medium Business Council and Entrepreneurial Women with Purpose. She is a lady on a mission to advocate, innovate and challenge accepted norms in the wellbeing space.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Health, Sport, and Human Performance, majoring in Human Performance Science and minoring in Sport Development and Coaching. She has a deep understanding of how to enhance both physical and mental performance—something she carries in the mahi she does now.
After uni, Emily joined Collective Upside, working alongside founder Dairne Burns. When they transitioned into The Good Day Matrix, the focus sharpened on workplace wellbeing and leadership development. Emily's role is all about multitasking magic in sustainable ways— working with Daz to deliver keynote speeches, running workshops, handling logistics, events, marketing, and communications.
After uni, Emily joined Collective Upside, working alongside founder Dairne Burns. When they transitioned into The Good Day Matrix, the focus sharpened on workplace wellbeing and leadership development. Emily's role is all about multitasking magic in sustainable ways— working with Daz to deliver keynote speeches, running workshops, handling logistics, events, marketing, and communications.
Christine Liggins
CEO, Debtfix Foundation
Debt solution expert. Finalist Women of Influence Community Hero 2020. Financial literacy tutor. DRO supervisor. Trustee of creditors proposals.
Christine moved to New Zealand from the UK in 2004, with her husband, Martin. Having a passion for resolving money issues, Christine soon got involved with the local budget service where she trained as a budget adviser. As her passion and experience grew, in 2008 she began dealing with complex cases and insolvency procedures.
Christine is also a tutor and holds educational seminars and has written various financial literacy programs. She works with various bodies in the sector including, the National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust (FinCap), Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission and Te Wananga o Aotearoa
With her experience and knowledge she hopes to help as many people as possible to manage their money, take control of their debts, and most of all she aims to put YOU IN CONTROL of your money!
Christine is also a tutor and holds educational seminars and has written various financial literacy programs. She works with various bodies in the sector including, the National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust (FinCap), Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission and Te Wananga o Aotearoa
With her experience and knowledge she hopes to help as many people as possible to manage their money, take control of their debts, and most of all she aims to put YOU IN CONTROL of your money!
Holly Carrington
Family Violence Specialist, Women's Refuge
Holly has 25 years of experience in family violence specialist roles. She has worked with people experiencing family violence and men using violence, trained and presented for a wide range of audiences, published reports and articles, acted as media/public spokesperson, and led the development of Shine’s DVFREE programme to improve the workplace and customer response to family violence, including working with a number of financial institutions on their family violence response for employees and customers.
After moving from her native California, she began as a volunteer for Shine (Safer Homes in NZ Everyday) in 2000 and employee from 2001, first in Tamaki Makaurau then Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington.
She spent 1.5 years as a Ministry of Justice Family Violence Principal Advisor, and from January 2024 has been back with Shine and now also with the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges’ Policy & Research Team, researching intimate partner violence with the understanding that victim-survivors are the best experts of their own realities.
Holly also stays busy with teenage twins, a needy dog, and singing/playing accordion in two bands (Americana-country-western-bluegrass-folk).
After moving from her native California, she began as a volunteer for Shine (Safer Homes in NZ Everyday) in 2000 and employee from 2001, first in Tamaki Makaurau then Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington.
She spent 1.5 years as a Ministry of Justice Family Violence Principal Advisor, and from January 2024 has been back with Shine and now also with the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges’ Policy & Research Team, researching intimate partner violence with the understanding that victim-survivors are the best experts of their own realities.
Holly also stays busy with teenage twins, a needy dog, and singing/playing accordion in two bands (Americana-country-western-bluegrass-folk).
Tony Agar and Sarah Malin
Tony, Hamilton Budgeting Advisory Service Trust & Sarah, CBNZ (Christian Budgeting New Zealand Inc)
Tony is a Financial Mentor and coach with 10 years' experience in the Building Financial Capability (BCF) sector. He also has over 30 years' experience with the Fire Service as a senior fire officer dealing with a range of risks and management issues..
Sarah has been in the not-for-profit world for 20 years as fundraiser, communicator, event organiser and more recently training as a financial mentor, She is CBNZ Coordinator, as well as Communications and Engagement Manager for Kingdom Resources. She also had 3 years' at Battered Women's Trust (rebranded as 'She' last year)).
Together they were mad enough to be part of the founders of the first Stronger Together Forum and continue to be part of the organising committee this year!
Julie Williams and Christina Marcroft
Julie has over 20 years' experience as a financial mentor. She is a Board member of CBNZ, Operations Manager of Money Compass (social enterprise), insolvency expert and trainer. Passionate about helping. people in need, she always goes the extra mile to support her clients. and is a strong believer in strengths-based practice
Christina Marcroft has over 20 years' experience as a financial mentor and is service manager of Marton and Districts Budget Service. She, like Julie, is a FinCap facilitator and very passionate about ongoing professional development and upskilling of mentors to ensure that we can collectively deliver a quality service for the benefit of our clients..
Professional Development
Specialst Professional Development for Financial Mentors
- Expert training
- Network building
- Skill enhancement
- Technical skill updates
- Variety of workshops
- Case studies
- Industry experts
- Connect with peers
Brought to you by the Stronger Together Team
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