Our People

We bring a range of perspectives to the table, but what unites us is a shared commitment to meaningful work, thoughtful decision-making, and genuine connection. Our Trustees, Members and General Manager are focused on serving the community and ensuring a strong return on the Trust’s investments, enabling greater giving over time.

Trustees

Michael Holloway

Independent Trustee

  • Is a property investment specialist with decades of the senior experience in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Most recently Michael was GM Property Investment at Kiwi Property. There, he was involved in transactions totalling $685 million, management of a $900 million office portfolio including the development of an $80 million office building at Sylvia Park, and developing the business case for Build to Rent investment.

    Michael is a Master of Science, a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and a Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008). He is the former President of the Property Council of New Zealand’s Auckland Region, former Member of the MSCI Property Index Advisory Board and member of the Selwyn Foundation Property Committee.

    Michael is an appointed Independent Director of Mount Wellington Trust Hotels.

  • Visit Michael’s LinkedIn

Jason Rogers

Independent Trustee

  • Jason Kereama Rogers (BMS (Hons), CA ANZ) is a Professional Director and Trustee with a diverse background in executive, advisory and governance roles. He has extensive experience in governance and has managed a range of assets and portfolios for NGOs, Charities, Family Offices, Iwi settlement entities, CHPs and Property Development JVs/LPs.

    Jason has a Bachelor of Management Studies (with Honours) from Waikato University and after graduating, he joined Ernst & Young for six years where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant for NZ and AU (CA). He has worked for a top 4 Global CA firm – EY (for 6 years), a US investment bank – Bankers Trust (1 year), a large UK private equity house – Pacific Investments PLC (4 years) and a top 10 National Group Builder – Generation Homes (5 years).

    Jason is passionate about advancing the interests of those in the community by utilising his skills and experience to support various organisations to deliver better economic outcomes for stakeholders.

  • Visit Jason’s LinkedIn

Troy Elliott

MWLT-appointed Trustee

  • Is a resident of Mt Wellington where he lives with his family. With a strong passion for community service, Troy has been a dedicated volunteer for local associations. He is an experienced entrepreneur with a successful track record of owning and leading award-winning businesses in the telecommunication and fitness industries. He has expertise in financial management and governance in local government and business, having served on a number of boards including as deputy chair of Orakei Local Board.

    Troy is the current CEO of I am Hope and Gumboot Friday. He is committed to ensuring that funds distributed by the Mt Wellington Licensing Trust benefit the local community. Troy is an appointed board member of Mount Wellington Trust Hotels and is a Trustee of Mount Wellington Charitable Trust.

  • Visit Tory’s LinkedIn

Rob Wakelin

General Manager

  • Rob is a seasoned leader of community-facing organisations, including high-profile organisations such as Piha Surf Life Saving Club and Te Araroa Trail, and a number of senior roles in sport bodies.

    His experiences cover start-up, recovery and transition situations where abilities to tailor-make pragmatic and impactful strategies have led to sustainability and success.

    Rob has a strong commitment to local communities and ensures that Vision and Values are reflective of local identity, culture and aspirations.  

    He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington and a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies from Massey University.

    Rob has won the Young Business Person of the Year Award at the Westpac Business Awards and was twice awarded the Sport Waitakere Administrator of the Year Award.

  • Visit Rob’s LinkedIn

Granting Committee (MWLT Elected Members)

Nerissa Henry

President

  • Is a dedicated and experienced community leader, currently serving her fourth term as an elected member of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust. She brings nearly 20 years of community service, spanning grassroots initiatives through to elected and appointed roles on boards.

    Nerissa has held a range of leadership positions, including serving as President of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust in 2021–2022 and again from October 2025. She is committed to making sound, future-focused decisions for the wellbeing of her community.

    In addition to her role with MWLT, Nerissa is in her fourth term as an elected representative on the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. She also sits on several governance boards, including the Tāmaki Regeneration Company as a community representative, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, and the Auckland Conservation Board.

    Nerissa is a former Director of Mount Wellington Trust Hotels and a former Trustee of the Mount Wellington Charitable Trust. She brings strong skills in governance, community engagement, and strategic planning to all her work.

  • Visit Nerissa’s LinkedIn

Megan Clark

Member

  • Is a proud Mt Wellington resident who is passionate about contributing to an organisation that empowers and supports local communities to thrive. She is fully aligned with the goals of the Trust, which are to serve the community, maximise the return on assets, and give back meaningfully.

    With a background as a Library Manager, Megan brings strengths in leadership, governance, and practical problem-solving. She remains actively involved in the Library and Information Association of New Zealand (LIANZA) to help develop the professional skills of librarians.

    Megan has previously served as a trustee with the PSA Childcare Trust and has a strong track record of volunteering within her community.

    She is the mother of two adult children and a proud grandmother to a very special grandson.

Tabetha Elliott

Member

  • Is a dedicated, experienced community leader living with her family in Mt Wellington. With a strong background in business and governance, Tabetha brings a pragmatic and effective approach to her role as a Trustee. She has spent more than 10 years running a family-business in the telecommunications industry and has served on a range of boards, including Manurewa Local Board, Girls Brigade NZ, and Te Karaka Trust.

    As a teacher at Stanhope School, she brings a wealth of experience working with youth in the community.

    As chair of Mount Wellington Licensing Trust’s grants committee, Tabetha is also dedicated to maximising community grants and delivering strong management of the Trust's funds to support the local community. Tabetha is also the Chair of Mount Wellington Charitable Trust.

  • Visit Tabetha’s LinkedIn

Allyson Wood

Member

  • I have lived in Panmure and the Point England area for more than forty years. I care deeply about this community, with involvement in a number of local sport clubs personally and through my children’s enjoyment of sports.

    A wide range of business skills include procurement, operational management, finance, small business accounting and export consultancy, as well as education and training advisory experience specialising in International Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

    I have assisted with sports clubs grants and school team coaching. Currently serve this community on the Panmure Committee Action Group and Panmure Historical Society committees.

  • Visit Allyson’s LinkedIn

Troy Elliott

Member

  • Is a resident of Mt Wellington where he lives with his family. With a strong passion for community service, Troy has been a dedicated volunteer for local associations. He is an experienced entrepreneur with a successful track record of owning and leading award-winning businesses in the telecommunication and fitness industries. He has expertise in financial management and governance in local government and business, having served on a number of boards including as deputy chair of Orakei Local Board.

    Troy is the current CEO of I am Hope and Gumboot Friday. He is committed to ensuring that funds distributed by the Mt Wellington Licensing Trust benefit the local community. Troy is an appointed board member of Mount Wellington Trust Hotels and is a Trustee of Mount Wellington Charitable Trust.

  • Visit Troy’s LinkedIn

General Manager

Daniel Clay

Independent Trustee

  • Daniel Clay is Tumuaki (Chief Executive) of Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Whenua Hoko Holdings Ltd, the commercial entity of Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara.  He is an experienced governor and executive with expertise in governance, risk management, regulatory frameworks and community investment.

    Daniel is Chair of the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand and Chair of Essential Assets Limited.  Through these and other governance roles, he has oversight of organisational strategy, financial stewardship, risk management, and charitable funding programmes.  He has experience assessing community funding applications and allocating resources to initiatives that deliver meaningful social outcomes, including through leadership roles with iwi and charitable organisations, and Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.

    Prior to his executive career, Daniel practised law for more than 20 years, including a decade as a partner in national law firms.  His legal practice focused on public, environmental and regulatory law, litigation, and liquor licensing.

    Daniel holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland and an Executive MBA (First Class Honours) from Massey University.  He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and an Affiliate of the Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand.

    As an Independent Trustee of the Mt Wellington Charitable Trust and Independent Director of Mt Wellington Hotels Limited, Daniel brings extensive governance experience, legal expertise, and a strong commitment to community outcomes.

  • Visit Daniel’s LinkedIn

Will Matthews

Member

  • Is a union organiser, Auckland FC season ticket holder and new parent. With experience as a director and trustee both non-profit and commercial organisations, Will combines a pragmatic and responsible approach to governance with a fierce ambition for the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust area.

    He is a committed volunteer in local organisations, has extensive experience in political engagement and lobbying, and spends his working life enabling communities to build power and capability. He lives in Mount Wellington with his wife and baby daughter.

  • Visit Will’s LinkedIn