Our team

Suzanne joined Taituarā in November 2023 as Chief Executive. She was previously the Chief Executive of Student Job Search (SJS).

During her time at SJS, Suzanne led the transformation of the member organisation into a more commercially minded, successful organisation, well on its Te Tiriti journey, and providing greater outcomes for students, employers, and stakeholders.

Suzanne has a background in learning and development, and experience in the commercial sector. Following nine years in the banking sector she managed a multinational 10 office recruitment organisation that specialised in the finance, accounting and banking sectors.

Suzanne is energised by working in the not-for-profit sector where there is a real sense of purpose in giving back to the community.

Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys the ups and downs of golf, walking her miniature schnauzer and venturing into the Wellington harbour on her stand-up paddleboard.

Fiona joined the Taituarā team in July 2023. She brings more than 15 years of valuable professional expertise to her role as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive. Throughout her career Fiona has demonstrated a steady commitment to enhancing operational performance across diverse roles.

In previous roles, Fiona has excelled in project management, HR operations, strategic planning, and fostering a safe work environment. Her contributions included streamlining operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimising productivity while overseeing day-to-day business requirements.

Fiona’s educational background includes certifications in Business & Administration, Customer Service, Children’s Personal Care & Development and IOSH Managing Safely complementing her extensive practical expertise with formal qualifications.

Fiona embraces life by exploring travel opportunities, socialising with friends, and engaging with diverse cultures.

Raymond re-joined Taituarā in June 2014 as Sector Improvement Manager, before commencing his current role as Chief Advisor at Taituarā. He has spent most of the last 20 years in local government related roles, most recently with the Department of Internal Affairs.

He describes his job as two-thirds providing assistance to the local government sector and one-third providing advice to central government on local government matters. His ambition is to help develop a Local Government Act that doesn’t require changes every 18 months. He asks that you wish him well with this task.

Bex is our CIO and brings with her over 20 years of experience working in similar financial and administrative roles.

Her background is in the implementation of financial accounting systems, the development of business processes, and establishing quality business analytics and monthly reporting.

Bex has a passion for facts and figures and enjoys to providing seamless financial support to the Taituarā team.

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Ruapani

Mereana Beconcini brings over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, advertising, branding, L&D and communications to her role as COO at Taituarā. As a seasoned leader, Mereana has guided teams and organisations through strategic initiatives that drive growth and foster meaningful connections with clients and stakeholders. Her expertise spans across various sectors, with a particular focus on digital solutions, learning and development, advertising, and integrating Te Ao Māori into her work.

At Taituarā, Mereana is excited to contribute to the organisation’s mission of supporting and enhancing local government in Aotearoa. Her commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi aligns with Taituarā’s values, and she is passionate about ensuring that the organisation’s efforts authentically uplift Māori.

Her recent roles at Springload and Special Group have seen her at the forefront of impactful projects, including award-winning campaigns and successful new business ventures.

Outside of work, Mereana enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and two young children and she is passionate about learning te reo Māori and volunteering at her kids Kura.

Ann oversees Taituarā membership and sponsorship activities, as well as our major events; the Annual Conference and Gala Dinner.

Ann is a stakeholder engagement, event management, and communications professional with broad experience across sectors including tertiary education and the public sector.

Joy joined Taituarā in January 2025, she has a background in learning and organisational development across several sectors and a passion for enabling growth and unlocking potential.

In her role as Manager Workforce Capability, Joy is committed to partnering with councils across Aotearoa New Zealand to deliver impactful programmes that not only build workforce capability but also inspire innovation and strengthen leadership at all levels within the sector. Joy aims to empower teams to thrive in their roles and create lasting value for their communities.

Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, listening to podcasts, walking her dog and going to the gym.

Sophie joined the Taituarā team in August 2025, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, events, and engagement. She has worked across a diverse range of sectors, including not-for-profit organisations, charities, tertiary education, and the construction industry.

Most recently, Sophie held the role of Marketing and Communications Manager role at Building Institute Aotearoa, a membership organisation serving professionals in the construction sector. Prior to that, she held a variety of positions at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where she honed her skills in stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.

Sophie enjoys blending creativity with practicality in her work and is excited to contribute to the mahi at Taituarā.

She lives in Lower Hutt with her partner, two children, and their dog. Between work and kid wrangling, Sophie enjoys watching TV and films, reading, sewing, woodworking, and tackling DIY projects.

Clare joined Taituarā in January 2025, as Manager, Sector Readiness. She brings with her the experience and relationships she developed working with the local government sector for more than 10 years at Local Government New Zealand and more recently at the Ministry for the Environment. Her career includes working for several councils in resource management-related roles.

Clare is working in Sector Readiness, focused on resource management reform and elections. She is particularly interested in working with the sector on implementation challenges.

In her free time, Clare enjoys tramping and walking and making the most of her commute from the Kapiti Coast to read.

Philip joined Taituarā in September 2025, as Principal Advisor, Sector Readiness.

He brings over 20 years of experience, and relationships in local government and the public sector.

His career includes 10 years in senior roles with councils and more recently 7 years as Principal Policy Advisor with Local Government New Zealand. He has most recently worked in leadership roles at Waka Kotahi and at EECA where he was Development Lead in the Standards and Regulations Team. Philip’s expertise includes policy development, regulatory analysis, stakeholder management, and project and programme delivery.

In his role as Principal Advisor, Sector Readiness, Philip is committed to supporting the Sector Readiness Team develop tools and resources that help the sector prepare for and successfully implement new legislation and policies.

In his free time, Philip plays golf, enjoys walking, gardening, swimming, and taking time out with his family to enjoy the many quality cafés on the Miramar Peninsula.

Lauren joined Taituarā as the Advisor, Membership and Events when she moved from Greater Wellington Regional Council in November 2020.

Previously she worked for Accor Hotels before going on to gain a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resource Management & Employment Relations from Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington. Lauren’s passionate about productivity and believes that people are at the heart of everything we do.

Outside of work, Lauren loves travelling with friends and family, reading and spending time with her animals.

Aki joined Taituarā in December 2023 as the Digital Engagement Advisor. She supports the organisation’s marketing, communications, and digital engagement work — creating compelling content, managing social media, and keeping the Taituarā website fresh and up to date.

Originally from Japan, Aki holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and has a professional background in marketing, where she developed her skills in digital strategy and creative storytelling. She brings this experience, along with a cross-cultural perspective and passion for connecting people through digital media, to her role at Taituarā.

Outside the office, Aki is a devoted TV show fan, foodie, dog lover, and perfume enthusiast.

Kayla joined the Taituarā team in April 2025 as the Events Coordinator. Kayla has experience providing reception duties, administration support, and project coordination. Kayla is passionate about helping people and building meaningful connections.

In her spare time, Kayla loves spending time with her family, travelling and relaxing at the beach.

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Arionne is an experienced learning and development professional with a background spanning both government and corporate sectors. Most recently, he served as Learning Coordinator at the Office of the Ombudsman, where he led learning coordination, managed the development of the organisation’s learning management system (Te Puna Mātauranga), and oversaw performance reporting on key legislative responsibilities.

With previous roles at ECL Group, EQC, ANZ, and MSD, Arionne brings a practical, learner-focused approach to capability building and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about designing accessible, effective learning experiences that support long-term development.

Outside of work, Arionne enjoys gardening, indoor plants, adventure games, and spending time with friends and whānau. He’s also a proud Harry Potter fan.

Sarah joined Taituarā in late 2023 bringing over 20 years of experience in local government, consulting and contracting roles. She has worked in Vanuatu for the SANMA Provincial Council as an Environmental Advisor, at Downer NZ on the MCA Road Construction, in Western Australia with DownerMouchel in Project Management, Planning and Safety, Quality and Environmental Management, in New Zealand at Northland Regional Council on coastal planning and monitoring roles, Opus Consultants, South Waikato District Council in Strategic Project and Asset Programme Management, and at Downer NZ as a Senior Bid Manager, Contract Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Programme and Risk Manager in the Central Waikato NOC, and Hamilton City Council road maintenance contracts.

Sarah holds a Master of Science in Physical Geography (Coastal) and an Honours in Resource and Environmental Planning from Massey University.

She has a passion for upskilling people and is a member of the MBIE Skills Leadership Group in the Waikato. In her spare time, Sarah supports her husband sharemilking 270 jersey cows on the family dairy farm in Tokoroa and enjoys spending time with family and friends exploring the natural attractions of the South Waikato and beyond. She is also actively involved with the Melanesian and Vanuatu community in New Zealand.

For the past 11 years, Murray has worked extensively with the Pacific TA programme, delivering assignments in Kiribati, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. His work has included developing income-generation strategies for Betio Town Council, conducting governance and financial assessments in Tonga and the Cook Islands, and supporting councils in strengthening their systems and services. He combines technical expertise with deep cultural awareness, ensuring solutions are co-designed and locally owned. By equipping and supporting staff through change, Murray has become a trusted partner in improving governance, financial management, and community outcomes across the Pacific.

Murray holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master’s in Management. He is a former Chartered Accountant, a certified Prosci Change Practitioner, a member of the Project Management Institute of New Zealand, and an advocate of lean thinking.

Murray’s early career included roles with Rio Tinto, Fletcher Merchants, and Crowe Horwath, where he gained experience in accounting, business advisory services, and implementing new software systems.

Murray spent 16 years at Tasman District Council in senior finance and corporate services roles, contributing to major initiatives such as the Waimea Community Dam and the NZ Local Government Funding Agency. He has also supported councils nationwide through interim leadership roles, including Acting Group Manager Strategy and Support (Grey District Council) and Acting CFO (Westland District Council). He is currently a Probity Auditor for Transwaste Canterbury.

Matt joined the Taituarā team in September 2024, as the Administrator for the Pacific Technical Assistance programme.

Matt graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Business from Massey University, majoring in Management. Since then, Matt has experience working in administration, team coordination and recruitment.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys his hockey, spending time with friends and getting outdoors whenever he can.