No related news and reports.

Meet the team, January 2012

Oxfam New Zealand's staff come from all over the world and share a wealth of experience and expertise. We kick off the new year with a Corsican clued up on climate change, an ex-Brit who delights our donors and our multi-lingual Supporter Relations superstar ...

Charlotte Fleur-Cristofari, Research & ED Support.

Charlotte Fleur-Cristofari, ED & Advocacy Support

Tell us about yourself...

I am a French islander, originally from Corsica, with roots in Reunion, in the Indian Ocean.

I am passionate about the environment and caring for it. Last year I completed a masters degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development in the Paris School of International Affairs, and afterwards decided to come to New Zealand to dedicate myself to climate change adaptation in the Pacific. I previously worked with a French NGO called Terra Natura on a water programme, including fish resources management, fishermen's working conditions and a sea pollution awareness campaign.

I am currently interning both as the Executive Director's personal assistant and as a microfinance research project coordinator. I am also helping out with some advocacy and campaigns work, especially on climate change and fair trade projects.

Why did you want to work for Oxfam?

Oxfam seems, to me, to be the best place where you can apply your skills with both your head and your heart, because of their unique way of working with people across the world.

I wanted to work for Oxfam New Zealand because of its deep and proactive involvement in the Pacific. The broad range of projects Oxfam New Zealand is implementing across the Pacific islands, but also its outreach and public support, make it a valuable organisation within the global Oxfam network.

Being an intern in Oxfam New Zealand is a priceless opportunity. I wanted to work in a positive environment, where passion and values are complemented with efficiency and professionalism. I couldn’t be more satisfied !

What is your role?

My job is divided into different tasks. On a day-to-day basis, I assist our ED in preparing his presentations, conferences and meetings. I am also carrying out a new research project regarding microfinance initiatives and their effectiveness in the Pacific. And finally, I provide organisational, design and communication skills to the Advocacy & Campaigns team when they need an extra hand!

What is your favourite thing about working for Oxfam?

Knowing that my work is, in some way, useful to make the world a better place for everyone, both living, and in the future.

I am also really enjoying the working environment: being surrounded by people that are highly skilled, passionate and dedicated to their work. Besides, I love the waiata we sing every Monday morning as I find it really inspiring to begin the week, like a special moment where the team get together to prepare the next challenge…

And which of our programmes would you most like to visit ?

I would find really interesting going to Samoa and meet our partner WIBDI, Women In Business Development Inc. Working in rural areas, and especially focused on women, this NGO has succeeded in generating a local economy and providing business development skills and work opportunities to many villagers.

Matt MacDougall, Relationships Development Manager.

Matt MacDougall, Relationships Development Manager

What is your background?

I come from a land far far away where the weather is cold and wet, the beer is warm and the summers are short. Some people call this place the UK. I moved to New Zealand 15 years ago after cycling round the country for six weeks and falling in love with it – this is such a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, a great quality of life and wonderful people.

For almost my entire New Zealand life I worked in the media sector until 2010 when I grabbed the opportunity to make a big switch in my life and actually put my money where my mouth is: I had a golden opportunity to change careers and start working in a field which I have always considered massively important but had never really had the courage to leap into. I can’t begin to describe what a brilliant move it was.

Why did you want to work at Oxfam?

I’ve admired and respected Oxfam for many years. The work it does, the places it goes, the lives and communities it transforms. I’m originally from the UK where Oxfam is virtually a household name – walk down any high street there and you’re likely to pass an Oxfam shop. So it’s really in my blood. When I decided to make the switch into not-for-profit Oxfam was at the top of my list.

Oxfam does so much vital work around the world – and Oxfam New Zealand carries out so many essential programmes right here in the Pacific – that you cannot help admire the drive and commitment of this organisation and everyone who works here.

What is your role at Oxfam?

I’m the Relationship Development Manager. Well actually, Lettie Bright is the Relationship Development Manager and I’m lucky enough to be her parental leave cover for eight months! She has been doing an amazing job so it’s a big challenge for me to live up to the role she has created.

I’m responsible for guiding and developing our relationships with major donors, legacies and trusts and foundations. It sounds like a big job but I’m very fortunate to work with two highly talented people – Marni Gilbert and Sue Jenness – who are the real experts and I just lean on them for advice and guidance.

What’s been the best thing about working here?

Ok here comes a cliché, but it really is knowing that we’re making a difference, making a positive impact on people’s lives, and knowing that at the end of a hard working day with all its effort, aggravations, challenges and complications it’s been worthwhile.

And which of Oxfam’s development programmes would you most like to visit?

All of them. Please.

Anna Dekker, Supporter Relations.

Anna Dekker, Supporter Relations

What is your background?

I grew up in Christchurch where I studied German and Spanish language and later European Studies at Canterbury Univeristy. My love of languages soon took me on a semester exchange to Germany and later for a longer period to the Netherlands where I completed a postgraduate degree in European Studies and had the opportunity to become acquainted with my Dutch roots.

Exposure to development organistions in the Netherlands coupled with a desire to help those in need, led me to apply for a position at Oxfam which I was delighted to take up in October 2011.

Why did you want to work at Oxfam?

I was drawn to Oxfam's broad approach to development work and the idea of working at the grass roots level together with organisations that were already working hard to make change in their local communities.

What is your role at Oxfam?

My role is to liaise with regular givers to Oxfam either over the phone, via email or in person to answer any queries they might have about Oxfam's work, our events and campaigns. I am also in charge of coordinating our friendly volunteers.

What’s been the best thing about working here?

I love working with people who are so dedicated and passionate about their work. I love being able to interact with our enthusiastic supporters on a daily basis. And I love being able to contribute both directly and indirectly to the fight against poverty and injustice.

And which of Oxfam’s development programmes would you most like to visit?

I would most like to visit the water and sanitation hygiene project in the Highlands of PNG to see in person the practical and life changing solutions that are implemented to improve water conditions and decrease the spread of deadly water-borne diseases.

How you can help

Donate Support our life saving work
Take action You can make change happen
Oxfam Unwrapped Fun-tastic gift ideas for Mother's Day
Oxfam Trailwalker Support a team
Follow