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Meet the team, May 2011

Oxfam New Zealand's staff come from all over the world and share a wealth of experience and expertise. Meet a selection of our current colleagues and see what their jobs involve...

Dolores Devesi: Pacific Programme Manager

Dolores Devesi, Pacific Programme Manager.

I’m from the Solomon Islands and have worked at Oxfam for nearly nine years – seven of which were in the field. I joined Oxfam in the Solomons as the Finance and Administration Officer, and over time moved into programme work in areas like disaster management and HIV, fulfilling roles such as Senior Programme Officer and Deputy Country Rep. In April 2007, following the biggest tsunami in the Solomon’s history and overnight I was appointed the Country Representative.

I went to high school in Whangarei so I was excited to take up a job with Oxfam New Zealand in 2008 and become part of the regional programme here. Now I look after work with partners in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

What I hope to achieve here at Oxfam

It’s a pleasure to bring my expertise from the field so that Oxfam has a better understanding and knowledge of how to work best with our partners in the Pacific. That way we can design programmesthat add value to what they do. Our biggest goal is to ensure that communities can stand up on their own two feet so they can be self-reliant.

Final thoughts

I love working for Oxfam – that’s why I’m still here nine years down the track. The Samoa tsunami emergency response has been the most inspiring work that I’ve been involved with at ONZ, it was rewarding being able to help so many people in very little time. If you believe in Oxfam’s values, you are passionate about ensuring that we change lives for the better. I always remind myself to just enjoy this job and have lots of fun throughout the process.

Zeb Stone: Supporter Engagement Events Coordinator

Zeb Stone, Supporter Engagement, Events Coordinator.

I studied Politics and Psychology at Auckland University. Although it’s unrelated to events, I think it’s your experience and what you’ve done along with your degree that makes all the difference.

My path to Oxfam began through an internship. I was then lucky enough to get a full time role focused around engaging with supporters, especially those who do Oxfam’s events, including Oxfam Trailwalker and the public fundraisers. I enjoy working at Oxfam because I like the fact that we actually do make a difference in people’s lives.

What I want to achieve here

I want to inspire and support Oxfam Trailwalkers through their journey to challenge themselves and challenge poverty at Oxfam Trailwalker. By engaging with Oxfam Trailwalkers, their supporters and public fundraisers I want to build on the support and recognition Oxfam has and raise more money for Oxfam’s work.

What I want Oxfam to achieve as an organisation

I’d really like Oxfam to become the leading NGO in New Zealand for aid and development programmes and ultimately I think that Oxfam can achieve more in the Pacific to change the lives of more people living in poverty. This can be achieved by inspiring more supporters, who are engaged in Oxfam's work through exceptional fundraising events events like Oxfam Trailwalker.

Words of wisdom:

I believe that it’s important to make sure that your experiences and the places you find yourself match what your values are, and I think that if you’d like to work in an NGO, get your foot in the door. Do an internship and work for nothing to gain some experience about what it’s like, and if you enjoy it, the opportunities will open up. Having taken part in Oxfam Trailwalker helps too!

Leanne Taylor: HR Manager

After growing up in West Auckland and completing a degree in Commerce and Arts at Auckland University, I went abroad at the age of 22. Whilst overseas I worked in the health sector in the UK and then the British Red Cross for 14 years, of which I spent 10 as the Head of the international HR function. I am privileged to have had opportunities to travel, learn about different cultures and see the difference that people working in this sector can make to the lives of the vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised. I moved back to New Zealand at the end of 2007 and was delighted to join Oxfam in 2008.

The most inspiring opportunity at Oxfam?

Working at Oxfam gives a number of inspiring moments. Our response to the Samoa tsunami was one that particularly stands out for me. Another highlight was when I was also involved in chauffeuring Neil Finn and his muso friends around whilst making the Seven Worlds Collide album – it was great fun and cool that they gave of their time and talent!

What I hope to achieve

I want to ensure that we attract and retain the highest calibre people to fulfil Oxfam’s mission. I also strive to contribute to help those who work for Oxfam to do their best work and fulfil their potential.

I hope that Oxfam continues to play a role in influencing our government on key issues. Particularly climate change and the way it interacts with our Pacific island neighbours. I was shocked to learn that PNG is on a par with countries like Sudan when it comes to key development indicators. I am therefore proud that Oxfam is active in PNG, working on such key issues as conflict reduction, sustainable livelihoods and ensuring people have access to the basics such as clean, drinkable water.

Words of wisdom:

I recently came across a quote from Mahatma Gandhi which I think is applicable to everyone working at Oxfam, and that is, “You must be the change that you want to see in the world.”

Arron Peacock: Direct Marketing Manager

Arron Peacock

Arron Peacock, Direct Marketing Manager.

I’ve been in the not-for-profit sector for over seven years, first working in the UK for a number of charities including Rethink Mental Health, Hope HIV and Spinal Research. My love for travel (and a Kiwi wife) brought me to New Zealand. Oxfam’s pretty much in the DNA of every Brit, so I was thrilled to land a job with Oxfam in New Zealand.

I get a kick out of seeing the generous support from those who respond to our appeals and I really enjoy the amazing people I meet. In my work I’m really aiming to achieve fundraising and marketing excellence, and also to be a positive source of encouragement and support for my team members.

The most inspiring opportunity I’ve had at Oxfam?

Visiting Samoa. I accompanied one of our supporters, Heather Thomas, to see the Train a Farmer gift she bought through Oxfam Unwrapped – in action. We met a Samoan farmer, Faiumu Faimafili, who had benefited from Oxfam’s work and gifts through Oxfam Unwrapped. It was so inspiring to see not only the people who are working hard out there, lifting themselves out of poverty, but also to see Heather’s reaction and how inspired she was that the little difference she’d made was actually a massive difference.

Words of wisdom

They're more words of encouragement than wisdom - I believe that if anyone out there wants to work in the charity sector, they should take a risk and go for it as it’s a really honourable, rewarding job.

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