Management Team
Stephen Hart
CEO Pou Matua
Stephen has been with CORT since 2016, leading the organisation through a significant period of growth. Graduating from the University of Auckland with a conjoint degree in history and commerce, Stephen spent time in the music industry, and has worked in the mental health and NGO sector since 2007. Stephen was appointed to the CEO role in 2022.
Tracey Moore
Head of Operations Pou Hihiko
Tracey joined CORT in 2022, attracted by its Vision and Mission, because she knows that having a good home is essential for people to thrive in all aspects of their life. Tracey has a wealth of experience working in social housing and local government in the UK and Aotearoa New Zealand and has a MSc in Housing from Middlesex University. Her work is driven by the understanding that empowered and well-supported people are fundamental to the success of an organisation.
Julia Te Hira
Head of Development Pou Puawai
Julia (BBS, MNZIOB) joined CORT in 2017 and has nearly 20 years of experience in social housing in Aotearoa and the UK. As Head of Development, she leads a talented development team to deliver award-winning community housing of the highest standard. She has been instrumental in the establishment of new funding models for financing community housing in New Zealand. Julia has dedicated her career to the improvement of people's lives through housing, which is the backbone of health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Ayn Benitez
Head of Finance Pou Kete
Ayn (CA) has over 18 years of experience in financial operations and has been with CORT since 2017. With extensive experience across various fields and organisations, Ayn has been a key contributor to CORT’s growth. He is hands-on, fun approach ensures strong financial management acumen.
Mahesh Khupse
Development Manager Muka Puawai
Shaun Boulton
Property and Asset Manager
Board of Trustees
Chairperson: Geoff Henshaw
(Ph.D)
Chairperson
Skill area: Strategy, Risk, Leadership, Regulatory, Entrepreneurship.
Geoff is an entrepreneur with a passion for building enterprises that create positive impacts for communities and the environment. He has worked with organisations ranging from startups to Crown Research Institutes, helping to create innovative businesses with lasting social benefit.
He is currently the Founder and CTO of a cleantech company providing environmental solutions to governments, consultants, and NGOs worldwide.
Geoff is delighted to bring his energy and thoughtfulness to CORT as a Trustee, supporting its role as a leader in New Zealand’s social housing sector.
Trustee:
Tony McNamara
(BSc, MBA Exec, IITP, IoD)
Skill area: Strategy & Consultancy, IT Management, Governance
Tony works as an IT Consultant, specialising in aligning ICT strategy with business strategy, with a focus on small to medium-sized law firms.
He has held senior IT management positions across the health, local government, and finance sectors. Tony is a member of the Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) and the Institute of Directors (IoD). He has also been actively involved in a range of community groups, including Sea Scouts and local sports teams.
Trustee:
Mark Prins
BE (E&E)
Skill area: Management, Strategy and Process
Mark is currently working for a software non-profit, which began in Kathmandu and focuses on improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Now serving as a Product Owner, Mark has a background in software development, having worked as both a Software Engineer and Software Manager. He brings deep experience in organisational processes and a keen attention to detail. Mark also brings governance experience as the current Chair of the mSupply Foundation Board of Trustees.
He is excited to contribute to and tautoko the much-needed mahi that CORT delivers.
Trustee:
Rhys Clark
Skill area: Financial Leadership, Governance & Board Leadership, Infrastructure & Project Finance, Sustainability & Resilience
Rhys is the Commercial Director at Tonkin + Taylor, with responsibilities at the Group level across New Zealand, Australia, and globally. He joined the Tonkin + Taylor Board in May 2023. Rhys is a Chartered Accountant by profession, a member of the Infrastructure New Zealand (INZ) Board of Directors, and of Te Āti Awa iwi descent.
Rhys brings a robust understanding of the financial sector, large-scale infrastructure projects, the macroeconomy, and sustainability and resilience—helping to position businesses for future success.
Trustee:
Vicki Squibbs
(M Ed, BD, BE)
Skill area: Leadership in Education, Community Engagement & Development
Vicki has a passion for education. She has worked in leadership positions in schools, in Aotearoa and in Tanzania, with a focus on equitable access to educational outcomes. Currently Vicki is teaching in a secondary school.
Vicki has been involved with community groups including Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award groups.
Trustee:
Danny Baldwin
Skill area: Creative Direction & Graphic Design, Community Engagement & Volunteering, Social Impact & Advocacy
Danny brings a creative approach to his work. Trained as a graphic designer, he has worked in various design and publishing studios in both Auckland and London.
Keen to give back to his community, Danny has volunteered in a range of roles—supporting people with special needs, working as a telephone counsellor, and coaching for local sports clubs.
Danny is excited about contributing to an organisation that provides accommodation and stability for so many individuals and families.
Trustee:
Jody Kilpatrick
(BA, BTh, MTh)
Skill area: Pastoral Leadership
Jody is the Minister of Ponsonby Baptist Church. She has been an ex-officio member of the trust since 2005. She brings skills and experience in guidance and pastoral care. Jody also represents an invaluable senior leadership church perspective to the board.