Mahurangi Hope Community Trust

Maxine Finlay is the Trust Manager at Mahurangi Hope Community Trust. She brings a background of experience in community leadership, social services, and not-for-profit management. Maxine’s role is focused on strategic planning, operational oversight, funding, and supporting the delivery of safe, inclusive, and effective services. She is committed to strengthening outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau in our region. Outside of work, Maxine enjoys swimming, outdoor adventures, and spending time with family and friends.

Email: maxine@hopehq.nz

If there's anyone who can create a welcoming environment while keeping the pantry stocked, it's Lara. She's been a part of the Mahurangi Hope Church community for more than 15 years volunteering in the senior youth group and kitchen management. Her roles include overseeing the Foodbank's rosters, parcels and operating systems four days a week, while also coordinating hospitality for the Hope Centre. These roles allow her to practically show the love of God to people, and Lara loves how supporting families and creating warm, inviting spaces can foster meaningful relationships. In her spare time she juggles family commitments with five kids and her husband on their lifestyle block.

Email: lara@hopehq.nz

Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and acts as a liaison for the Trust, Police, Oranga Tamariki and Community Support groups. Sarah is also our legendary Community Meal Coordinator. In the summer you’ll find her at the beach paddleboarding or listening to podcasts and reading.

Email: sarah@hopehq.nz

Etitara is always busy weaving Pasifika families together with the local community, so naturally she oversees the Kiribati Women’s Sewing Group and is the cultural advisor and support worker for the Trust. Visiting families in their homes, Etitara is there to provide support, help overcome challenges and pray with the people she is welcomed by. It’s something she loves to do, along with socialising with friends over meals and going to the beach with her family.

Email: etitara@hopehq.nz

Heather does all things admin. Her behind the scenes organisational work helps keep things in order and working smoothly. However, the best part of the job for Heather is the people. Fellow staff members and the Pasifika kids are the highlights of the week. Heather also works for the Anglican Church helping assist the running of programme Seasons for Growth – a change and loss programme designed for children, teens and adults alike. While not working, Heather loves making things, sewing and knitting in particular, along with walking her dog and tackling weeds in her home garden.

Email: heather@hopehq.nz

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Moe is a Youth Worker at Mahurangi Hope Community Trust (MHCT), where she co-leads both the Hope Target and Pacific Youth Collective (PYC) programmes. With training in youth development and a creative background in graphic design, Moe serves as a youth mentor to Pacific students at Mahurangi College, walking alongside rangatahi with care, cultural understanding, and a strengths-based approach. Moe’s ability to connect, uplift, and advocate for young people makes her an invaluable part of the MHCT whānau and a trusted presence in the lives of the youth she supports. Outside of work, Moe enjoys singing, tennis and swimming.

Email: moe@hopehq.nz

Megan is one of the long-standing supporters of both Mahurangi Hope Church and Mahurangi Vision Community trust and sits as the finance committee chair and a trustee for both organisations. Her role involves all things financial including budgets, accounts payable, payroll, reporting and more. When she isn't sorting spreadsheets Megan enjoys sports, particularly squash and pickleball plus lends her voice to the worship team on Sundays.

Email: accounts@hopehq.nz