Staff

Senior Management Team

Philip Kearney

Chief Executive

Philip hails from the UK but considers New Zealand home, having emigrated with his family when he was a boy. Previous roles include Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Otago, General Manager Education at the Charities Commission and Chief Executive at Sport Whanganui. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration. Philip is married to Lesley and they have a daughter. He is an avid sports fan, especially golf, cricket and rugby and is also keen on DIY.

Paula

Paula Te Kahika

Finance Office Manager

Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu – Hapū Ngāti Pāhauwera

Paula has worked in Finance for over 30 years, and has been part of the Arthritis New Zealand team for the past five years, and is now our Finance Office Manager. She has worked for a number of organisations from IT companies to Early Childcare Education based in Wellington. Paula has two daughters and a son which keep her busy with weekend sports. She also volunteers her time as the Treasurer for Te Runanga o Ngati Kahungunu ki te Whanganui-ā-Tara.

Fiona Smith

Funding and Communications Manager

Fiona joined Arthritis New Zealand in June 2021 and is based in the Wellington office. She has worked the majority of her career as a professional fundraiser, both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. She has worked for a wide variety of not-for-profit organisations, most recently Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA). Fiona is Deputy Chair of Volunteer Wellington.

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