Meet the team

Our leaders

Our leaders are here to help with enquiries, opportunities to collaborate and the needs of rangatahi in our local communities.

Jesse Boyce

CEO

Jesse is the CEO of Zeal with 18 years’ leadership and programme management experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors. He is responsible for providing leadership, direction and coordination across all activities of Zeal in line with Zeal’s purpose. Jesse is responsible for Zeal’s overall strategy and culture, key national partnerships, and the overall day-to-day running of the organisation. Jesse co-founded Zion Dance Studio in Christchurch which has impacted thousands of young people lives and community members in Christchurch and has held various roles across organisations including World Vision, NV Interactive, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Wellington Boys’ & Girls Institute.

Reach out to the right person

Linda Wilson

Funding Manager

 

 

Sandra Stephens

Policy & Fincance Manager

 

Matt Renata

Pouwhakamana

Hamish Campbell

Kāpiti Manager

 

Tessa Tangaere

Hamilton Manager

Luke Galley

Taranaki Manager

 

Tavā Malolua

Wellington Manager

 

Neli Alo

West Auckland Manager

Chris Foster-Winder

Digital Director

Meet our board

Zeal is a not-for-profit youth organisation, governed by a board of trustees.

Amanda Pilbrow (Chairperson)

Theologian, Spiritual Director, Integrative Enneagram Facilitator

Amanda works with a people-centred approach, focusing on people care management and promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Applied Theology from Carey Baptist College, exploring various topics such as spirituality, sexuality, wholeness, diversity, and inclusion. Amanda runs a private practice as a Spiritual Director and Enneagram Practitioner, curator of Alreadyenough.co.nz, independent celebrant, and artist utilising several mediums. Amanda invites individuals to explore their spirituality and inner selves alongside understanding their unique Enneagram type. Amanda describes herself as a loyal skeptic influenced by liberation theology, which emphasises social justice and equity for all. Amanda’s goal is to help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives and work towards personal and social transformation.

Karen Came

Director Business Development, APM

Andre Afamasaga

Principal/Founder, Lived Experience Leadership

Jovita Stellmacher (she/her) – Board Advisor

Palmerston North City Council

Jovita is originally from Germany but now calls Whanganui home, where she lives with her husband and two young children. As a Human First Partner at Yellow, she leads the diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, and believes that happy humans drive positive business outcomes. Her passion is contagious at Yellow and she walks the talk, organising and participating wholly in many initiatives. Jovita has been volunteering for Zeal for several years, supporting us in the people and culture space. Zeal’s values go hand-in-hand with Jovita’s passion for diversity, equity and inclusion – creating a space where people can be their authentic selves, belong and thrive.

Charles Looker (He/him) – Kaihautū | Kaiako Reo Māori | Kaitito Waiata | Kaipūoro

 
A descendant of Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngati Te Ata, and Te Āti Awa, Charles is a proud Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori graduate. This drives his research in Initial Teacher Education for Māori Medium schools. With a Master of Professional Studies in Education, his journey to varsity began with MAINZ before completing a Bachelor of Music at Auckland University. His passion for young people and his culture motivated his Postgraduate Diploma in secondary teaching and the formation of the bilingual musical duo Aro alongside his wife. Inspired by mātauranga Māori, the self-identifying edu-tainers’ music celebrates the significance and beauty of Māori in Aotearoa through story and song.
Ngā mihi

Contact one of our leaders