Our people

The Workshop is made up of our team (the Directors and staff) who carry out the work of the trust, our Board of Trustees who provide strategic direction, advice and governance and our associates, who bring their specific skills and expertise to our collaborations with them.

The Team

The Workshop was founded by Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw and Marianne Elliott.  As a collaborative, The Workshop works with a range of associates who bring diverse expertise and experience to our work.

Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw, Director of Narrative Research and Strategy

Lizzie Edwards, Director of Operations and Business Development

Lizzie is an experienced business development professional who is committed to building strategic relationships and connecting people for positive outcomes. Having completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies, Lizzie has worked across local government, corporate and the not-for-profit sectors to assist in having clear goals, managing expectations and demonstrating impact. She has experience in sustainable fundraising and values building strong relationships that lead to aligned outcomes for all involved.

As mother to a young daughter, it is important to Lizzie to play a role in making sure more people can access and use The Workshop’s insights and research, so that we can collectively move towards evidence-informed decisions. 

Email: lizzie@theworkshop.org.nz

Carolyn Blackwell, Training Manager

Carolyn has worked in central and local government, in volunteer roles for community organisations and as a freelance photographer, designer and artist. Most recently, she worked in the director's office of the Waitangi Tribunal as a Senior Business Advisor. Carolyn enjoys working in spaces where she can use her creative, analytical and organisation skills, and workplaces committed to increasing equity for all New Zealanders. She has a background in visual arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Carolyn is interested in social psychology, how people connect, communicate and organise themselves.

Email: carolyn@theworkshop.org.nz

Julie Fairfield, Senior Narrative Advisor - Implementation

Dr Minette Hillyer, Senior Narrative Advisor - Insights

Minette is a researcher, analyst and writer with more than twenty years’ experience studying and teaching ways of making meaning in the fields of ethnographic, sociological and popular visual culture. She holds a PhD in Rhetoric with a designated emphasis in Film from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was supported by a Fulbright Graduate Student Fellowship, and has been awarded a number of teaching and research fellowships and awards. Before joining The Workshop, she was a member of the Media Studies program at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

Email: minette@theworkshop.org.nz

Ellen Ozarka, Researcher

Ellen is a science communicator and communications scientist whose recent master’s thesis at the University of Otago explored the links between COVID-19 and propensity for collective action against climate change in New Zealand. With a background in both science and activism, she is passionate about using both to bring about a better world for all. Ellen previously worked in marketing, and likes to write as much as possible, so there’s no excuse if there is a mistake in this bio.

Email: ellen@theworkshop.org.nz

Kirsten Van Newtown

Kirsten has a background in the Arts and NGO sectors, most recently working in campaigning and advocacy across justice and equity issues. As a communicator Kirsten champions the importance of storytelling to build connections and shift perspectives, with her published work including essays on poverty and disability justice. She is a strategic and systems thinker who values a relational approach to project management and systems change, believing that a cuppa and a chat is often one of the best ways that we can find solutions together.

Email: kirsten@theworkshop.org.nz

Advisory Board & Trustees

The Workshop’s Advisory Board (who are also the trustees) provides advice, guidance and oversight to ensure that The Workshop is implementing its strategy and delivering on our values and mission.

Amanda Reid, Chair

Amanda Reid is a researcher with nearly 20 years of experience working in the social and health sectors, covering research, evaluation, and monitoring; service design and delivery; and management and governance.  As a Principal Consultant at BERL, she has worked predominantly on research on the Māori economy; on education and workforce issues; and on monitoring and evaluation projects.  She has an interest in governance following time at the Institute of Directors in the Governance Leadership Centre, and experience on boards, including Dress for Success, Trade Aid, and the Wellington Film Society.

Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith drives community led systems change in the rangatahi space in her role as a Community Catalyst for Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation. She believes that through collaboration and innovative approaches that value the voices of lived experience we can create change. Her work across the not-for-profit sector, in youth development and finance roles as well as board roles have unlocked a passion for philanthropy. Mandy’s Samoan heritage and time studying in a bi-cultural Māori / Pakeha environment inspire her to advocate for Māori and Pasifika success.

Timoti Brown

Timoti Brown brings over 20 years of public sector experience to his current role in the advisory division of a professional services firm. His expertise lies in systems thinking, systems transformation, and respecting the inclusion of mātauranga Māori in these spaces. He is passionate about addressing inequities and making a positive societal impact. This can be paraphrased using the whakataukī (proverb): "Ko te ao tara aitū ki te ara matua – from a world of calamity to a path of clarity," reflecting his commitment to guiding positive change.

Associates