2022-2023 Board
Sam Davis, Chair
Wellington
Sam works as a Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He holds a Masters of Science in International Relations from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
He is actively involved with the Wellington Tramping Mountaineering Club, and has previously volunteered on the boards of student bodies in Norway. Sam enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle, often found walking the hills around Wellington, and enjoys cooking, baking and board games.
Sam is passionate about international development in the Pacific, and the role New Zealand plays in this region. He is interested in sustainable development and the post-covid recovery in the Pacific region.
Rebekah Robertson, Co-Chair
Auckland
Rebekah is a Climate and Environment Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Rebekah supports the Climate Change and Environment team to deliver New Zealand's International Climate Finance Strategy.
Rebekah is driven by making a difference through her work by supporting communities to be able to adapt to the impacts of climate change, promoting resilient and sustainable development.
Rebekah completed a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geography and holds a Masters of Disaster Risk and Resilience from the University of Canterbury.
Stephanie Fry, Treasurer
Auckland
Steph enjoys the hands-on relationship side of international development and working in the INGO sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Steph loves bringing people together to share new ideas and experiences.
She is currently the Humanitarian Programmes Specialist at Tearfund NZ and previously worked for a smaller INGO as an International Programmes Manager and is a member representative on the Council for International Development's Code of Conduct committee.
She has experience in Agribusiness and Finance and in 2019 she completed a Masters in International Rural Development. She is a member representative on the Council for International Development's Code of Conduct committee and is also completing a Post-graduate Diploma in Environmental Management
Andre Grover, Membership Co-Chair
Wellington
Andre currently works at Education New Zealand supporting students on international development scholarships to complete their studies in Aotearoa, and to contribute to the development of their home countries.
He holds a BA(Hons) from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, specialising in development studies, criminology, and public policy, and has experience working in the public sector and tertiary education sector.
Capacity building through education is an area of particular interest to Andre.
Belle George, Wellington Events Co-chair
Wellington
Belle recently returned home to Aotearoa and is working as a Policy Analyst helping to develop the novel 'Equitable Transition Strategy' which seeks to ensure the transition to a low-emissions future is just, fair and inclusive for all New Zealanders. Belle enjoys working at the intersection of climate and social policy. Outside of work, she likes tramping, yoga, and sharing new recipes with friends.
Belle completed a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Sociology at the University of Cambridge and spent a year as a fully-funded postgraduate fellow studying International Development at Harvard University. At Harvard she developed a keen interest in evidence-based approaches to international development, in particular the use of randomised control trials for evaluating programs' impact.
Katja Phutaraksa Neef, Communications & Awareness C0-Chair
Auckland
Katja Phutaraksa Neef is currently completing her research masters in Development Studies and has a regional focus on Asia and the Pacific.
She grew up in Thailand and Japan and has participated in field research and workshops in Fiji, Vanuatu, Thailand, Cambodia, Tanzania, Peru, Indonesia, and West Papua.
Her research and advocacy interests include issues concerning land governance and dispossession, refugee rights, social inclusion, Indigenous rights, forced migration, and climate justice.
Laura Green, Business Engagement Co-Chair
Wellington
Laura is a solicitor specialising in public law, and holds a Masters of Public International Law from Leiden University.
She worked for 4 years in the humanitarian aid sector, including for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, and previously volunteered for Excellent Development in Kenya.
She is motivated to contribute to building a community of people with shared interests in international development. Laura enjoys sailing, cycling, and playing the double bass.
Maria Dela Cruz, Auckland Events C0-Chair
Auckland
Maria originates from the Philippines and has previous experience in the humanitarian and education sector. She has an interest in International Relations and helping with events relating to culture or language.
She was a part of the International Students group during her study and has completed the Common Purpose - Global Leadership Experience programme with a theme of Inclusivity in Smart Cities.
She also completed the Young Sustainability Leaders programme where she developed her knowledge in sustainability. One of her projects was presenting the idea of a wellbeing space for her university.
She is a keen collaborator and believes in the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
Current Openings:
IDYP Event Photographers
Please send through your resume/CV and tell us what interests you in this role and international development. Applications will only be accepted if submitted to: idyp.nz@gmail.com