The Team
Meet the Team
We have an awesome team behind E Tū Tāngata. Each one of them is helping to shift culture by bringing their wealth of experience, knowledge and passion.
Jay Geldard
E Tū Tāngata Co Founder
Chief Executive Officer / Pou Arataki
Jay has been involved in youth work since 2003 and is passionate about young people, their families and the communities they live in. He led 24-7 YouthWork for over 10 years and is an influential leader and strategic thinker. Jay is not one to walk away from challenges and flourishes on seeking solutions for impossible tasks. This leads to many whiteboard sessions as he loves to approach problems from an alternative perspective.
Jay is the Co Founder of E Tū Tāngata and is working with an amazing team to develop and implement this movement. Jay is excited to see how E Tū Tāngata can be utilised across New Zealand to create a culture where we stand together rather than pull each other down.
Jay is big in stature (6ft 8) but also carries a big heart for this nation. He is married to Nicky and has three amazing children.
Nicky Geldard
E Tū Tāngata Co Founder
Education Executive / Pou Mātauranga Matua
Nicky has worked in communications and education for the past 20 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a major in journalism.
A perpetual student, Nicky has also completed a diploma in teaching and is currently chipping away at another qualification in theology, one paper at a time.
Nicky is intrigued by the formation of culture and the stories that shape us. She sees Tall Poppy Syndrome as a dominant narrative in Aotearoa; and it’s not a story worth repeating. E Tū Tāngata provides us with the unique opportunity to choose a different path so that, instead of pulling people down, we can affirm each person’s intrinsic worth. And that’s a story Nicky is keen to share with her own kids as well as the generations to come.
Jonny Reid
General Manager / Pou Whakahaere
Jonny has a background in finance and not-for-profit governance. He is enthusiastic and passionate about the combination of both, to bring about meaningful change in local communities and beyond. Jonny has degrees in accounting and law, and prior to joining E Tū Tāngata he worked for a number of years in an accounting firm. He also serves on the board of a community youth trust in Christchurch.
In his spare time, you'll find Jonny following a variety of sports, jogging or experimenting in the kitchen.
Kerrie-anna Tana
Cultural Advisor / Pou Tuarongo
He uri nō Te āti haunui a Pāpārangi, Te Whakatōhea, Tūhoe me Ngāpuhi.
Kerrie-Anna Tana has been working in the education sector for the past 15 years. She has taught te reo Māori at the University of Canterbury, tikanga Māori at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Māori Performing Arts at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Kerrie-Anna holds a Masters of Māori and Indigenous Leadership and is passionate about all facets of te ao Māori.
As Pou Tuarongo for E Tū Tāngata, Kerrie-Anna offers a te ao Māori perspective over the kaupapa as we endeavour to preserve the cultural integrity of this initiative.
Serena Morgan
Resource Developer / Pou Waihanga Rauemi
Serena is studying Psychology and Education at the University of Canterbury while also being a youth worker and working for E Tū Tāngata.
Passionate about mental health, Serena loves working with young people to develop well-being and resilience. She brings several years of experience in youth work, youth leadership and leadership coordination.
Serena has lots of practice applying the principles of E Tū Tāngata to the educational context and is working on developing resources for the kete, focusing on evidence-based practice.
Outside of work, Serena enjoys staying active, whether on the netball court, hiking the Port Hills, or skiing in the Southern Alps. Her biggest passions are the outdoors, art, and hauora, and she loves when her work combines all of these things.
Dr Victoria LEGGeTT
Research Assistant / Pou Rangahau
Victoria completed her PhD in Education at the University of Canterbury in 2024. Her research focused on how young people in Aotearoa New Zealand experience happiness, and how their use of social media is associated with their sense of happiness. She has a background in educational psychology which informs her passion for better understanding the determinants of mental health and well-being in young people.
Victoria is a researcher funded by the John Templeton Foundation working alongside the University of Canterbury to investigate the impact that E Tū Tāngata has on schools and their communities. She believes that the core strands of E Tū Tāngata provide a powerful framework to make important changes in education systems and is excited by the potential it has for applications in wider society.
Kim Shailer
Administrator / Pou Whakahaere Tari
Kim is a proud mum of two primary school–aged children, which gives her a deep connection to the kaupapa of E Tū Tāngata. She knows how important it is for tamariki to grow up in communities where they feel seen, encouraged, and celebrated. With a background in administration and a passion for supporting others, she brings strong organisational skills and a thoughtful, caring approach to her role as Administrator and PA. She is excited to contribute to the smooth running of the team, ensuring the mahi continues to thrive and the vision of E Tū Tāngata can reach more whānau and communities. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, keeping active through fitness, and spending time baking for family and friends.
Catherine Stanton
Administrator Support / Pou Manaaki
Catherine is our admin go-to and loves the optimistic vibe that E Tū Tāngata stands for. She enjoys working alongside our passionate team. Catherine has a background in administration, accounts and volunteering in healthcare roles, which demonstrates her empathetic and thoughtful side. She has a fantastic thumbs-up attitude!
Catherine is a Cantabrian but has previously experienced life in Auckland and the Nelson regions. With Paul, she has 3 wonderful adult children who have now flown the nest. Catherine’s administrative role provides the necessary support to help this charity move forward, shine and bring positive influence.
Cara Stuart
Graphic Designer / Pou Whakanikoniko
Cara takes care of the day-to-day design needs of E Tū Tāngata. Whether is designing a new resource for the Kete, creating diagrams to explain concepts, putting together information packs, you name it, Cara uses her 20+ years of design experience to bring the concepts and ideas to life in a way people can see, use and understand.