A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome

At the Aoraki Foundation, we know that behind every milestone and achievement, there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly. This month, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Administrator, Nicola Buckingham, who has been an integral part of the Foundation for over four years.

Nicola has been a steady and reassuring presence through a period of significant change and growth. Her professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our team and the wider community. Beyond her remarkable skills in streamlining our financial reporting and accountability, Nicola brought joy and energy to the office—her lovely smile and hearty laugh were constants, brightening our days and making the Foundation a welcoming space for all.

Nicola’s kindness and dedication resonated not just within our immediate team but also across the wider Community House family. Staff, trustees, and colleagues alike will miss her presence dearly. While we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her next chapter at Forsyth Barr and wish her every success.

As one chapter closes, another opens. We are delighted to welcome Claire Hand as our new Operations & Finance Administrator. Claire brings a wealth of financial expertise and operational acumen, perfectly suited to support the Foundation’s ongoing growth. In recognition of the expanding scope of this role, we have increased the position’s hours from 10 to 20 per week, ensuring even greater capacity to serve our community.

Nicola, thank you for everything. Claire, welcome aboard—we’re thrilled to have you join us!