Michelle Tipene

trustee

Michelle has participated in a range of committees in the past ranging from Southland Toy Library (Secretary 2005 - 2009) to Jellicoe Sea Scouts (Secretary and Treasurer 2019 - 2021).

Michelle joined the committee to support the work that Puna Rangatahi does in the community and with Dunstan High School. Michelle is currently Deputy Principal at Dunstan High School.

Adele Gott

Secretary

Adele joined the Puna Rangatahi Trust in October 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in education, including 25 as a principal across New Zealand, Australia, and Brazil.

Her leadership has spanned diverse communities, from Alexandra Primary, to the American School of Brasília and most recently Yiramalay Studio School (learning and living remotely), in Western Australia.

Adele is passionate about creating inclusive, future-focused learning environments that empower young people to thrive.

On the Board, she brings a warm, strategic, and human-centred approach, with deep experience in governance, educational leadership, and community engagement.

Rhys Jenkins

Chair

Rhys has experience in educational governance through previous trust roles, and was the Institute of Directors Emerging Director runner up (Southland) in 2024. As Chair, Rhys brings a pragmatic, calm, committed and enthusiastic approach.

Rhys is a career environmental scientist and has worked and lived around the world, predominantly in the mining sector.

Now retired, Rhys is focussed on philanthropy and is dedicated to youth programmes, Rotary, supporting local community events, and is a Justice of the Peace.

On the Board Rhys aims to lead the Trust to deliver its purpose(s) through sound governance and financial responsibility.

Christopher Wild

Deputy chair

Chris joined the Puna Rangatahi Trust in 2022, bringing with him over 15 years of experience across the social sector. His mahi has spanned addictions, chaplaincy, youth residential programmes, and corrections, alongside expertise in writing and securing tenders and government contracts.

Currently serving as a Kaiarahi Family Court Navigator, Chris is known for his strategic thinking, leadership, and passion for supporting whānau and rangatahi to thrive. He is also a dedicated foster parent and proud dad, which deeply grounds his commitment to young people and families.

Beyond his professional role, Chris is the President of Alexandra Gymnastics Club and a founding member of Central Otago Toastmasters.

As Deputy Chair (and former Chair) of the Board, Chris brings energy, innovation, and a strong sense of community to Puna Rangatahi.

Jacinta Grant

Treasurer

Jacinta joined Puna Rangatahi Trust in March 2025 and brings strong financial oversight alongside broad legal expertise as a Director and Barrister and Solicitor.

Growing up rurally, Jacinta developed a strong work ethic and deep connection to her community, values that continue to shape her professional and governance work. As a general practitioner of law, she has experience across transactional practice, litigation, and dispute resolution, regularly appearing in Courts in Otago and Southland. She has a strong interest in the youth sphere and is an approved Youth Advocate and also serves on the Central Lakes Blue Light Branch as well as the Central Otago representative on the Otago Branch Council of the New Zealand Law Society.

On the Board, Jacinta contributes a pragmatic, practical, and community-focused approach, supporting the Trust’s purpose through sound financial stewardship and governance.

Alix Crosbie

Trustee

Alix has experience in governance as a lead strategy and policy analyst and senior advisor in local government. Her background includes a decade working in communications strategy for clients across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Alix joined the board due to the understanding of the difference initiatives for youth can make over the course of their entire lives. And she loves to get deep in a spreadsheet or two too.

Beyond these professional roles, she holds two elected roles promoting workers rights and environmental issues. She has two primary school aged children and is a member of the board of trustees for their school.