Our team

Jane Peterson

Chair
Jane brings over a decade of experience in the governance sector, including several years as a Senior Governance Advisor at the Institute of Directors. In this role, she provided strategic advice, support, and advocacy to directors and business leaders across a wide range of industries. She has worked extensively with leaders from diverse organisations, including large corporates, public sector agencies, SMEs, and not-for-profits. More recently, her focus has shifted to consulting for several health-related companies, where she continues to apply her governance expertise. Jane has a background in law and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Anissa Bain

Trustee
Anissa is a partner at Pitt & Moore ,and has a client base that reflects the region’s diversity. She is passionate about solving her clients’ problems. She uses her detailed understanding of the law and her understanding of clients’ situations to get them where they want to be, using the most stress-free, efficient path possible.

Roy Dawson

Trustee
Roy has extensive experience in the local seafood industry at a senior management level, specifically in the business development and operations executive areas.

He is well networked around the local region, and is a well-respected leader with a positive management style, combining strong relationship building and management skills.

Bill Rainey

Trustee
Bill joined the TSCF Board in 2024

Paul Nicholson

Trustee
Paul grew up in Nelson, studied and workied in Wellington,  then headed to the U.S., where he lived and worked for 42 years. Paul and his wife Cathy moved back to Nelson in 2022 and happily renovated a charming little 1938 bungalow. In the States, Paul was closely acquainted with the Oregon Community Foundation and was  inspired by how it positively impacted communities. On return to Nelson, he was thrilled to discover a similar foundation right here. Cathy and Paul have a philanthropic relationship with TSCF because they see the real value it brings to our community. 

Paul spent 35 years leading one of the largest professional theatres in the States and has been a consultant and volunteer with several U.S. foundations and served on a number of nonprofit boards.

Rachel Sanson

Trustee
Rachel brings significant experience, insights, and deep local connections to strengthen the Foundation's governance capabilities. She was drawn to the Foundation by its mission to create lasting positive impact across Te Tauihu, the Top of the South, and its goal of building an enduring fund that supports local wellbeing and nature restoration for generations to come.

With a background in governance, financial management, social enterprise, and community advocacy, Rachel will contribute to the Foundation's continued growth and impact. She holds a Master of Commerce, is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, and an Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF) Fellow. Rachel looks forward to connecting with the Foundation's donors and the many groups and organisations in the community doing valuable mahi.

Nettie Stow

Executive Officer
Nettie is originally from Northumberland, UK and raised her now adult children in Te Tauihu. She first arrived in Aotearoa as a teenager. Most of her working life has been within charitable trusts where she gained extensive knowledge of philanthropy and effective grant making. She has a passion for supporting individuals and organisations to create positive and sustainable impact. Nettie joined the team in 2023 and is excited to be part of such a generous and inspiring community.

Michaela Bayliss

Finance and Administration Officer
Michaela is originally from this region,  and thinks it’s a real privilege to be part of an organisation that plays such a meaningful role in supporting communities across Te Tauihu.
IMichaela and her family love spending time outdoors and making the most of everything this stunning rohe has to offer ..
Michaela's role covers key areas of administration and finance and she brings with her a wealth of experience in both these areas.

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© Top of the South Community Foundation 2025
Photos from Nelsontasman.nzOnly Marlborough and Unsplash.
Made with ♥️ by Avoca in Nelson, New Zealand

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