About
Our Team
Hands for Impact works collaboratively with researchers, consultants and partners. Our team ensures the successful delivery of projects, drawing on our expertise in Social Investment, Social Value, and non-profit impact theory and implementation.
REBECCA ROE
Impact Strategy Lead
Level 1: Social Value Associate
B. Com & Admin, Grad. Dip. Social Policy (Hons)
Rebecca is deeply passionate about empowering people and organisations to reach their unique potential. With more than fifteen years’ experience across the charitable, government, and corporate sectors, she brings a strategic lens and practical advice to support NGOs in securing funding, designing effective programmes, and building strong partnerships. Her strength lies in helping leaders navigate complex issues and find clear, sustainable solutions that drive positive impact.
Drawing on expertise in policy development, capability-building, and service innovation, Rebecca actively supports organisations in achieving their goals. As a contributor to national and local initiatives including roles on the MSD Benefit Review Committee and as a Trustee for Hanmer Clinic Tauranga, her motivation is grounded in a commitment to social impact, growth, and collaborative leadership.
GEORGIA RICHARDS
Social Value Analyst
Level 1: Social Value Associate, B.Prop
Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Matavai Safune (Sāmoa)
Georgia brings a wealth of experience in a number of areas, with her most recent work being lead Project Manager Height’s award-winning Capability Uplift Programme, as well as a background in financial analysis having previously been a commercial property valuer. With a background spanning valuation, project management, and bid development. Over the past decade, she has contributed to a range of kaupapa, combining analytical thinking with a commitment to community-centred outcomes.
Most recently, Georgia led a Social Return on Investment (SROI) project focused on the impact of an urban youth organisation supporting predominantly Māori and Pasifika taiohi. Her approach prioritised Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and perspectives from across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, aiming to reflect the voices and values of those involved. Her passion for rangatahi shines through her continued mentorship of young people at various points throughout her professional career. Georgia will be leading our stakeholder relationships as well as our SROI analysis for NFP organisations.
DAWN HUTCHESSON
Co-Founder, Manager
Level 1: Social Value Associate
BSc, M.A, Advanced Dip. Journalism
Dawn is an experienced General Manager and Sector Specialist in the non profit sector. During her career she has held a variety of roles across a range of NGOs and community organisations. Most recently, as inaugural General Manager of the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance (AFRA), she successfully steered AFRA through unprecedentedly challenging times during COVID-19 and national flood emergencies, delivering multiple initiatives and subsequent membership growth.
During this time she established a data capture system, implemented a sector-wide advocacy plan, and delivered a Social Return on Investment(SROI) report representing the entire Aotearoa food rescue sector. Dawn has also delivered two regional arts and culture strategies. Dawn is passionate about supporting programmes and change-making organisations to achieve optimum social impact, and leveraging data for social value, and she oversees the Hands For Impact programme ensuring it is delivered efficiently and effectively.
Associates (2025)
CLAUDIA WACE
Co-Founder & Impact Strategy Lead (Initiative), Level 1: Social Value Associate
Claudia has held a variety of roles in the non-profit sector, spanning governance, communications, strategy development, monitoring and evaluation, and fundraising. Alongside HFI's mahi, she provides strategic support to youth-focused and community organisations on monitoring, learning, and articulating change. She also serves as a trustee of a UK-based charitable trust, guiding impact strategy across rural regeneration, public service wellbeing, and environmental protection.
Claudia’s passion for impact measurement stems from experiencing its transformative potential in helping grass root organisations articulate their story and shape their future. She brings this firsthand experience to her work, ensuring organisations feel supported throughout the impact measurement process.
GRACE CLARE
Level 2: Accredited Practitioner, PhD
With a PhD in impact measurement for non-profit organisations having led a sector-wide SROI for the food rescue sector in Aotearoa, Grace has a wealth of academic knowledge and SROI expertise. Grace also has a passion for social equality and just social systems, coupled with a strong value for collaboration.
In her role, Grace led the academic design and execution of two SROI youth organisation studies, guiding associates on methodology, analysis and reporting including contributing to the dissemination of findings to build sector capacity.
MARIE NISSANKA
Level 1: Social Value Associate, PhD
Marie is a mixed-methods researcher and evaluator with 12+ years of experience in the public, commercial, NGO and tertiary education sectors. Her diverse background spans the areas of community wellbeing, social housing, international development, education, employment, and youth affairs. Marie's work has informed policy decisions and contributed to the collective mahi of improving social outcomes within Aotearoa and overseas. Marie led the execution of a SROI study for a regional youth organisation and is currently a Principal Evaluator with the NZ Ministry of Education.
Board of Trustees
TESSA VINCENT, LLB
Trustee
Tessa has a Law and Politics background and has worked for Judges, Members of Parliament and a Minister in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She has extensive experience in the NGO sector having set up three charities, including a national food rescue alliance and coalition to improve food security and tackle food waste.
Tessa has previously worked as a charity lawyer and on climate philanthropy. She brings to her Trustee role a strong sense of strategy, resourcing, and governance. Tessa is based in London and currently works in a climate policy think-tank. She sees Hands for Impact as a critical solution to demonstrating the value of the charitable sector in Aotearoa.
CLAUDIA WACE
Chair
Claudia’s passion for impact measurement stems from experiencing its transformative potential in helping grass root organisations articulate their story and shape their future. Claudia ensures the Hands For Impact work drives transformative, sector-wide change.
DAWN HUTCHESSON
Trustee
Dawn is passionate about supporting programmes and change-making organisations to achieve optimum social impact, and leveraging data for social value. Dawn oversees the Hands For Impact programme ensuring it is delivered efficiently and effectively.