Meet our Board
The Waikato Women’s Refuge board is dedicated to empowering women fleeing abuse. Passionate and experienced, these leaders drive vital support services, advocacy, and safe havens, ensuring women and children rebuild lives free from violence. Their commitment saves lives.
Annah Stretton
Chair
Annah is the founder of the Annah Stretton fashion label, an award-winning business and social entrepreneur, the author of eight books and a sought after public speaker.
Annah’s philanthropic efforts have been felt far and wide across New Zealand. In addition to her role as the founding Chair of the Waikato Women’s Refuge, she has established three charities/NPOs under her own Foundation – RAW, Kia Puāwai and Hope Fish. Annah has held a number of governance positions including Board member of UNICEF NZ (2015-2020).
In 2008 Annah became a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Fashion/Business/Community and in 2015 became Ernst & Young’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year (for her work RAW).
Ruahine Albert
Founding member and CEO (QSM)
Ruahine (Roni) Albert (Tuwharetoa, Maniapoto and Tainui descent) is one of the founding members of New Zealand’s first Māori Women’s Refuge in 1987. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and has worked at local, national and international levels to improve government and community services to survivors of violence.
Since 1987, Roni has worked tirelessly to raise public awareness on the issue of family violence and, establish a Waikato-based family violence response system that ensures the paramount safety of women and children.
Roni is a Justice of Peace and received the Queen’s Service Medal in 2012. In 2015, Roni was a recipient of a Hamilton City Council Civic award.
Ariana Simpson
Founding member and Kaiwhakarite Education/Training (QSM)
Ariana Simpson is one of the founding members of New Zealand’s first Māori Women’s Refuge in 1987 and is a strong advocate for social change around violence to women and their children.
She has strong working relationships with iwi and has regional and national experience in developing partnerships between iwi and Māori service providers. Ariana is the cultural advisor of the Waikato Women’s Refuge and in 2012 was a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal.
Roma Balzer
Trustee (QSM, NZOM)
Ko Rotokakahi, ko Tauranga Moana oku roto me to moana
Ko Te Arawa, ko Ngati Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui oku iwi
Ko Tuhourangi, ko Ngati Pikiao, ko Ngati Hangarau oku hapu
In the beginning I believed that if we worked hard and focused on eradicating injustices and violence towards women and children, society would be safer for our grandsons and granddaughters. Now as veteran of 40 plus years in the battered women’s movement I have a greater understanding of what prevented and continues to prevent this from happening. The great transformation of society I have worked towards may not happen in my lifetime however I have accepted that my ‘rest of life’ vocation is to be the squeaky wheel, to keep the vision alive and to not go down with a whimper but with a resounding bang. No time to waste, there is too much work still to be done.
Ashleigh Turner
Trustee
Ashleigh brings with her over 15 years of experience across iwi, government, and private sectors.
A respected leader with a strong background in strategic management and community development, particularly within the context of Maori governance and iwi advancement. Raised in Otorohanga Ash is passionate about social investment, community and Maori outcomes.
Nanaia Mahuta
Trustee
With a distinguished career in public service and leadership, Nanaia brings a wealth of experience, insight, and commitment to the Kaupapa of Te Whakaruruhau.
As the first maori wahine to hold a position of Minister in the New Zealand parliament, Nania has been a trailblazer for Maori leadership on the global stage. Her deep understanding of governance, policy and community advocacy, combined with her passion for social justice and empowering indigenous voices, will be invaluable to our board.
Judi Sefton
Trustee
Judi brings extensive experience in governance, strategic planning and community engagement.
Her expertise in leading transformative initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and social equity, aligns with the mission of Te Whakaruruhau to foster positive change for the people. We are excited to benefit from Judi’s thoughtful leadership and vision as we continue to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Wini Te Are ahau
Trustee
Ko Tanui te waka
He iti taku iti, taku puku i ahua, ko Rangiahua
Ko Rangiahua te maunga, kei uta ko Kapuarangi
Kote wai tapu o Wainui e rere ana ki te Moana o Toi
Ko Wini Te Are ahau
Wini has worked across community outreach, crisis intervention, advocacy, and healing-focused programmes. She has long been recognized for her deep cultural insight, empathic leadership, and grassroots organising—helping to shape effective, community‑led strategies to counter violence and promote safety and wellbeing for Wahine and their whanau.
Wini’s lifelong commitment reflects a powerful legacy: advancing mātauranga, equity, transformation and hope for generations of wāhine and whānau across Aotearoa.