Executive members
Christine Herzog was attracted to the WEA in the 1980s by its community development philosophy, which supported groups to achieve their own adult education objectives. Over the years she has been involved in different projects and frequently acted as AWEA treasurer. Since 2004, she has been employed part-time as coordinator.
Abigael Vogt has been a committee member since 2008. She works as a Programme Advisor-Diversity in local government and has been responsible for the Interactive Interfaith Programme. She has a background in peace work both locally and overseas. She is interested in self-determination at a community level and has worked in Treaty education and issues of cultural identity and social justice.
Mitzi Nairn was involved around 40 years ago in setting up the Auckland Committee On Racism & Discrimination (ACORD) and latterly held the position of Director of the Conference of Churches Programme on Racism. She feels that at present the way she can be most helpful to AWEA is to share learning from her involvements in the anti-racism and Treaty movements, and to reflect on how this sharing keeps us grounded in what we are trying to achieve; and can help show progress and development and highlight small achievements.
Alex Barnes became an executive member at the end of 2013. He is a kairangahau/kaiarotake, researcher and evaluator with Tātai Aho Rau-CORE Education. He has a background in research and evaluation work with hapū, tertiary institutions, and the non-profit sector. Alex is passionate about understanding what structural elements improve family and whānau environmental, social and cultural wellbeing.