Meet our Trustees

Tuutakina ngaa kaitiaki

Sarah Thomson

Chairperson

Sarah is an experienced elected member with Hamilton City Council. She has practiced as both a commercial and community lawyer. She has a passion for equity, environmental protection and housing affordability. Sarah is focused on solutions and working collaboratively to get positive outcomes for the city and across our region. She brings a strong strategic focus to the board of Community Waikato.

Johann van Loggerenberg

Audit Partner

Johann is an Audit Partner at PKF Hamilton - Chartered Accountants. He loves the work he does and says that no day is ever the same. Clients not only need advice about how to apply the accounting standards but sometimes they also need a sound board for other things that are going on in their businesses. In Johann's role, he is able to form strong relationships with his clients and add value by providing advice around internal controls within their organisation. Johann has been involved with the not-for-profit sector for many years in various personal capacities from auditing schools, sports club, religious trusts, aged care sector, medical sectors and volunteering as treasurer on Waikato Ultimate board. Johann has worked in the Chartered Accounting practices for over 8 years. He has been a member of CAANZ – Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for 5 years. Johann has a special interest in the 'not-for-profit' sector.

Sandra Larsen

Sandra has over 30 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector both in paid and voluntary roles. 

Over this time, she has gained knowledge in organising and running community events, governance, funding, community and project development.

She brings a range of skills to the Community Waikato Trust and is passionate about supporting a sector which helps communities to thrive. 

Yvonne Wilson

Carolyn Eyre

Martin Gallagher

For more than four decades, Martin Gallagher has served Hamilton City and its people with distinction and unwavering commitment. 

As a long serving Hamilton City Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Member of Parliament, Mr Gallagher has shaped the city’s direction and strengthened its democratic foundations.  

Renowned for his integrity, humility, and respect for tradition, Mr Gallagher is known as a guardian of civic memory and a champion of progress, inclusion, and collaboration. Known for being a mentor and historian, he has enriched Hamilton’s civic life, by ensuring the city’s heritage and values are carried forward for future generations.

Though retired from formal office, Martin continues to devote his time generously to the community. Among some of his roles, he serves on the Waikato Health Trust, a National Board Member of Parent to Parent, and a Trustee for Community Waikato. He was recently awarded a Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal for civic service.