Our People

bOARD OF TRUSTEES | management | team

Crystal siva | chair

Bringing over 20 years of experience in the health and youth development sectors. As a senior nurse in Manukau City and a dedicated Papatoetoe resident, Crystal is deeply committed to improving the wellbeing of her community.

Her extensive background in health, advocacy, and youth development within South Auckland equips her with the knowledge and leadership necessary to guide the trust’s initiatives. Passionate about empowering individuals and fostering positive change, Crystal plays a vital role in strengthening community connections and promoting holistic wellbeing. Her expertise and dedication ensure that The Community Builders NZ Trust continues to make a meaningful impact across South Auckland and beyond.

lisa tusini | secretary

Lisa comes from a strong background in business development and has a deep passion for cultural preservation as a dedicated Otara resident. As a proud member of the well-known Tusini family, she upholds a legacy of cultural leadership within the Niuean and South Auckland communities. The Tusini family is renowned for founding the Tangaroa College Niuean Group in 1984, a cultural initiative that has nurtured generations of students. Their commitment to preserving and celebrating Niuean heritage through the Auckland Secondary Schools' PolyFest has spanned over 30 years, shaping the identity and pride of many young people.

Lisa continues this legacy through her work with The Community Builders NZ Trust, advocating for cultural empowerment, youth development, and community resilience. Her expertise as a former business lecturer, combined with her dedication to fostering cultural identity, makes her a valuable asset in driving positive change for South Auckland communities.

faith lois | treasurer

Faith brings with her a strong background in business management and administration. As a citizen of both New Zealand and Philippines, she is very aware of the hardship and struggles of underprivileged families and is deeply invested in the wellbeing of her community and passionate about supporting families to thrive. Living in Otara and Clover Park she knows all too well the struggles many of our local families face.

With expertise in strategic planning and events management, Faith contributes valuable insights to the trust’s initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful community programs. Her dedication to empowering families and fostering resilience makes her an integral part of the trust’s mission to create stronger, healthier communities across South Auckland.

terry nelson | trustee

Terry Nelson is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the youth, charitable trust, and business sectors. Holding a degree in Careers and Social Work, he has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education, advocacy, and support services.

As the founder of Let’s Get Legal NZ, Terry is passionate about equipping people with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve independence & thrive. His expertise in career development, youth work, social work, and business strategy makes him a valuable leader in initiatives that promote equity, opportunity, and long-term success for individuals and communities alike.

TERANGI PARIMA | CEO
(etl global experiences)

Terangi Parima’s journey with Community Builders NZ Trust began as a young volunteer, where her passion for community service quickly became evident. She soon stepped into a young leadership role as Co-Director, receiving hands-on leadership and management training in practice. Her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the trust’s mission made a lasting impact, leading to her well-earned appointment as CEO in 2023 at just 24 years old.

At the Community Builders NZ Trust, we believe in nurturing today’s leaders, regardless of age. Terangi is a testament to this belief—her rise from volunteer to CEO is a powerful example of extraordinary leadership potential. Born and bred in Ōtara, she remains deeply connected to the community she serves. She is not your traditional CEO; instead, she takes a hands-on approach, excelling at a high level while staying grounded across all kaupapa under the trust.

Intelligent, vibrant, and strong in character, Terangi brings boundless energy, creativity, and innovation to her role. She has a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life and is what we proudly refer to as he wahine mateoha rānei—a woman of great dedication and service. With her at the helm, Community Builders NZ Trust is thriving under fresh ideas, dynamic leadership, and a steadfast commitment to empowering both the community and the next generation of rangatahi while balancing both hands-on involvement with high level strategic oversight, leading our organization and ensuring it fulfills it's mission.