Our Circability Team
Patron
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Sir Bob Harvey
CIRCABILITY PATRON
Sir Bob Harvey served six terms as Mayor of the Waitākere City, and was awarded, alongside six international Mayors, the United Nations Award for Peace in 1997; in 2007 he was awarded the United Nations Life Time Achievement Award for the Environment; and a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours for 2013 for services to local body affairs and the community.
Sir Bob is a prolific leader in both the arts and politics, having led an advertising agency for many years prior to his mayoralty, working with leading talent and winning numerous awards.
Sir Bob says, “It is important to step outside the daily work routine and use play to reflect on our structures and systems in place. I used the magic of circus all my working life with many groups, in many ways - it always added the special touch we needed for our tasks ahead.”
Our Board
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Erwin van Asbeck
Chair, Board of Trustees
Brings rich experience across NGO, mental health, education, and the arts. Passionate about growing impact and supporting a thriving, sustainable future.
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Alison Greenaway
Advisory to the Board - Whānau
Social researcher who cares deeply about community wellbeing. Loves supporting youth and building strong, connected families.
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Alysha Dodampegamage
Advisor to the Board - Young Circus Artist Representative
Dedicated circus performer and emerging youth leader.
Helps bring energy and creativity to youth programmes and festivals. -

Angela Withers
Advisor to the Board - Youth Portfolio
Enthusiastic teacher who champions creativity in young people. Believes in the powerful impact of circus arts in education.
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Chris Adams
Board of Trustees - Health and and Safety Portfolio
People-focused events professional with a big heart for community. Proud to support Circability’s inclusive and growing impact
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Claire Johnston
Advisor to the Board - Neurodiversity
Passionate advocate for neurodiverse voices and inclusion. Brings insight, resilience, and a strong commitment to change.
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Kahuraki Marino Aroha Bronsson-George
Cultural Advisor to the Board
Creative circus artist grounded in te ao Māori. Dedicated to uplifting culture and strengthening Māori presence in circus.
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Roka Nash
Advisor to the Board - Disabled Community Representative
Circus performer who brings joy, laughter, and connection. Proudly represents the disabled community.
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Ron de Vries
Board of Trustees - Finance Portfolio
Brings global experience and a thoughtful, strategic approach. Supports the team with strong financial guidance.
Auckland Headquarters
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Thomas Hinz
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
A pioneer of community circus with a lifelong passion for inclusion. Inspires people of all ages and abilities to join the circus.
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Diane Eaglesome
FUNDING ADVISOR
Driven to create inclusive opportunities for all. Passionate about building support that helps communities thrive.
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Marília Pereira
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Highly organised and always ready to help things run smoothly. Keeps the team on track with care and attention to detail.
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Xan Hamilton
COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT LEAD
Brings creativity and experience from the world of live performance. Passionate about sharing stories and connecting communities.
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Vita Manuputty
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Organised and approachable, creating a warm, efficient environment that supports the team and keeps everything running smoothly. Vita has fond memories of going to circus shows with her dad when she was little, which inspires her to be part of the Circability whānau.
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Maria Ismael
INTERN OPERATIONS SUPPORT LEAD
Thoughtful and solutions-focused, with a passion for improving systems and how things flow. Committed to creating smooth, efficient operations while supporting both team and community.
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Franchesca Tanchanco
VOLUNTEER SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT LEAD
Creative and detail-oriented, supporting content and community engagement to amplify Circability’s impact and voice.
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Imesh Gunawardena
VOLUNTEER WEBSITE DESIGN SUPPORT
Supportive and detail-focused, helping maintain and design the website to keep Circability’s online presence clear, engaging, and up to date.
Auckland Hub
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Mark Williams
LEAD TUTOR
Award-winning juggler with over 20 years of experience around the world. Brings creativity and joy through his unique and evolving hoop style.
Contact Mark: aucklandhub@circability.org
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Tobias Miller
PROGRAMME COORDINATOR, LEAD TUTOR
Started in gymnastics before discovering a love for circus arts. Enjoys sharing a wide range of skills and helping students grow with confidence.
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Achmed Abmann
LEAD TUTOR
Brings over 30 years of circus experience from around the world. Loves inspiring and supporting students on their circus journey.
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Anthony Te Puke
TUTOR
Māori dance artist passionate about culture, storytelling, and identity. Loves empowering others through movement and creative expression.
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Artemis Goed
TUTOR
Grew up in a circus family and brings a lifelong love of performance. Passionate about aerials and sharing circus with her community.
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Ayden Jacobs
LEAD TUTOR
Experienced tutor with a love for clowning, juggling, and connection. Finds joy in creating fun, inclusive, and meaningful experiences for all.
Bay of Plenty Hub
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Rowan Dawson
HUB MANAGER, TUTOR
Circus performer and teacher who loves bringing people together. Enjoys seeing students light up as they discover new skills.
Contact Rowan: bophub@circability.org
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Charlie Mehlberg
TUTOR
Performing arts creative and co-founder of a local fire group. Enjoys sharing skills through teaching and creative projects.
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Charlotte Howe
TUTOR
Performer with a love for theatre and working with young people. Brings warmth and creativity to her teaching.
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Danni Van Der Heijden
TUTOR
Talented juggler and stilt walker with a love for circus. Enjoys teaching and performing within the community.
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Ella Hodgson
TUTOR
Gymnastics-trained teacher with experience across schools. Passionate about helping students build confidence through movement.
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Katie Roberts
TUTOR
Experienced circus tutor specialising in aerial and acrobatics. Loves sharing her skills and inspiring others to grow.
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Nathan Lockwood
TUTOR
Background in martial arts and flow arts led him to circus. Enjoys creating engaging and dynamic learning environments.
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Regina Dejong
TUTOR
Former rhythmic gymnast with a background in events and performance. Brings creativity and energy to her teaching.
Christchurch Hub
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Flair McKay
HUB MANAGER
Community-focused leader with a love for circus and connection. Passionate about bringing people together and growing community.
Contact Flair: christchurchhub@circability.org -

Calvin Preston
TUTOR
Experienced circus performer specialising in juggling and rola-bola. Loves encouraging others to challenge themselves and have fun.
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Kahuraki Marino Aroha Bronsson-George
TUTOR / CULTURAL ADVISOR
Circus artist grounded in te ao Māori and creative expression. Passionate about uplifting culture and community through circus.
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Nathan Bonner
TUTOR
Entertainer known for his vibrant performances and good vibes. Brings energy, experience, and fun to every session.
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Pablo Rodriguez Yaksic
TUTOR
Juggler and balance artist who loves connecting with people. Creates fun, challenging spaces for everyone to learn and grow.
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Valentina Plasente
LEAD TUTOR
Aerial specialist with a passion for social circus and inclusion. Loves combining creativity and care in her teaching.
Northland Hub
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April Atkinson
HUB MANAGER, TUTOR
Lifelong circus artist who brings joy, laughter, and connection. Passionate about sharing circus with people of all abilities.
Contact April: April@circability.org -

Nina Subritzky
TUTOR
Creative performer and teacher with a love for community. Finds joy in sharing circus and being part of its magic.
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Ziah
TUTOR
Circus artist passionate about youth, wellbeing, and belonging. Loves creating safe, joyful spaces for people to express themselves.

