Meet our team!

Our goal is to help tamariki grow into happy, healthy, brave, kind, and smart little people in our society.

  • My younger years were spent in a courier/transport yard – from the grassroots of courier driving to owning a transport company with my husband for the past 15 years. My time as a business owner was incredibly rewarding for me growing and nurturing the people in our business and my main area of expertise was in the administration/finance sector.

    I guess you could now say I’ve reached a time in my life where some soul-searching had to be done! My adult-aged boys no longer need a mother figure day to day, so it was time to make a change, make a difference somehow, and pay it forward. In March 2022 I decided to take a leap of faith, hence the birth of Full Bellies. Now I can say with a smile “I love what I do “and it feels great to help others and this help has to start with the Children of NZ. A very wise man once said to me front-foot any issues children in NZ are having then be the sunshine and be the answer.

  • Craig is a Founding Director of Apollo Projects, a New Zealand owned Commercial Design and Building firm headquartered in Christchurch.

    Craig has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, starting with a building apprenticeship before progressing to site foreman and then into project and construction management with large, leading New Zealand construction firms. Leveraging his decades of experience and love for bringing teams of people together, Craig now oversees daily operations and ensures the successful delivery of Apollo’s projects.

    Partnering with the local community is at the core of Apollo’s operations. Craig and his business partner are passionate about building enduring relationships and making a meaningful contribution to the communities in which they work; funding learn to swim programmes and sponsoring students experiencing hardship to participate in sport. Furthering this aspiration of enabling better outcomes for children of New Zealand, Craig became involved with Full Bellies in 2022, before becoming a Trustee and stepping into the role of Trust Board Chair in 2023. Craig has seen first-hand the impact nutritional food has on not just the student and their behaviour, but the wider impact the Full Bellies initiative has on the entire school community.

  • Hi, my name is Rochelle Waghorn, I am married to Craig, and we have 3 sons. I am currently in my 2nd year of an Applied Science degree in Human Nutrition. I love promoting the benefits of eating healthy food, and am honoured to help our tamariki, so they are able to learn and reach their full potential.

  • Kelly Hames is mother first and foremost to two beautiful girls Maddie 10 and Milla 7 years. Kelly works in the grocery sector, is the Owner/Operator of Mandeville Supervalue, and Fresh Choice Oxford in North Canterbury. Kelly joined the Full Bellies team in 2022 and thrives on the opportunity to make a difference in her community.

  • Hi, I am Mike Pauling married to Kate, I have spent the last 35 years within the Transport/Logistics sector from roles such as a driver, to senior management positions, and business owner.

    The skills and business acumen I have learnt within these roles has enabled myself to support and focus on Full Bellies Charity as a Trustee and volunteer at all levels.

    My focus is ensuring Full Bellies remains sustainable and to support the tamariki where appropriate.

  • I’m Emily, and I help out with operations at Full Bellies. I love connecting with the incredible corporate supporters who make our work possible, as well as the amazing volunteers we couldn’t function without. Full Bellies is such a special community, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.

    Outside of Full Bellies, I’m married to Tristan, and we have two fabulous kids—plus one pretty cool dog! I also work part-time as a physiotherapist at Christchurch Hospital, and I love the variety that comes with both of these roles.

  • Hi, I'm Tayla, and I'm thrilled to be the Program Manager here at Full Bellies. I hold a degree in Food Science and Nutrition, but my career took a turn into the world of Marketing for the past three years. While I enjoyed that path, I found myself craving something more meaningful and that’s exactly what I’ve found at Full Bellies.

    It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team and community so passionate about supporting local children. Working alongside our dedicated volunteers, who generously give their time and hearts, is truly inspiring. Knowing that we’re helping kids in our community stay nourished and ready to thrive at school is what drives me every day.

    I’m excited to bring my energy, experience, and passion to this role, and I look forward to helping Full Bellies continue making a positive impact - one nutritious meal at a time.

  • Hello! My name is Alyssa and I’m responsible for Full Bellies’ social media pages and administration. I’m in my third year of studying for a Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Canterbury. I am extremely passionate about the environment and sustainable systems, and I hope to one day use this passion to make positive change. I’m super excited to be involved with Full Bellies as ensuring the children in our precious communities are fed and fully supported to learn, grow, and shine should be our first priority, always.

  • Jason is an experienced tax professional with over 30 years experience, currently serving as the Office Managing Partner for the Christchurch office of EY. Bringing pragmatic solutions, and commercially-driven insight and experience, Jason partners with owner operated and family owned businesses to ensure they drive the most value from their business.

    Jason is the Director of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards program, an initiative that celebrates business excellence and fosters and culture of innovation and leadership. Jason’s involvement in this program highlights his commitment to recognising and promoting outstanding entrepreneurship in New Zealand and beyond.

  • Jane became a Full Bellies Trustee in 2026. She is the owner of Yarnell Consulting, a marketing consultancy supporting brands across New Zealand and internationally with strategy, growth, and brand development.

    Jane has held senior marketing roles both locally and overseas, with experience spanning brand, e-commerce, and commercial growth. Her work focuses on helping businesses build clear, effective strategies that deliver results.

    Yarnell Consulting is named after Jane’s grandmother, Shirley Yarnell, whose belief in treating others with kindness and respect continues to shape how Jane works.

    Jane joined Full Bellies to contribute to a cause that delivers practical support in the community, and is passionate about helping ensure children who need a helping hand have access to the basics they need for learning, confidence, and wellbeing.

    Jane is a proud mum to two girls, Nixie and Elka, who keep her and her husband Matt well occupied, and well caffeinated.

  • Steph is a mum of three and a proud Christchurch local, with a strong belief that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and able to learn without hunger or shame. She joined the Full Bellies board in 2026.

    As a parent to three busy kids who keep her on her toes with sport, school and everything in between, she knows how much it matters for children to start the day feeling cared for and ready to learn. That connection to family and community is what drew her to Full Bellies — an organisation she admires for the way it shows up for children and families with dignity, warmth and genuine care, while bringing together a community of people who want to make a difference.

    Professionally, Steph works in senior leadership in Safety, People and Culture and is an employment lawyer by background. She brings experience supporting organisations and Boards to make good decisions, manage risk and create environments where people can do their best work.

    Steph is passionate about practical, values‑driven governance that supports the people behind the work, and about staying connected to the volunteers and families who make Full Bellies what it is. She also serves on a local school Board of Trustees and is committed to giving back to her community in ways that are meaningful and grounded.