Steve Merito
Cultural and Community Relationships Team Leader
My role is to set a clear vision to achieve the financial and social aspirations the Board sets, build and lead a strong team to do the incredible work they do, and maintain strong relationships by engaging with our stakeholders.
Nō Wēra ōku tīpuna
Ko Lowrie, ko Evans ōku whānau
Ko Leighton Evans tōku ingoa
Leighton is passionate about creating opportunities for people and places to thrive. The principles of tikanga and relationships guide his investment approach and aim to create a more environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive world while ensuring the foundation’s financial stability and growth. Leighton's empathetic leadership and strategic vision have significantly enhanced the Rātā Foundation’s impact, forging strong relationships with partners across the region and beyond.
Leighton values engagement and relationship building as essential elements of any organisation and creating community and financial investment partnerships that result in inter-generational social change. His leadership in aligning investment funds with the foundation’s values has led to significant changes within the portfolio, demonstrating his proactive and values-driven management style. His hands-on management approach and forward-thinking vision contribute significantly to Rātā Foundation’s goal of creating an equitable and sustainable society.
Cultural and Community Relationships Team Leader
Grants Advisor
Finance and Investment Analyst
EA/Office Administrator
Strategic Communications Manager
Grants Advisor
Research Analyst
Community Engagement Advisor
Grants Advisor
Head of Community Investment