Our people
Shane Hobson is Money Poppin’s brilliant business coach. He recently moved to Whanganui from Hamilton and we are so lucky to have him on our team — developing business plans for small businesses. Shane has been assisting small businesses for years, and excels at teaching and encouraging others to do their own business research for new ideas.
Te Ahu Te Utupoto (Teki) is passionate about coaching and empowering others on their journey. With 15 years’ experience in education, Te Ahu’s guidance is an asset to any organisation. A trustee of his marae/uri who was recently elected to his Iwi board, Te Ahu is motivated to help educate others around finance and business, particularly when it comes to learning how to run a healthy bicultural organisation.
Kim Rees has a wealth of financial knowledge and is particularly well-versed in accountancy and project management. Kim runs a small farm in Whanganui, so she’s familiar with the ins and outs of business within rural and urban settings. We’re very fortunate to have her on our team, helping to develop solid business plans for new businesses.
Niki Vernon, Money Poppins’ founder and director, is a financial whizz who is passionate about helping to build up Whanganui and its people through her work. With 35 years in credit and front-line management of small to large businesses, Niki’s committed to obtaining clear, tangible outcomes for her clients and fostering community connections to make Whanganui the very best possible city.
Our board
Andra Lazarescu divides her time between Whanganui and Marton. She has a background in law and extensive investment management experience. Money Poppins is really fortunate to have Andra providing governance services on the board.
Jack Mitchell-Anyon is the owner/operator of the hugely popular destination cafe and gallery, ‘Article.’ Not only does Jack make the best coffee in New Zealand, but he’s a small business owner and a patron of the arts who’s been incredibly important to the growth of the city.