Kate Russell
Executive Director (ONZM, FFIA)
Hagar is an international not-for-profit organisation on a mission to restore life and dignity for survivors of modern slavery and to prevent exploitation and abuse.
Our global programmes are led by skilled local teams and deliver holistic survivor care and trafficking prevention efforts across the Asia Pacific region.
Hagar NZ is registered with NZ Charities Services (CC50258) to raise awareness and support for Hagar’s programmes around the world.
Hagar in New Zealand
Since 2009, Hagar NZ has been raising awareness of the global challenge of human trafficking and raising funds to support our transformative work.
Many Kiwis have no idea that slavery remains deeply ingrained within the world we live in. We’re here to highlight these issues around the country and share how each of us can be part of the solution.
Together with our donors, we aim to transform the lives of as many survivors as possible and see whole communities free from the trauma of slavery and abuse.
The Story of Hagar
Christian, Jewish and Islamic Scriptures all feature the story of Hagar, perhaps the first slave named in written history. Cast from her home because of her jealous owner, she was sent to wander the desert with her young son. Yet she encounters God in that place of death, which becomes for them a place of new life. In that encounter she declares that God is
The story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, is the story of millions of exploited and trafficked people today. Our organisation seeks to see and provide a kind hand of support to those struggling now just as God did for Hagar.
Executive Director (ONZM, FFIA)
Fundraising and Communications Manager
Project Coordinator
Communications Officer
Database/Fundraising Officer
Phil has a strong background in the financial sector and is currently a professional director, chairman, and investor in diverse industries such as construction, horticulture, and import/export. His extensive senior management experience allows him to provide strategic governance solutions for Hagar's operations.
After retiring from an executive role in the telecommunications company he co-founded in 2002, Simon now combines his commercial experience with volunteer and governance roles. He enjoys working on his lifestyle block and running local roads and trails.
With over twenty years of experience in sponsorship and fundraising, Hannah has worked with organisations like World Vision, Barnardos NZ, and the NZSO. Her passion for advocacy, combined with her expertise in strategy and financial performance, brings valuable insight to Hagar's board.
Ken was a partner at Parry Field Lawyers for nearly 40 years, specialising in property, personal law, and the charitable sector. A keen musician and cyclist, Ken has served on many charity boards and is a Notary Public with a deep interest in legal language and New Zealand law.
Cora is a commercial lawyer at Parry Field Lawyers, specialising in property matters for charitable organisations. She joined the Hagar board in 2022, inspired by her family's connection to the organisation's work in Cambodia, Vietnam, and its Youth Abolition Programme.
Ashvindev Singh is a senior technology executive and professional director with experience leading digital transformation across healthcare, emergency services, and government in New Zealand. He brings strong expertise in digital strategy, risk governance, and organisational performance to Hagar's work.
Sarah has worked within and consulted for multilateral organisations and governments, with a strong focus on investment governance, reform, and digital transformation. Her work with many international development organisations brings an institutional donor focus to Hagar's board.
