WHO WE ARE

Meet the Team

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  • President of the Portage Licensing Trust | Chair of the Avondale Business Association | Veteran | Community Advocate

    Marcus Amosa is a New Zealand Army veteran, community leader, and reform-driven president of the Portage Licensing Trust. He focuses on building strong relationships — across organisations, and at the governance table — to create the trust and collaboration needed to deliver real outcomes. With experience in business and governance, he works with pragmatic solutions to achieve lasting change.

    Marcus has deep roots in Avondale, where he lives with his wife and young family. He also chairs the Avondale Business Association, where he has led a turnaround focused on modernising, improving operations, and making the organisation a strong advocate for local business and economic development.

    “I’m passionate about strengthening our local institutions, because local people should shape local outcomes.”

    Marcus has spent the past years pushing a reform agenda at the Portage Licensing Trust. Focussing on hospitality and pushing for governance reform, his focus has been on building a structure that delivers more hospitality, more community funding, and a better future for West Auckland.

    “We don’t just need good intentions, we need the right structures to deliver the outcomes our communities expect.”

    Marcus believes the Trusts can be a unique engine for social good in West Auckland, if they’re set up to succeed. That means a structure that is lean and responsive, and operating models that are built to deliver.

  • Catherine Farmer

    Community Advocate | Local Governance Leader | Whau Champion

    Catherine Farmer is a long-serving and respected member of the Whau Local Board, known for her principled leadership and deep commitment to social equity. A proud Avondale resident for over 30 years, Catherine brings a strong local voice and wealth of governance experience to the Portage Licensing Trust.

    As a dedicated community advocate, Catherine has consistently championed causes such as accessible libraries, green spaces, and better public services. She believes in a Trust model that works for the people—one that responsibly manages the sale of alcohol, minimizes gambling harm, and returns meaningful funding to the community.

    “I believe the Trusts can be a force for good—supporting local initiatives, paying the Living Wage, and providing safe, inclusive spaces for our neighbourhoods to connect and thrive.”

    Catherine is committed to ensuring that the Trust’s hospitality and retail operations are profitable, well-managed, and fit for the needs of West Auckland’s growing population. She supports smart, efficient governance that maximizes community returns and upholds transparency and accountability in decision-making.

    In her spare time, Catherine enjoys reading, exploring local walking trails, and spending time in the community she calls home.

    “When elected, we will build on our experience as long-term local residents to ensure our neighbourhoods are safe, connected, and welcoming to all.”

  • Community Advocate | Auckland Council Advisory Chair | MBA Graduate | Pacific Leader

    Simon Matafai is a dynamic West Auckland leader with a strong background in law, business, and the creative arts. He holds a Master of Business Administration and serves as the Co-Chair of Auckland Council’s Advisory Panel for Pacific Peoples, helping shape policy that reflects the voices of our diverse communities.

    Born and raised in West Auckland, Simon has deep roots in the Pacific community and is passionate about uplifting the people and places that shaped him. His work spans creative industries, legal advocacy, and local civic leadership—bridging community insight with strategic thinking.

    “I believe the Trusts can be a world-leading model of social enterprise—grounded in community values and delivering real returns for our people.”

    Simon brings a new generation of leadership to the Portage Licensing Trust. He is committed to using the Trust’s commercial power more strategically—growing hospitality and retail operations that reflect our community’s identity and reinvesting more funding where it matters most.

    “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Trusts into something our whole community can be proud of. That means strong governance, bold thinking, and staying connected to the people.”

    With an MBA, a legal foundation, and lived experience in the Pacific community, Simon brings both heart and strategy to the table. He is standing for the Trust to help drive meaningful change—rooted in community, powered by vision.

A man speaking into a microphone at a real estate event for Ockham-Marutūāhu partnership, with a banner behind him showing an apartment complex and text about the partnership and apartments included.

“"We need real structural reform—not just tweaks—so the Trusts can deliver more. More hospitality, more community giveback, and more value for locals."

"Our people deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. I’m running to make sure the Trusts reflect the community they serve—modern, diverse, and proud."”

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"Every dollar returned should mean something. I’m standing to grow the Trusts’ social impact and make sure our communities get their fair share."

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