David Christiansen takes the helm at Momentum

The Momentum Waikato board and team are pleased to announce that David Christiansen has been appointed as our new Executive Officer.

David steps into the space left by departed Chief Executive Officer Simon Wickham, although in a re-defined and part-time role. This reflects a new staff configuration for the organisation, with some other team members’ roles expanding.

Born and educated in Hamilton, David has lived his whole life here or nearby in the Waikato.

David Christiansen, the new Executive Officer of Momentum Waikato.

“I have paddled the mighty awa, climbed most of the major maunga and holidayed at the beaches on both coasts – the Waikato really is my home,” says David.

“After a long career in education at both The University of Waikato and Wintec-Te Pūkenga, I am delighted to now be part of ‘Team Momentum’, as we connect, enable and partner with generous and committed locals across the region.”

Momentum Waikato Chair Neil Richardson is looking forward to working with David as the community foundation continues to move forward into its next phase of development.

Momentum Waikato Chair Neil Richardson welcomes David Christiansen.

“It is a pleasure to welcome David to Momentum Waikato,” says Neil. “He will positively add to both our journey and our legacy.

“With the Waikato Regional Theatre project in its final leg, it’s exciting to see Momentum's path ahead.

“We have energised the organisation, are aiming at wider engagement with the region’s communities around generosity and philanthropic investment funds, and are considering our next major project.”

“The organisation has been ‘flattened’, allowing us to both better manage costs and employ a wider set of skills through highly committed part-time permanent people,” says Neil.

David will be working 20 hours a week, usually in the mornings each weekday.

“It is a real privilege to be leading an amazing group of people dedicated to delivering real, impactful benefit for this region and its communities,” says David.

“I look forward to meeting more of Momentum’s generous and community minded supporters. Together, let’s make the Waikato an even better place to live, work and play, for generations to come.”

Momentum Waikato, the region’s community foundation, exists to enable generous people, from all walks of life and of any income, to grow their charitable donations and continue their giving forever through invested endowment funds. With ‘Generosity that Delivers’, we are helping to build ‘A Better Waikato for Everyone, Forever’.