Our people

Trustees

Grant Lawrence Routen

Chairperson

Grant, a medically retired builder, is well-known in his Te Atatū Peninsula community for his daily efforts in picking up litter. His relationship with Earth Action Trust (EAT) began in 2022 during a clean-up event at Gloria Park in Te Atatū Peninsula. Since then, Grant has consistently volunteered at every clean-up in his local area.

His commitment to keeping the community clean and his desire to give back in a positive way are the driving forces behind his involvement with EAT.

Malvinder Pal Singh

Secretary

Malvinder has been a Trustee of Earth Action Trust (EAT) since 2013. With over 40 years of experience in Projects, Operations, and Maintenance across healthcare and various industries, he is a founding member of the Sukhmani Charitable Trust and Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Charitable Trust. A key contributor to the establishment of the Sikh Temple in New Lynn, he is passionate about community service, actively encouraging volunteerism. Currently serving as a Project Manager in the Infrastructure & Investment Group at Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora.
He joined EAT to combat habitat destruction, address global warming, and support job creation for migrants and refugees.

Claire Wu

Deputy Chairperson

Claire, along with her Chinese community, has been an active volunteer with Earth Action Trust’s (EAT) TeamUp 2 CleanUp initiative since 2022. Having immigrated to New Zealand with her parents during her high school years, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information systems from the University of Auckland. Her professional journey led her to a management role at one of New Zealand’s leading banks. Currently, Claire is an entrepreneur in the health industry and serves as the president of the Mind Wellness Association.

Deeply passionate about charitable work, she strongly aligns with EAT’s values and is committed to raising awareness and inspiring others to join and support the organisation’s efforts.

Joel Umali

Trustee

Originally from the Philippines, Joel has been a trustee of Earth Action Trust (EAT) since 2014. He holds a background in Economics, a master’s in technology management, and certificates in Product Innovation and Future Foresight. His expertise spans human-centred design, mission-oriented innovation, strategic planning, service design, and agile methodologies.
Currently, Joel is an Intrapreneur – Auckland Council – Director at Windsor Park Hub. His involvement with EAT aligns with his dedication to environmental protection and creating a sustainable future.

As a social venture advocate, he believes in supporting social enterprises that address environmental challenges while fostering economic empowerment and community resilience. He also values empowering migrants, recognising their unique skills and perspectives as key contributors to Aotearoa’s environmental and social progress.

Lena (Luying) Yang

Treasurer

Originally from China, Lena graduated with a degree in English and worked as a university professor before immigrating to New Zealand. She has been involved with Earth Action Trust (EAT) since 2013, as part of the founding team. Lena served as chairperson from 2013 to June 2024. Currently, she balances her role as a sales manager at an import/export company and as an administrator at the Auckland Citizens Advice Bureau.

Her 11 years with EAT reflects her deep commitment to the environment and her passion for making a positive impact.

Staff

Agnes Miguel Granada

Coordinator

Granada is the Coordinator of Earth Action Trust. A self-appointed “Basurera” (garbage collector), she migrated from the Philippines in 1988. She is a life member of the Auckland University Students Association, where she worked in the finance department for 11 years. In 2002, she co-founded the Migrant Action Trust, becoming a dedicated community advocate. Later, in 2013, she established EAT after three years of community engagement with migrants, former refugees, and Pacific people in Puketapapa.

A strong believer in Te Ao Māori, she aims to inspire and guide her migrant community to embrace the principle of interconnectedness rooted in tikanga and mātauranga, underscoring the vital relationship between nature and people. She hopes to leave this legacy with the migrant community.

Dilini Yapa

T2C Coordinator Contractor

Dilini, originally from Sri Lanka, began volunteering in April 2024 with Earth Action Trust’s (EAT) anti-litter awareness campaign branded as TeamUp 2 CleanUp (T2C). She holds dual master’s degrees: in Business Administration and Transport and Logistics Management and currently works as a business analyst at Daikin New Zealand.

Passionate about environmental sustainability, Dilini is committed to using her skills to create a positive impact on nature. Volunteering with EAT offers her the chance to give back to the community, promote sustainability, and help protect the environment for future generations by advocating for cleaner, greener spaces and inspiring others to act.

Charlie Timperley

Volunteer Maori Consultant

Charlie, of Ngāpuhi descent, holds a degree in Applied Conservation, specialising in environmental science, sustainability, and New Zealand flora and fauna. She is passionate about blending Te Ao Māori values with environmental stewardship, using scientific communication and community engagement to drive her work.
Currently part of the Visitor Experience team at Auckland Zoo, she leads educational tours that emphasise wildlife conservation and the importance of Aotearoa’s native species and ecosystems.

Through Earth Action Trust, Charlie engages diverse communities in waste reduction and environmental protection, always integrating Te Ao Māori principles that emphasise the deep connections between people and nature.

Sindy Xian

Operations Manager

Sindy is the Operations Manager at Earth Action Trust (EAT). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, majoring in Marketing and Statistics. With over a decade of experience in marketing research consultancy for large commercial organisations, she transitioned seven years ago to focus on community engagement and operations roles within the not-for-profit sector, including positions at Stats NZ and the Electoral Commission. Her environmental concern began in childhood while living in Beijing.

After attending EAT’s climate conference in 2017, she became an active volunteer, eventually taking on the manager role to support EAT’s mission of inspiring sustainable living.

Anjali Patiyal

Volunteer Marketing and Social Media Coordinator

Anjali, originally from India, holds a commerce degree from Delhi University, along with a diploma in Design Thinking and Innovation and a certification in Applied Digital Technology Product Solutions. Since April 2024, she has been volunteering as the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for Earth Action Trust (EAT), while also working as a UI/UX designer.

For Anjali, EAT provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by addressing environmental challenges, contributing to sustainability, and empowering communities through responsible resource management. She finds it deeply rewarding to apply her design skills in a sector focused on environmental stewardship.

Iki Niuhulu-Green

Logistics Support Contractor

Iki became involved with Earth Action Trust (EAT) in 2022, volunteering at TeamUp 2 CleanUp (T2C) events alongside his three children. He was later contracted on a casual basis to provide logistics support for these events. Having studied at Avondale College and M.I.T, Iki is an NZQA-qualified panel beater. He enjoys hands-on work, especially with mechanical and electrical tasks related to vehicles. In 2023, he joined Tesla as a Collision Technician.

Iki says he followed his heart and intuition in joining EAT, finding fulfilment in helping the community while also inspiring his children and parents to keep Mother Earth green.

Conner (Yuhao) Zhang

Volunteer Research Analyst

Originally from China, Conner holds a master’s in data science from the University of Auckland and a bachelor’s in computer science from Auckland University of Technology. He is skilled in Python, R, SQL, data visualization, and machine learning.
Currently working as an ICT technician in Wiri, Conner also volunteers as a Research Analyst for Earth Action Trust (EAT).

Through EAT, he channels his passion for using data analysis to drive environmental and social impact, assessing the effectiveness of initiatives and helping communicate their outcomes, blending his technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability.

The Working Group

In May 2013 a working group was created to investigate the creation of a social enterprise in community recycling. The group met between June and October 2013. In this time they visited Xtreme Waste Raglan, Trash Palace Porirua, Waitakere Transfer Station and Community Business and Environment Centre Kaitaia. Earth Action Trust was launched in November 2013.
We acknowledge the voluntary work of the members of the working group and the members of the group are listed below.