Governance

Sir Bob Harvey

Sir Bob Harvey is a living NZ legend and is one of this country’s most recognisable and highly regarded public figures. Bob has become renowned for leadership in public office, business and local government.

In 2003 he co-founded Leadership New Zealand with Jo Brosnahan and since that time has lectured extensively on leadership in the public sector, corporate and personal coaching both in New Zealand and overseas. He is the Chairperson of Leadership NZ and currently holds the role of the 'Champion for Auckland - overseas investment' where he promotes Auckland internationally and facilitates international investment opportunities. He is the former Mayor of Waitakere where he served six consecutive terms, the first mayor to do so in over a century.

Sir Bob was awarded the United Nations Mayors for Peace Award in 1998, and the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal in 1990. In the 1991 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services. He was knighted as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 New Year Honours.  

Sir Bob is a big supporter of the Covert Theatre and everything they stand for. He is proud to be the Patron and sees the Covert Theatre to be extraordinarily exciting for Auckland and indeed New Zealand.

BOARD MEMBER & TRUSTEE

Wade Jackson

Wade is the founder of the Covert Theatre. He’s very passionate about sharing the benefits of improvisation and having a physical home for improv. He’s the current Artistic Director for the Covert Theatre. By day he is the CEO of Inspired Learning,  a high performance training company for many large organisations; teaching leadership, resilience, collaborative creativity and storytelling. Wade is an executive coach working with a number of CEOs and senior leaders helping them navigate the constant change of the business world.

Wade has supported many charitable organisation over the years including CanTeen, Foundation for Youth Development and Variety Club. His purpose in life is to inspire meaningful happiness and he does this through both his work with Inspired Learning and the Yes And Trust.    

BOARD MEMBER & TRUSTEE

Mark Beder

Mark started his working career in marketing and logistics followed by a couple of stints as a management consultant working at Ernst and Young but over the last 20 years has worked in technology and telecommunications at Telecom and Spark. Mark is the current COO of Spark responsible for shared services and technology. Mark has a Commerce degree from Auckland University and spends his time off with family and playing and watching sport.

Mark is a massive advocate and supporter of the theatre especially the work they do in mental health and well being 

BOARD MEMBER & TRUSTEE

Martyn Masterson

Martyn started his working career as a Chartered Accountant [something he doesn’t like to talk about anymore] but has spent the last 20 years starting and building successful businesses in financial services, commercial refrigeration, technology, software and property. 

Martyn is the CEO of Quadrent Limited a specialist provider of asset financing services to large organisations across Australasia - both have been corporate and personal patrons of the Covert Theatre for some time. Martyn shares a real enthusiasm for helping young people get a better start in life having created events that bring the tools, research and money just to help make life for some, a little better. He brings this passion, his experience, relationships and his own unusual sense of humour to the Yes and Trust.  

CHAIR

Sue Sinclair

Sue is a connector and networker with highly developed relationship building skills.  Her networks encompass executives and business leaders both domestically and internationally, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, sporting organisations and philanthropists. Sue’s career spans education, event management, fundraising, sponsorship and business development. She built an international network of high achieving New Zealanders at Kea and has worked most recently as Head of Advancement at Auckland Art Gallery.

Sue brings energy, creative thought and enthusiasm to all that she is involved in and can make the strategic connections that deliver partnerships and business growth outcomes for both individuals and organisations.

ACCOUNTING

Atesh Bhej

The Yes And Trust’s accounting partner is Atesh Bhej, the managing director of Biz Solutions, Chartered Accountants. Based in Auckland, Biz Solutions have been helping businesses grow since 1998 and in 2018 were recognized as a top 30 Accountancy firm by Sunday Star Times. Atesh Bhej has a very personal connection with the Covert Theatre as its founder Wade Jackson, was the very first client of Biz Solutions; hence the entire firm's wholehearted involvement and support for The Yes and Trust and the Covert Theatre. They stand with the Covert Theatre to enhance the community with the positive contribution it makes. The Yes And Trust appreciates Atesh and Biz Solutions ongoing support.