Our people

The Workshop is made up of our team (the Co-Directors and staff) who carry out the work of the trust, our Board of Trustees who provide strategic direction, advice and governance and our associates, who bring their specific skills and expertise to our collaborations with them.

The Team

The Workshop was founded by Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw and Marianne Elliott.  As a collaborative, The Workshop works with a range of associates who bring diverse expertise and experience to our work.

Jess Berentson-Shaw, Director of Narrative Research and Strategy

Lizzie Edwards, Director of Operations and Business Development

Lizzie is an experienced business development professional who is committed to building strategic relationships and connecting people for positive outcomes. Having completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies, Lizzie has worked across local government, corporate and the not-for-profit sectors to assist in having clear goals, managing expectations and demonstrating impact. She has experience in sustainable fundraising and values building strong relationships that lead to aligned outcomes for all involved.

As mother to a young daughter, it is important to Lizzie to play a role in making sure more people can access and use The Workshop’s insights and research, so that we can collectively move towards evidence-informed decisions. 

Email: lizzie@theworkshop.org.nz

Carolyn Blackwell, Training Manager

Carolyn has worked in central and local government, in volunteer roles for community organisations and as a freelance photographer, designer and artist. Most recently, she worked in the director's office of the Waitangi Tribunal as a Senior Business Advisor. Carolyn enjoys working in spaces where she can use her creative, analytical and organisation skills, and workplaces committed to increasing equity for all New Zealanders. She has a background in visual arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Carolyn is interested in social psychology, how people connect, communicate and organise themselves.

Email: carolyn@theworkshop.org.nz

Julie Fairfield, Senior Narrative Advisor - Implementation

Minette Hillyer, Senior Narrative Advisor - Insights

Minette is a researcher, analyst and writer with more than twenty years’ experience studying and teaching ways of making meaning in the fields of ethnographic, sociological and popular visual culture. She holds a PhD in Rhetoric with a designated emphasis in Film from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was supported by a Fulbright Graduate Student Fellowship, and has been awarded a number of teaching and research fellowships and awards. Before joining The Workshop, she was a member of the Media Studies program at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

Email: minette@theworkshop.org.nz

Ellen Ozarka, Researcher

Ellen is a science communicator and communications scientist whose recent master’s thesis at the University of Otago explored the links between COVID-19 and propensity for collective action against climate change in New Zealand. With a background in both science and activism, she is passionate about using both to bring about a better world for all. Ellen previously worked in marketing, and likes to write as much as possible, so there’s no excuse if there is a mistake in this bio.

Email: ellen@theworkshop.org.nz

Advisory Board & Trustees

The Workshop’s Advisory Board (who are also the trustees) provides advice, guidance and oversight to ensure that The Workshop is implementing its strategy and delivering on our values and mission.

Amanda Reid, Chair

Amanda Reid is a researcher with nearly 20 years of experience working in the social and health sectors, covering research, evaluation, and monitoring; service design and delivery; and management and governance.  As a Principal Consultant at BERL, she has worked predominantly on research on the Māori economy; on education and workforce issues; and on monitoring and evaluation projects.  She has an interest in governance following time at the Institute of Directors in the Governance Leadership Centre, and experience on boards, including Dress for Success, Trade Aid, and the Wellington Film Society.

Marianne Elliott

Marianne Elliott is a legally-trained public narrative researcher and strategist who has used story-based research, advocacy and campaigning to influence policy in New Zealand and elsewhere over the past two decades. Marianne has significant experience implementing research-informed narrative strategies in communications, campaigns and advocacy on issues ranging from mental health and criminal justice to climate change and family poverty.

Marianne is currently the Head of Engagement Urunga Tūtataki at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata

Associates