Brian Burrough - Team Leader

Brian has been a member of the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge in Hastings since 2007.  He is currently Vice-President and as a past member of both Rotaract and Roundtable, has been active in service clubs for a number of years.

Brian grew up on the family farm in Nelson then graduated from Lincoln University with an agricultural commerce degree before joining the stock and station industry in Hastings in 1980.  He worked initially in rural finance then various senior management roles in Waipukurau and Feilding before returning to Hastings in 2007.  Brian is currently Chief Executive of Rural Equities Ltd.  In that role he manages a portfolio of 29 farms comprising approximately 14,000 hectares which are spread throughout New Zealand, as well as an 800 hectare pine forest.  He directly supervises six dairy farms which milk over 3,600 cows as well as a large integrated group of sheep and beef farms in the Waikato.

Brian is married to Shona who is Deputy Principal of a primary school in Havelock North.  They have three children – two daughters are living at home while they complete their studies and a son who is on an extended “OE”.

The Burrough family lives on a small rural property at Pakowhai which has a large garden that both Brian and Shona enjoy.  Brian likes to spend any spare time either fishing on Lake Taupo, cycling or following his interest in his vintage cars.

Helen Mumby - Team Member

I am 25 years old and have almost completed my studies to be a high school teacher. I grew up in rural Taranaki but I have lived in Hamilton for the last couple of years.

I have many interests; I like to play netball, spending time with my friends and family, and am involved in leading a local Girl Guide unit. I am also an International Exchange Coordinator for EF foundation exchange students, which I really enjoy because I love learning about other cultures and languages.

I have lived and worked overseas in Japan and America previously and was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks volunteering in Cambodia a couple of years ago which was an extremely rewarding experience. I am really looking forward to going to Tanzania and am excited about the opportunities to try new things that I may find on this trip.  

Shelley Bishop - Team Member

I am a 26yr old primary school teacher from Hamilton, New Zealand.

My family and I moved to New Zealand 13 yrs ago, from South Africa.

I enjoy being busy, and love creating things! I studied art for many years at school and during my time at university. I also enjoy being creative through sewing and cooking. I play field hockey, and enjoy other sports. I especially love being out doors and enjoying nature.

I love to travel. I have been so fortunate to have visited Delhi in India, New York and Philadelphia in America, and most recently I travelled through Europe, before living in Tanzania for 4 months in 2009.

I am passionate about education and using it to change the futures of Africa’s poor.

I loved my time in Tanzania and look forward to returning there soon!