Every good idea needs a few good people to back it—and Givart’s lucky to have a board packed with heart, brains, banter, and belief in something bigger than themselves.
We thought it was about time you got to know the team behind the scenes. These are the people helping turn a thought journal scribble into a platform for global kindness.
Martyn (Micki) Hall – Founder / Director
The Dreamer / Philosopher
Hey, that’s me. I’m a full-time firefighter in Wellington and the one who dreamed up Givart after years of travel, study, and a fair bit of wondering how we could make giving a more everyday, accessible thing. I’ve worn a few different hats over the years—worked for councils, spent a lot of time in the outdoors, dabbled in philosophy and criminology, and picked up a diploma in fire engineering science along the way. I’ve also been lucky enough to call places like Brazil, Thailand, and Italy home at different points—but Aotearoa’s where the heart is now. I started Givart to help people connect—to each other, to causes they care about, and to that warm buzz you get when you do something good. It’s about turning kindness into something you can see, share, and be proud of.
Graciélli Ghizzi-Hall – Director
The Discerner / Strategist
Graciélli’s originally from Brazil, but Aotearoa’s lucky to have her now. She’s spent over a decade working in international development and education, and she’s all about building strong, compassionate communities—whether it’s here or across the globe. She currently works as a Senior Programme Coordinator with UnionAID, backing grassroots workers' rights in Asia and the Pacific. She’s also worked with the Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and the United Nations Association of NZ. Bi-lingual and able to get the jist of a couple of other languages, mum to a brilliant four-year-old, and married to me for 20+ years (yep—Graciélli’s my better half), she brings big heart and a sharp mind to everything she does. She’s here at Givart to help make sure we walk the talk—and keep our kaupapa tight and inclusive.
Maua Maora – Director
The Mana and the Heart
Maua’s the kind of bloke who just *shows up*—for his community, his whānau, and his mates. A proud Tokelauan and Cook Islander, he’s a full-time firefighter, part-time logistics ninja, and full-on superdad to four teenagers (with the grey hairs to prove it). Over the years, Maua’s done it all—sales, hospitality, train control, project management, logistics, and emergency services. He’s got that rare combo of cool under pressure and total reliability. If something needs doing, he’s already halfway through it. He’s jumped on board Givart because, in his words, it’s “about more than just giving—it’s about people, connection, and stories that matter.” We couldn’t agree more.
Mark Westerby – Director
The Entrepreneur / Networking Guru
Mark’s the kind of creative you want in your corner. He’s been around the traps in film, TV, arts festivals and media for yonks—and he’s got a gift for turning stories into something unforgettable. He runs a company called SuperCut that makes trailers and content for screen projects here and overseas, and he’s worked on films like *Whina*, *Uproar*, and *Dawn Raid*. Basically, if you’ve seen a slick trailer for a local film, there’s a good chance Mark had a hand in it. These days he’s also Head of Attraction at Screen Wellington, helping bring international productions to town. He’s on our board because he knows how to connect dots—people, places, and ideas—and help something meaningful grow wings.
Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes
We had our first official board meeting recently, and lucky for you—we caught it on camera.
Check out the reel here
Why We’re Doing This
Givart isn’t just about giving. It’s about connection. It’s about turning simple, powerful moments into something lasting. And we’ve built a board that gets that—people with different backgrounds, skills, and stories, but all keen to help make something good happen.
Watch this space—we’re only just getting started
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