Our board is integrated by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Board
Our Trustees
We are a small group of volunteers with diverse origins and backgrounds, united by a shared passion for supporting our community. Through the activities of the Trust, we aim to create opportunities for connection and participation, while celebrating and sharing the richness of our cultures. We are proud to contribute our time and energy to help build a welcoming, and vibrant Hispano Latino community in the Waikato.
Trustee
Denisse Herrera
Denisse is an Ecuadorian journalist passionate about community storytelling and social issues across Latin America. She has covered Indigenous movements, women’s rights, and grassroots communities, working with international media and reporting from countries including Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Today, Denisse hosts Alo Aotearoa with Free FM, creating a bridge between the Latin American community and New Zealand through conversations, culture, and community stories.
Denisse is the Trust’s official MC and promotes our events and activities. She manages social media, ensuring our events reach and engage a diverse audience.
Trustee
Vladimir Pacheco
Vladimir was born in El Salvador and, after living in several countries, has called Cambridge home since 2020. He is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Culture and Society at Aarhus University in Denmark, where he teaches both online and face-to-face. He is the author of numerous academic articles and books on socio-economic issues. Having lived in many countries, Vladimir has always been drawn to the Latin American community, contributing to the promotion of its culture and knowledge. He runs the Spanish Language Reading and Conversation Club.
Chair / Trustee
Daniela Catucci
Daniela is a graphic designer from Uruguay who has been a Hamilton resident for the past 25 years. Proud of her Latin American roots, she is passionate about helping keep Latin culture and community connections alive in multicultural Aotearoa.
Daniela supports the Trust’s communications and event organisation, contributing to its website, promotional materials and funding applications. She enjoys using her skills to strengthen the Trust’s visibility, connect people across the community, and celebrate all things Latino in the Waikato.
Treasurer / Trustee
Andrea Hacker
Andrea has lived in New Zealand for over 12 years and brings more than 15 years of experience in Spanish language education and interpreting, alongside a background in recruitment and business development.
A passionate connector and relationship-builder, Andrea enjoys bringing people and opportunities together. She is committed to celebrating Hispanic and Latino identity and strengthening its presence in New Zealand.
As Treasurer of our Trust, Andrea brings her networks, cultural perspective, and genuine commitment to building a more connected and engaged community.
Secretary / Trustee
María Baquero
María is originally from Spain and spent several years living in Hamilton, where she developed strong connections with the Hispano Latino community. Although now based in Auckland, she remains closely connected to the Waikato and the people who made her feel welcome when she first arrived.
With a background in veterinary medicine, María brings her experience and dedication to helping others to her role as the Trust’s Secretary.
María enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds, and finding opportunities for meaningful connections. She is always keen for good food and a dance - something our community does exceptionally well. Through the Trust, she hopes to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can celebrate their origins, build friendships and support one another.
Trustee
María Blé-Herrero
As a Spanish native from Córdoba María arrived in New Zealand in 1993, and has been involved with the Waikato Hispano Latino group since its establishment. Upon her arrival, the group was her initial point of connection within the community. Back then, the members, predominantly from Latin America, passionately showcased and shared their rich cultural heritages alongside our shared language. However, it wasn't until 2010 that María officially joined the board. Maria takes great pride in actively promoting our language and culture since her early days in New Zealand. She firmly believes that the true beauty of the world lies in the diverse tapestry of its people.
Our values
Integrity
We prioritise the well-being of our diverse community, acting with honesty and transparency.
Cultural awareness
and respect for diversity
We honour and celebrate the richness of our community's cultural heritage, fostering an environment of understanding and inclusivity.
Service
We are committed to serving and making a positive impact in our community.
