Our Team

David George

Chief Executive Officer

David is an immensely proud father of two daughters, a husband, and is driven by a deep desire to ensure no one misses out on the ability to be active and well that helps everyone achieve their aspirations. With nearly 25 years of experience across sport and health in Aotearoa and internationally, David has led teams through complexity and change, whilst always retaining a clear focus on creating real, lasting impact for communities. Since joining Tuia Waitākere in 2015 and stepping into the Chief Executive role in 2022, David has both witnessed and lived the power of this kaupapa. That lived experience fuels his commitment to the organisation’s mission. He leads with purpose, guiding a talented, values driven team to unlock the power of wellbeing through community sport, arts, movement, and culture across West Auckland

Antionette Aalbers

GM - Community Sport and Recreation

Antionette manages the community sport and recreation team and oversees business development and strategic relationships. She also manages the design and delivery of local and regional strategies including the Auckland Approach to sport.

Irina Lyanguzova

GM - Business and Finance

With a strong academic foundation in applied statistics and credentials as a FCPA Australia-qualified accountant and Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, Irina brings extensive experience across diverse roles in New Zealand and internationally. With over 15 years in not-for-profit financial management, Irina currently serves as General Manager – Business and Finance at Sport Waitākere. In this role, Irina leads strategic financial operations, anticipates organisational change, and drives service effectiveness through continuous ICT improvement, staff capability development, and project productivity optimisation.

Darna Appleyard

Healthy Families Manager

Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Te Whakatohea

Darna brings a decade of experience at a health system planning and funding level, including Māori development and health. With postgraduate studies in Health Sciences Māori, she has led and supported a wide range of kaupapa with a focus on how resources are designed and directed to better serve Māori communities. She brings a clear system-level lens to the work of building healthier conditions across West Auckland