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OUR STAFF
Built on trust, teamwork, and lived experience — our crew brings heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership from the ocean to the office
HEAD QUARTERS
Jethro Gilbert
Managing Director
A head prefect at high school, he went on to work in corporate sales and account management roles, while developing a secondary career as an officer in the NZ Army Reserve Force. Jethro then led a team of youth development instructors at the Limited-Service Volunteer programme which helped inspire the founding of Triple Summit Services Ltd, delivering employment services to
the NZ govt, which he is also the Director of.
Through Pacific Guardians, which Jethro also founded, he is the Chief Instructor of the Leadership Academy, having delivered 15 international courses across the Pacific Islands. Naturally he has been requested to deliver corporate and government leadership development workshops to TL’s and SLT’s over the past seven years, all from word of mouth.
In his spare time he takes a keen interest in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. With recent highlights being; a key leadership role as NZDF Liaison Officer in Gisborne during Cyclone Gabrielle (2023), and damage assessment operations and team leader in Vanuatu after Cyclone Lola (2024).
Davina Gilbert
Co-founder and CFO
Being part of the journey since the beginning, Davina has influenced the way we think about positive mindsets, confidence, and purpose-driven leadership. An expert in her field, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial and strategic foundations that allow Pacific Guardians to thrive across New Zealand and the Pacific. Her ability to balance creativity with structure ensures the organisation remains innovative while grounded in sound business practice. Davina champions a culture of growth, wellbeing, and accountability, ensuring every program we deliver is both impactful and sustainable. Through her entrepreneurial insight and steady leadership, she continues to help guide PG's evolution and long-term vision.
GUARDIAN STAFF
Lyrique Harrington-Toma
Course Manager/Facilitator
Lyrique brings energy, empathy, and professionalism to every program he leads. As Course Manager and Facilitator, he ensures each Leaders Academy experience runs seamlessly — from logistics and participant
engagement to creating a supportive learning environment. With a background in youth development and community leadership, Lyrique connects naturally with students and helps them uncover their confidence, purpose, and potential.
Teagan Doolan
Lead Facilitator
As Lead Facilitator, Teagan brings calm leadership, structure, and a deep understanding of people to every program. Having facilitated across five Academy courses, she blends discipline and empathy to guide participants through practical
challenges and personal growth. Teagan’s experience in leadership development and youth mentoring enables her to create engaging, reflective environments where participants feel supported to step up, take ownership, and lead with confidence.
JP Taute
Lead Facilitator
JP has been part of Pacific Guardians since the very beginning, bringing strength, warmth, and cultural depth to every program. As a proud Maori leader and experienced facilitator, he embodies the values of connection, respect,
and service that underpin our work. JP’s calm presence and practical wisdom have guided hundreds of young leaders through transformative experiences, helping them build confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond the course. He's handy on the guitar too!
Wayne Higginson
Advisor/Facilitator
Wayne will have you captivated with his story telling, and ability to draw on examples from his extensive military career that apply to the fundamentals of leadership in the business environment. Wayne has served
with special forces, infantry, private security operations including protecting embassies, planned and delivered advanced training with high risk factors. He 's worked and lived in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He gives clients an experience to remember, with his down-to-earth and unique approach to leadership.
Derek Sarney
Facilitator/Advisor
Derek exemplifies the meaning of a tactical leader at the highest level of performance. Having served with police for over 30 years, most of which have been in leadership roles within elite law enforcement tactical teams. In conjunction, Derek has had a long and decorated career in the NZ Army. From deploying to conflict zones around the world, being a winner of prestigious marksman competitions, and the most successful coach of an army competitive shooting team. His experience and senior roles, now see him passing lessons learned to the others. You'll hear some behind the scenes story, and how mindset can be translated to the business setting. One client stated - "I felt like I was in a Jason Bourne movie for the last hour, listening to Derek's presentation"!