Meet our team

Bindy formerly worked as a lawyer at the Teaching Council and gave legal advice around allegations of serious misconduct. This often involved cases where teachers had crossed professional boundaries with students.  

This experience motivated her and Rachel Kent to run courses on professional boundaries and professionalism in the workplace.

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Dr Delmage is a consultant in adolescent forensic psychiatry and an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham. He is currently based at Ngā Taiohi Unit which is a secure inpatient service for young people who present with mental health problems and risk to others.

He has written book chapters related to aspects of adolescent forensic healthcare and has also contributed to national discussions in the UK related to the minimum age of criminal responsibility, as well as having presented his work which is part of an ongoing PhD in Law at an international conference. He has given evidence in the Court of Appeal and to the Justice Select Committee in the United Kingdom and he has been a member of the National Clinical Reference Group in the UK which has a strategic role in service development.

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Test Speaker

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In her role as a Project Support Coordinator, Laura provides behind the scenes support and logistics to both the Christchurch and wider Whāraurau team to ensure the delivery of training and other events.

She has previously worked in administration roles for the Ministry of Social Development, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, a mentoring charity and an advocacy charity for people with physical/intellectual disabilities. Laura has also worked for an event company.

Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in music composition for film and media.

"It’s important for me to be a strong foundation for the wider Whāraurau team so that we can always be moving forward, together, alongside the mental health workforce. I’m proud that my role with Whāraurau allows me to work with and  support so many different people who are all working towards achieving better youth mental health outcomes."  

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As a Pacific Advisor, Siosinita works with the other cultural advisors to ensure that infant, child, adolescent and youth and alcohol and other drugs workforce gets the support they need to do their mahi in a culturally responsive way. Her focus is on improving the wellbeing of Pacific whānau and mokopuna in order to enrich Aotearoa.

Siosinita has worked as a care and protection social worker and as a Pacific advisor for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services(CAMHS). In addition she was the founder of Heilala Fungani – a positive parenting programme tailored specifically for Tongan parents, caregivers and whānau with children aged 0-5 years of age.

Siosinita has a Bachelor of Arts in social policy and a Master of Social Work (Applied).

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Vicky’s role is to assist Whāraurau with finanical planning, forecasting, variance analysis and budgeting across all projects.

She has a background in banking and credit control, and has worked as an assistant accountant within the construction, government and service sectors.

Vicky has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and is currently studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (CA) with CAANZ. She is a provisional CA member and also has a Diploma in Music.

“By supporting the Whāraurau team to manage project funding, I feel I’m playing my part in building the capacity of the workforce working with our young people. Making sure we maximise the way we use funding means we can make the greatest impact possible.”  

Te Aroha is a member of the Whāraurau cultural advisory team. Her role is to provide cultural support and guidance to the wider Whāraurau team. As part of this she engages with Māori stakeholders and promotes Māori infant, child and youth initiatives. Her role is also focused on enhancing communication and information sharing with key Māori stakeholders, with the aim of improving the cultural competence of the workforce.

Te Aroha is a trained nurse and has worked for the Growing up in New Zealand longitudinal study as a Māori engagement interviewer. She is also a documentary director and so uses storytelling as a way to engage, and create change.

She has a Bachelor of Health Science and Certificates in Waka and Health Care Support. In addition Te Aroha has a diploma in Te Reo Māori and on-screen production.

“My role is important to me because I work as an advocate. I represent a voice for the Māori people. As seen in the public health data, we are a minority and face some of the biggest disparities across the health, education and justice system. I feel a sense of duty to leverage my skills and experience to try and implement much needed change on a systemic level. Working directly with the workforce and government organisations, I feel I have a better chance at doing exactly that.”

Shelley is the project manager for the Incredible Years® programme . Her role is to develop and ensure the delivery of Incredible Years® training to the workforce. This involves managing a range of stakeholder relationships, including sub-contractors, MOE staff and the Incredible Years® front-facing workforce. She also plays a significant role in website and database development and maintenance.

Her background is in medical virology, website and database creation / maintenance and project management.

Shelley has a National Diploma in Medical Technology (Virology) and a National Diploma in Information Technology (Website development) from Cape Town University of Technology.

“I am committed to supporting the implementation of evidence-based parenting programmes to ensure great long-term outcomes for all whānau and tamariki. I enjoy helping people to develop their skills that will also help their communities.”

As a Youth Consumer Advisor, Nicole uses her lived-experince and other skills to help advise the sector on the needs of rangatahi of all backgrounds in Aotearao.

She has previously worked as a project coordinator for Migrante Aotearoa, which is a grassroots non-governmental organisation that supports Filipino migrants. Nicole is also actively engaged in human rights activism.

“My role as a YCA allows me to create resources and advocate for spaces that resonate with the unique challenges and perspectives of our diverse rangatahi in Aotearoa. I strive to empower the workforce by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to effectively support young tāngata whaiora.”

Neil provides logistical and organisational support for events and trainings delivered to the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health workforce. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure all aspects of work are completed to a high standard and on time.

Neil has previously worked for other non-governmental organisations such as Ember Korowai Takitini, ADHB and Be. Lab to support our workforce and communities in the mental health and disability sector.

Neil has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

“I believe Whāraurau’s work is important as it provides accessible learning opportunities and spaces for our workforce to continue to grow their skills and capabilities so that they can support our communities to thrive.”

Michelle has overall accountability for the effective delivery of workforce development solutions and works in collaboration with the senior management team to achieve this

Michelle has experience in education, healthcare services management, policy, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI); both nationally and internationally. She has led teams and designed, developed and delivered education programmes in nursing, specifically - child and youth health, disability, mental health and transitioning to employment. Michelle managed the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme across six Pacific Island countries and designed, developed and taught a post graduate qualification in child health nursing for Pacific nurses in Fiji and Tonga. Michelle was also clinical nurse director for Kidz First and Women’s Health in Counties Manukau, and an academic and clinical lecturer in nursing at Manukau Institute of Technology.

She has a Master of Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Cert. Arts and is a Registered Nurse

“This role is important to me because I am able to support an amazing team that works nationally to build an incredible workforce within the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health and alcohol and other addictions space.”  

Maddy’s role is to support the wider Whāraurau team to successfully deliver training and professional development to the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health sector.

She has previously worked with the Ministry of Justice in Wellington and has had a range of other customer service roles.

Maddy has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Political Science with a minor in Commercial Law.

“My role is important to me because through it I can contribute to the mental health space by providing support to projects that, in the bigger picture, create a ripple effect outwards for the workforce.”

Kristin is responsible for managing projects related to  strengthening the provision of eating disorder and disordered eating services in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as workforce development for those supporting rangatahi who are under the care and protection of Oranga Tamariki.

She has worked in rehabilitation and clinical/translational research for over ten years, and is a speech therapist, clinical supervisor and lecturer with inpatient and acute care experience. Kristin has co-authored multiple publications including a textbook titled ‘Dysphagia following Stroke.’ She specialises in working with individuals with neurologic impairment, including traumatic brain injury, and swallowing/feeding disorders. Kristin also has significant experience in research funding and grant management.

Kristin has a Master of Science from the University of Washington and a PhD from the University of Canterbury.

“I am passionate about leveraging my clinical and research experience to drive positive change for the workforce, helping to make a meaningful difference for whānau and communities in Aotearoa NZ.”

Kieran is responsible for designing and developing online courses in collaboration with workforce delivery leads, principal advisors and subject matter experts. He also manages and operates Whāraurau’s learning management system.

Kieran previously worked in education and community development roles, facilitating learning as well as developing and coordinating programs.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (with First Class Honours) in Sociology.

“My role is important to me because I feel it can make learning and professional development more accessible to a range of learners, whether that is geographically, temporally or at an appropriate learning level for those supporting some of the most vulnerable in Aotearoa.”

Julliet is responsible for leading data analysis and evaluation activity for Whāraurau and for providing technical expertise across our data collection initiatives. She is also responsible for heading the evaluation of all Whāraurau training, event, and online course activities.

Julliet began her career in youth mental health research, piloting a depression prevention study in students in high schools in Auckland. She has been with Whāraurau for 20 years, originally joining when it was the Werry Centre.

She has a Masters in Science – majoring in psychology.

“I’m a huge advocate for prevention and early intervention, and working at Wharaurau and in the infant, child and youth mental health sector allows me to contribute to and support the work that I have always firmly believed in.”

Joycelyn is responsible for lead coordination of a range of projects to ensure their effective development and delivery to the workforce. She provides leadership / mentoring for project managers and oversight across specific projects and their deliverables.

Her experience in the social services and education sectors is significant having held a wide variety of roles including managing teams in Family Harm, Family Start and Building Financial Capabilities, and Family Services Centres. She has also been responsible for the design and development of a range of NZQA approved courses.

Joycelyn has a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Bachelor’s in Education, Diploma in Teaching (Specialised in Early Childhood Education), Postgraduate Certificates in Education, Adult Teaching, Home and Community Auditing, and Childcare and Protection, a Leadership Certificate from the University of Auckland, a Postgraduate diploma in Social Services Supervision, and a New Zealand Diploma in Business.

“The future of our workforce is in our hands, and our mahi enables them to be effective in enhancing the wellbeing of our mokopuna.  As part of a collective community, I dedicate my skills, experience, and quality of practice to supporting them, and through the spirit of generosity to the workforce progressing forward.”

As the Marketing Communications Advisor, Jenny is responsible for the strategic development of Whāraurau’s brand and marketing with the aim of ensuring the organisation is recognised in the sector as a leader in training and professional development.

She has an extensive background in marketing and communications and has worked in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. She has been responsible for the development and roll out of community investment programmes that supported the brand of a large energy company and has worked on multiple branding projects.

Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland

“Our young people are our future and the rise in youth suicide rates in New Zealand is shocking. These are just two compelling reasons why I’ve chosen to work in this space. If I can, in some small way, positively impact the lives of young New Zealanders, I will have satisfied a key goal for my life.”

As a Project Support Coordinator Jennie is responsible for pre and post event/training coordination and communications.

Jennie’s background is in customer support, clinical records coordination, and therapeutic youth mentoring. She has also worked as an editorial intern for lifestyle magazine Verve, and as a crisis response worker.

She has a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in psychology and communications.

“It is a privilege to work within the NZ mental health sector. This mahi combines my passion for people and wellbeing. It is important to me to be both serving and advocating for the mental health needs of rangatahi and whānau.”

Fiona works as a Workforce Delivery Lead in the youth forensics area, and so is responsible for growing the capacity of the workforce who work with rangatahi who are at increased risk of involvement with the youth justice and youth forensic systems.

She has over 25 years of experience working in the social services sector including specialist youth, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, and homeless services, as well as workforce education.

Fiona has a Master of Professional Practice (Dist), a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Science, Bachelor of Social Services (Dist) and a Certificate in Adult Education.

“I value the opportunity in my role to empower kaimahi with the skills and knowledge evidenced as required for effective engagement with rangatahi at risk of involvement with youth justice and youth forensic systems. I envision through this we collectively contribute to improved outcomes for rangatahi and their whanau.”

Eden’s role is to advocate and advise on behalf of rangatahi with lived experience. Her focus is on ensuring their voices are reflected in Whāraurau’s mahi and beyond.

Her background includes working with various youth advisory groups and panels, as well as within organisations like Youthline and Auckland Council.

“My role is profoundly significant to me due to my personal experiences and the valuable insights of those around me. I firmly believe in the power of youth and lived experience voices to drive positive change. Advocating for others is a genuine privilege.”

Bradley provides project support to the Whāraurau team to ensure events, training and other activities are well managed and executed.

He has recently completed his Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics and minoring in psychology.

“Being a part of the Whāraurau whanau is important to me as it is has allowed me to work in a professional environment alongside compassionate and driven colleagues. It has also enabled me to have a positive impact on the wider community.”

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As an e-Learning Designer, Preeti is responsible for developing online courses for the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health sector. This utilises her experience in education, as well as her knowledge of e-Learning solutions.

She has experience in developing interactive and learner-centred online, blended and in-person learning experiences at the tertiary level and has been responsible for the design and implementation of large-scale public health programmes in Asia.

Preeti has a PhD in Psychology and her thesis was focused on understanding the impact of mobile phone-based health tools on health related decision-making.

“My work allows me to advocate for inclusive and accessible e-learning by bridging the gap between traditional and digital learning, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.”

Mali is one of our Pacific Cultural Advisors and her work is centred on supporting the infant, child, adolescent, and youth menta lhealth workforce grow their level of cultural competency.

Malie is a prominent and well respected figure within the Pacific health and mental health community. She has been recognised for her contribution to this sector with a New Zealand Order of Merit. She has led a number of important initiatives including founding the first Pacific Women's Refuge in 1989, being involved in resonding to family violence within the Niue community as lead facilitator of the Fakatupuolamoui framework. Mali also spearheaded the Niue Wellbeing Strategi Plan 2023-2025.

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Emily is responsible for supporting and coordinating the delivery of high-quality reporting, data analysis, evaluation and communication outputs across the Whāraurau team.

Emilay has worked in a variety of positions involving data management, communications and event logistics, including time spent with Health Care New Zealand as a national workforce coordination lead.

Emily has a Bachelor of Health Science in population health, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

“Through my commitment to quality assurance and improvement of our workforce trainings, I feel a strong sense of contribution to effective and accessible mental health services for all tamariki, whānau, and communities in Aotearoa”

In her role as Marketing Communications Coordinator, Ella is responsible for ensuring Whāraurau’s work is effectively communicated to the workforce and other stakeholders. She provides marketing and communication support to the wider Whāraurau team and helps promote events, training and online courses to the sector.

Ella has previously held marketing and communications roles in the construction sector and has worked in a marketing agency that specialised in working with Māori and Pasifika businesses.

She has a Bachelor of Communications Studies.

“This role is important to me because it lets me use my skills to communicate effectively with those in the mental health sector who are making a difference in Aotearoa.”

Jane is both the Office Manager and Line Manager for the project support team at Whāraurau. In this role she is responsible for providing professional office and facilities management, as well as ensuring the project support team are administering and delivering training across the motu.

She has over 25 years management and leadership experience within the not-for-profit sector, primarily in infant and maternal mental health.

Jane has a Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management.

“Having lead a small NGO, I understand the challenges the workforce face on a day-to-day basis. I strongly believe that workforce development will lead to a motivated and competent workforce, resulting in positive outcomes for our tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.”

As a Workforce Delivery Lead at Whāraurau, Jo’s role primarily involves leading workforce development initiatives. She specialises in alcohol and drug use and co-existing problems with young people.

Jo is a registered AOD practitioner and, over the past 15 years, has worked in the youth sector in various roles, primarily focused on mental health and addictions. She has experience in co-existing problems (CEP) in young people, managing clinical teams, supervision, operational management, and teaching/training.

Jo has a Bachelor of Alcohol and Drug Studies, Certificate of Supervision, Postgraduate Certificate in Management and a Master of Theology (2024).

“I’m passionate about helping the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health work force to become more culturally responsive and clinically skilled so that it improves outcomes for our tamariki and taiohi.”

As a Workforce Delivery Lead at Whāraurau, Jannine’s role primarily involves spearheading initiatives that promote inclusive workforce development. She specialises in trauma-informed care and perinatal mental health.

Originally from the Fiji Islands and with a background as a registered nurse, Jannine has accumulated over seven years of experience in general medical, defence force, and mental health/AOD nursing.

Jannine has a Bachelor’s of Nursing, Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health, Postgraduate Certificates in Forensic Psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Clinical Supervision.

“I'm deeply committed to facilitating workforce development that embraces the multicultural diversity of Aotearoa. It's not just a job, it's my way of contributing to a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape for all.

Josie is responsible for coordinating, supporting, and reporting on project activities. This involves collaborating with Workforce Delivery Leads and the wider Whāraurau team to ensure high-quality project delivery, and ultimately to support the development and delivery of workforce development activities.

Her experience includes event management, communications, hospitality and project support.

Josie has a Bachelor of Communications – majoring in event management

“My role is significant to me because it allows me to contribute to the successful coordination and development of projects, which, in turn, helps our organisation achieve its goals and positively impact our communities.

As a Workforce Delivery Manager, Bronwyn is responsible for overseeing various programmes of work. She is specifically responsible for Mana ake, a school-based programme.

Bron has extensive experience in working in the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors, specifically the primary and secondary service level.

She has a Masters in Health Science, a Bachelor of Nursing and is a Dapaanz practitioner.

“I have a strong interest in professional and workforce development, and am passionate about improving the wellbeing of tamariki, taiohi and their whānau.”

Stacey leads the Cultural Advisory team, focusing on implementing equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi nationally across infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health workforce. 

Stacey acquired her experience in effective māori child pedagogy approaches through a decade of youth work in the far north, extensive involvement in Kura Kaupapa Māori Te Aho Matua, Te Kōhanga Reo, and a life time of exposure to traditional wānanga (esoteric) concepts. 

Stacey has provided cultural support and supervision to multi-disciplinary and clinical settings including youth justice, alternative education, care and protection, family violence and school counselling.

She has a Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology.

I was taught ‘ko te mokopuna te take’ – mokopuna are the purpose.  This role challenges me to create change in the future by tapping into indigenous collectivist wisdom of the past, and promoting tools to respect whānau agency in the present.  Tihewā, he mauri ora.

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As Operations Manager, Louise is responsible for supporting the overall performance and success of Whāraurau through robust operational processes. She is part of the senior management team, providing strategic and operational support.

Louise has over ten years of experience in roles within academia, youth mental health services, health and social care standards development, change management and contracts management, both in Ireland and New Zealand.

She completed her PhD and postdoctoral research in the area of youth mental health and mental health stigma in Dublin, Ireland. Louise’s postdoctral research involved data analysis of the My World Survey: Ireland’s largest and most comprehensive study of young people’s mental health and wellbeing. As well as her PhD, Louise has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology and a Certificate in Statistics from the Royal Statistical Society.

“At some point in our lives, mental health and addiction will impact us, or the lives of our loved ones or whānau. I am passionate about improving mental health literacy and reducing stigma to promote open and progressive conversations about mental health and addiction. I believe strongly in the work Whāraurau does to support professionals working in this space.”

Lisa leads Te Taunaki Mātua Pouako, the Parent and Teacher team which provides workforce training and support to the MOH regional roll out of Triple P Positive Parenting Programmes and MoE national Incredible Years - Parent and Incredible Years - Teacher Classroom Management programmes.

Her background includes working in child and adolescent mental health, maternal mental health, and working with those having experienced trauma in childhood. Lisa has also trained practitioners to deliver the suite of Triple P programmes and delivered Triple P programmes.  

Lisa has a Masters of Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. She is an qualified International Triple P trainer and Incredible Years Parent facilitator.

“Imagining kids across Aotearoa being surrounded by well supported whanau and teachers drives me in my role getting transformative programmes in the hands of amazing providers.”

Karin is a Senior Consultant Clinical Psychologist and as a Principal Advisor supports various Workforce Delivery Leads in an advisory capacity.
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She has a varied portfolio that includes sector leadership, trauma, and the Youth Advisory Team and is involved in many of the Whāraurau projects.

Karin managed DHB infant, child and youth mental health and addiction services and had several years in planning and funding. She currently has a small private practice and works with ACC and Victim Support clients.

As a Principal Advisor Bronwyn (Bron) is responsible for engaging with the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health workforce in order to determine training and development needs. In addition she oversees the delivery of events, training and other professional development activities, with specific reference to adverse childhood experiences, quality improvement and leadership.

Bronwyn has a extensive experience in working with young people and their whānau in both clinical and managerial settings, and has also worked in the tertiary education sector.

Bronwyn has a PhD in Psychology and is a Registered Nurse and has a Masters of Education in Counselling (dist)

“Our futures depend on the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.  Supporting workforces focusing on wellbeing is a privilege and a passion for me.”

As the Director of Whāraurau, Abi is responsible for working with the Whāraurau team and key stakeholders to identify workforce needs and develop partnerships to build the skills and capability of the infant, child, adolescent and youth mental health and addictions workforce.

Abi has worked in various project and policy roles, and led teams in local and national government. She has managed workforce development programmes in youth mental health, rural health workforce recruitment and retention, and primary care public health policy.

Abi has undergraduate qualifications in law and health science, and post graduate qualifications in business administration.

“I’m committed to being part of the collective effort to achieve equitable outcomes for mokopuna Māori and for minority populations throughout Aotearoa and so I’m passionate about improving the well-being of our workforce and the young people and whānau they serve.”

Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai – nurture the seed and it will bloom. We all need to be cared for to fully realise our potential.

As a Youth Consumer Advisor, Abi works with the Whāraurau team on internal projects and events while also advising the wider external workforce. A considerable amount of time is spent working with rangatahi to understand their perspectives and experiences, integrating their voices into Whāraurau’s work. She is also responsible for mentoring two new Youth Consumer Advisors.

Abi’s advocacy journey began when she served as a Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury Youth Advisory Council member and latterly working as co-chair. Whilst working for Whāraurau she has taken on various external advisory positions, including a role as Rangatahi Advisor for the Health Navigator Te Wero Project.

Abi has completed the He Pūawai Manukura – Lived Experience Leadership Training, and has a Bachelor of Performing Arts.

“I am thrilled to play a role in advocating for the rangatahi of Aotearoa, while working to support the workforce in creating and providing accessible and equitable services. I firmly believe that having youth lived experience feeding into policy and governance spaces is essential to service improvement. It will lead to better outcomes for our young people, which is my ultimate goal – to use my lived experience to make the journey easier for those who will travel it after me.”