Chairperson
Jodie has a strong passion to service and contribute to the successful outcomes in the community after spending 15 years living abroad and working in the corporate sector. Jodie returned to Whanganui with a strong desire to support rangatahi and whānau, starting local business Awa Driver Training where she works deep within the community, local high schools and iwi to reduce barriers and ensure equitable outcomes. She joined the Board as the kaupapa of the organisation resonated and aligned with her commitment and passion to the growth of individuals and whānau to thrive and achieve success. In her spare time, Jodie enjoys time with her whānau, being near the beach or travelling.
Terry believes that families are the glue that hold society together, and he joined the Jigsaw Whanganui board because he wants to help spread the glue around. Terry is now retired from a self-employed innovative plant breeding business. He remains very much involved with the community through his involvement with SeniorNet, Community Education, and the Bason Botanic Gardens. In his spare time, Terry can be found gardening or spending time with family and friends.
Malcolm has a strong belief in whānau and maximising the potential of both the individual and family unit were the key drivers for Malcolm’s attachment to Jigsaw Whanganui. A strong desire to contribute to both social and community outcomes were similarly instrumental. A retiree after 50 years service and management roles in the Government sector. These days he is a keen sports follower whilst willingly fulfilling grandparental duties.
Chy was raised in Whanganui, with whakapapa connecting her to Te Awa Tupua, our river. Chy is a passionate advocate for transformative change and opportunities within the community, particularly in the realm of mental health, addictions, and family harm. Chy joined the Jigsaw Whanganui board because she wanted to contribute to an organisation that works in an area of significant community need. She has a strong belief in whānau and is committed to maximising the potential of both individuals and whanau. Working as a Lead Systems Innovator at Healthy Families Whanganui Rangitīkei Ruapehu (WRR), Chy leads the “Growing Collective Wellbeing: Regional Suicide Prevention Strategy” and the “Collaborative Design Mental Health and Addictions Service Delivery” initiatives. In her spare time Chy likes to “cook up a storm” for whānau and friends.
Brian joined the Jigsaw Whanganui board because he sees it as a way he can support an organisation that works in an area of community need. Brian has a background in working with a diverse group of families in our rural communities. In his spare time, Brian can be found supporting other local charities in the community.
Executive Officer
Tim felt drawn to the social services industry through a deep-rooted passion for social justice and equity. Tim wants political and economic systems to uphold the mana and dignity of people. Tim has been on a 30+ year journey in the social service industry. He has led Jigsaw Whanganui for the past 16 years. In his spare time, Tim can be found reading, exercising outdoors, and at family get togethers.
Programmes Team Leader
Bev’s journey in the social service sector began in the early 2000’s. Her background is in counselling and group facilitation across a number of settings.
Bev is motivated by a desire to see all people treated in ways that uphold their mana and enhance their wellbeing. She was drawn to the Kaupapa and ethos of Jigsaw Whanganui, which fit with values such as respect and equity that underpin Bev’s approach to her work
In her spare time Bev can be found spending time with family and friends, walking her dog, reading and enjoying the outdoors.
Operations Manager
Gayna was attracted to working at Jigsaw Whanganui as the agency Kaupapa and values really resonate with her. She is constantly amazed by the adversity and challenges so many families and whānau face, and their resilience and determination to be the best they can be. Gayna has been part of the Jigsaw Whanganui whānau for 11 years. In her spare time, Gayna can be found enjoying the great outdoors, gardening, walking the dog, and spending time with friends and family.
Intensive Home Based Social Workers Team Leader
Cheryl, a proud māmā of four, hails from a picturesque mountain town in Wales. In 2005 she took the leap and moved to Aotearoa, with her only point of reference being Billy Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand to guide her. Her one requirement was to live near the ocean – with beautiful Whanganui fitting the bill perfectly.
Cheryl is deeply passionate about walking alongside and upholding the mana and self-determination of whānau, especially those with complex and intersecting needs, and is dedicated to challenging and transforming systems and service that further entrap whānāu experiencing family violence.
Cheryl loves spending time at the beach, finding moments of tranquility at home (away from her lively teenagers), enjoying her menagerie of pets, and unwinding with friends.
Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) Team Leader
Ko au te mokopuna, ko Rongomaiwahine.
Vanya is a māmā to four beautiful children who whakapapa to Whanganui. When asked ‘why she chooses to work at Jigsaw Whanganui’ she replies ‘He tangata, he tangata, he tangata ‘. She counts it a privilege to meet with whānau, to listen to their stories and partner with them in their aspirations for their tamariki. Vanya is both committed to and motivated by the agency’s ethos – Kaupapa Whānau; thriving children, flourishing families. Its an ethos Vanya relays as inclusive and self-determined by whānau. In her spare time, Vanya enjoys being with her whānau, browsing hokohoko/op shops and relaxing with a good book, cuppa and superwine biscuit.