Close

Our
Support Team:

Board Members

Brian Doughty
Brian Doughty (Chair)

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.

Leayne Huirua

Born and bred in Whanganui and am the fifth generation here.  My 3 children whakapapa to Ngaa Rauru.

Jigsaw resonates with my passion for helping families thrive.  I am committed to this community and want to utilize my governance skills to advance this organisation’s vision.

I have had over 20 years of governance experience in the education sector including chairing school boards, training trustees, and advising on many reference groups.  I have skills in strategic planning, succession planning, policy writing, governance training and advocacy.  I currently work as a Policy Planner at the Whanganui District Council and am continuing study through Massey University.

I like to spend any spare time with family and friends, cooking, and seeing our wonderful country.

Geoff Hipango
Geoff Hipango

Geoff joined the Jigsaw Whanganui board as a way of giving back to the community and to further his governance experience. He really likes Jigsaw and what it does for our community. Geoff has an impressive 30-year background in the health and social service industry. In his spare time, Geoff can be found hosting and meeting people from all different backgrounds, from all around the world.

Terry Dowdeswell
Terry Dowdeswell

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.

Maria Potaka
Maria Potaka

Maria joined the Jigsaw Whanganui board as the work aligns with her passion for supporting whānau to be the best they possibly can be. Through Jigsaw Whanganui’s work, Maria would like to support whānau to determine their own goals and aspirations for their whānau. Maria currently works at Public Health as a public health nurse in Kohana reo and kura. In her spare time, Maria can be found spending time with her whānau, walking, swimming, or reading.

Malcolm Carson

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.

Senior Leadership Team

Tim Metcalfe
Tim Metcalfe

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.

Gael Clark
Gael Clark

Practice Manager

For Gael becoming a social worker just made sense- the profession aligns with her personal values, beliefs, and the passion she holds to promote social justice for the wellbeing of all people. Gael has worked in the social services industry for 30 momentous years, and she is Jigsaw Whanganui’s longest standing staff member! In Gael’s spare time she can be found at home doing genealogy, baking, and gardening. She hopes to travel soon to again experience others’ ways of being in the world!

Gayna Ryan
Gayna Ryan

Office 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 7 years. In her spare time, Gayna can be found enjoying the great outdoors, gardening, walking the dog, and spending time with friends and family.

Vanya Teki

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.

Nicki Rees
Nicki Rees

Parent Learning and Support Team Leader

Nicki’s journey led her to the social services industry through her desire to support the hauora of tamariki in our whānau and community. She aims to encourage matua to enjoy and have fun with our tamariki. Tu mai e moko, te whakaata o ō matua, te moko o ō tīpuna. Nicki has worked in the social service industry for 7 years. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying music or the moana with her whānau.

Scott Taylor Moore
Scott Taylor Moore

Family Harm Prevention Programmes Team Leader

Scott ventured into social work through a profound interest in people. He is always aiming to develop his skills and exercise his passion for clinical supervision with other kaimahi. Scott has been working with, and learning from people for 27 years, with stints in the USA, UK, and Aoteaora-NZ. In his spare times, Scott can be found exploring bookshops, beaches and byways with family and friends.

Meet the Jigsaw Whanganui team

Intensive Home Based Social Work Team

Social Workers in Schools Team

Family Harm Prevention Team

Parent Learning and Support Team

Agency Support Team