Meet our team

Simon Cayley

Chief Executive Officer

Simon has extensive experience in community development, capacity building, social research, governance and management. He has an MPhil with a research thesis that examined governance in voluntary and community organisations and contributed a suggested framework of governance for the sector and has completed Post-Graduate Diplomas in Development Studies and Public Health.  Simon is an accredited mentor with The Mentoring Foundation of New Zealand and is the Chair of Wild For Taranaki and The Eat a Rainbow Foundation, he is also a trustee of Ngati Tawhirikura Hapu Trust, Flourish Taranaki, Start-Up Taranaki Trust, Access to Justice & Wellbeing Trust and a Director of Catalyst Housing Ltd.

Andrew Brock

Manager Projects & Innovation

Andrew has experience in senior management and governance roles within the health, sport and community sectors, and additional experience in education.  He has extensive knowledge of community development and sustainability with a particular focus on the wider determinants of wellbeing.  Andrew has Diplomas in Strategic Leadership and Teaching, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation. He is Chair of the Mentoring Foundation of NZ and New Plymouth Injury Safe Trust and a board member of Mahia Mai a Whai Tara, and the Taranaki Curious Minds allocations committee. He is also a Mentor with the Mentoring Foundation of NZ.

Ngaire Potter

Accounts Officer

Ngaire has extensive experience in accounts processing having previously held roles with Wells Instrument & Electrical and Tainui Resthome & Village. As well as providing an accounting service for The Bishop’s Action Foundation, Ngaire also manages the accounts for over thirty Anglican Parishes within the Diocese of Waikato & Taranaki Parish Accounting Service.

Alex McNab

Community Connector

Our Community Connector role supports the welfare needs of individuals and whānau to keep safe while isolating at home / in the community.  Community Connectors navigate and connect individuals and whānau to various services available during and transition from self-isolation.  This role is funded through the Ministry of Social Development.  Referrals can be made by MSD or individuals can approach Community Connectors through other agencies and community organisations.  The ‘contact us’ page on our website can be used to register a request with us for support.

Jo Weise

Manager The Wheelhouse

Jo is a seasoned coach and facilitator who is passionate about helping people in leadership roles to strengthen and develop their skills. She has worked across sectors in coaching and facilitation for many years, alongside her role as director of a small company in the construction industry.

Jo has a science degree, a graduate diploma in teaching, is an accredited coach, and has studied at masters level in conflict resolution: restorative practice. She is also continuing her journey in Te Ara Reo Māori which began several years ago at Te Wānanga O Aotearoa here in Taranaki.

Sarah Shepherd

Accounts Officer & Wheelhouse Administrator

Sarah is an experienced accounts administrator having worked with several small businesses as an Account and Office Manager. In her previous roles she also provided administration support to different community groups. Sarah has a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation with a Double Major of Sport and Exercise Science and Management. She takes pride in enabling outcomes through her extensive administrative skills.

Trudy Smith

ICT Gateway Technican

Before joining the ICT Gateway in 2019, Trudy completed her Bachelor of Information Technology at Waikato Polytechnic and worked for the Waipa District Council as an Informix Database Administrator.   Moving to Australia for 20 years, she worked for the Nurses Board of Western Australia as their Computer Supervisor and started a family before returning to New Zealand to be closer to extended family.

Judy Wood

Seasons for Growth Coordinator (North Taranaki)

Judy has been a Seasons and Seasons for Growth coordinator since April 2008 and the Taranaki SfG Trainer since 2016.   Judy’s other experience includes high school teaching, governance church and community work.  More recently she has acquired four grandchildren and loves to be with them. She is actively involved at West Baptist Church, sings with Taranaki Harmony Chorus and Living Harmony Choir and loves  running, cycling, swimming, gardening, walking, writing and reading.  

Heather Ternouth

Seasons for Growth Coordinator (Central Taranaki)

Heather arrived in New Zealand with her husband & three small children from Zimbabwe in 2001 having been previously involved in non for profit & charity work.  Heather spent nearly ten years at Hospice Taranaki/Te Kahu Pairuri ki Taranaki as a volunteer for three & half years & then became the Day Programme Co-Ordinator for the Palliative Patient Group for six & half years. Heather is passionate about making a difference to the day to day lives of the Taranaki community.  Heather enjoys time with her grown up family, walking, reading, culture & art together with travel.

Angela Kehely

Seasons for Growth Coordinator (South Taranaki)

Angela delivers the Seasons for Growth programme in the South Taranaki region. Having grown up in Hawera as a child, and with her family still living in South Taranaki Angela is delighted to be back working in the region.  Angela has experience working as an office manager for a local school, teacher aide and as a registered nurse.  Family is very important to Angela and she gets joy out of watching her children navigate life’s adventures and spending time with her extended family.