BOARD

I’ve been fortunate to have a career that spans several decades, one marked by hard work, leadership, and a fair bit of grit. From demolition to harness racing and community service, I've always believed in putting my head down and getting the job done. People around Christchurch know me as the "Demolition Man" — a name I’ve earned through my work as the owner of Southern Demolition and Salvage Ltd. We’ve been instrumental in helping Christchurch rebuild after the earthquakes, taking on big projects like the demolition of the Copthorne Hotel in the wake of the 2011 quakes.

I’ve always had a straightforward approach: if I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it. That’s how I’ve built my business and my reputation. I served as the President of the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association, which I see as a recognition of the work we've done in an industry that isn’t always easy but is always necessary.

I grew up in Rakaia, where my dad was an agricultural contractor, and I developed a love for harness racing from a young age. These days, I’m still actively involved in the sport, both as a competitor and alongside my brother Neil, who’s a harness trainer. I enjoy the competition, the thrill of the race, and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Since 2 March 2023, I’ve taken on a new challenge by joining the board of He Waka Tapu, a kaupapa Māori organisation committed to improving health and well-being in Christchurch. It’s been important for me to give back to the community that’s supported me for so long. At He Waka Tapu, we tackle issues like mental health, addiction, family violence, and community housing. We’ve even opened affordable housing projects in Wainoni, which is something I’m really proud of.

Dentist and Advocate for Community Health

Kia ora, I’m Dr. Zohnia K. McNeill, and I’ve spent most of my life in Christchurch, where I work as a General Dentist. After graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Otago, I’ve dedicated my career to providing kind, patient-focused care. I believe that ensuring my patients feel relaxed and cared for is just as important as the dental work itself, and this connection with people is one of the things I love most about my profession.

In 2021, I was fortunate to join the board of He Waka Tapu, where I’ve been able to contribute to our community's health and well-being. Being re-elected in 2024 was a privilege, and it allows me to continue supporting our work in areas such as mental health, addiction recovery, and family violence prevention. It’s an important role, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated team.

I’m also involved with Te Aranga Health at a governance level, reporting back to the He Waka Tapu board with updates and insights. In this capacity, I help oversee the progress of our health initiatives, ensuring we’re meeting the needs of our whānau. My role allows me to bridge the gap between clinical care and community health, which is something I’m very passionate about.

Through both my dental practice and my governance roles, I hope to keep making a positive impact in our community, supporting people’s overall health and creating lasting change for future generations.

Guiding Mental Health and Well-being with a Kaupapa Māori Approach

Kia ora, I’m Rachel Day-Brown, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Clinical Advisor at CASA (Clinical Advisory Services Aotearoa), where I support the CDS Team (Coronial Data Service) and Aoake te Rā teams. At CASA, I work alongside tangata (people) to help them navigate their journey towards resilience and healing. My mahi involves supporting those bereaved by suicide, offering guidance and therapeutic support as they find their way through grief.

In addition to my work at CASA, I’m privileged to be a board member at He Waka Tapu, where I’ve been able to contribute to shaping services that focus on mental health, addiction support, and whānau well-being. I have spent more than 25 years in the mental health sector, working in a variety of roles, including the Private, DHB, and Kaupapa Māori NGO sectors, and these experiences have shaped my commitment to culturally responsive care.

It’s my passion to empower and support whānau to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and I feel privileged to be part of organisations that are doing meaningful work in our communities.

Mauri ora!

Kia ora e te whanau, ko Kore Tombs toku ingoa. While my mahi involves numerous roles that synergise toward health equity for Māori, I am first and foremost Hauora-focused and Tipuna-led.

Some of my roles include working as a Māori Physiotherapist to support our amazing Kaimahi and Whaiora at Te Aranga, senior advocacy and policy roles within Physiotherapy NZ, post-graduate teaching and expertise in health policy, systems-thinking, health equity, transdisciplinary primary healthcare models, and clinical integration of mātauranga Māori, as well as numerous regional and national health equity-related initiatives and research projects.

I was most humbled and honoured to be welcomed onto the board at He Waka Tapu in December 2024. Since then, I have witnessed the values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Rangatiratanga, and Whakaakoako abound within this unique and most valuable organisation; values that I will strive to uphold and grow through service to our kaimahi, whaiora, and community.

Ko Beatrice toku ingoa, he uri nò Rongowhakaata me Te Aitanga-a-Mahakì.

I was raised in a tight knit Māori village in Gisborne, surrounded by Kaupapa Māori. I know what it is and what it means to be cared for and supported in a village. This knowing is what I bring to this space. I’ve worked in both governance and management, bridging the gap to support our people in a meaningful way – in both a Kaupapa Māori sense and in what is right.

I am honoured to be part of the He Waka Tapu governance board and look forward to continuing to bring a truly Māori perspective as part of good decision making.

I am Henrietta Carroll and I am delighted to be on the board of He Waka Tapu, having previously been employed in 2012-2015 as Office Manager. 

I have recently retired as General Manager, Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd an environmental consultancy business owned by the six Canterbury Papatipu Rūnanga.

Previous roles were as General Manager Rehua Marae and General Manager, Wairewa Rūnanga Inc.  I have a degree in Business Applied Management majoring in Human Resources. 

I have extensive Board experience spanning the last seven years;

2017 -2023  Wairewa Rūnanga representative, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Board and member of standing committees' Te Here and Te Rūnanga Audit and Risk.  

2017 - present Inaugural Chair (2017 - 2024) and current Director Tāwhaki (JV between Kaitorete Ltd & the Crown)

2023 - present Director, Whai Rawa Ltd, medium-long term investment/savings scheme set up by TRoNT to improve the wellbeing of NT whanau for members to access tertiary education, home ownership and retirement.

2022 - present Board member, Cholmondeley Childrens' Centre Trust, focussed on providing emergency and planned respite care for children in Canterbury. 

I want to utilise my experience and knowledge to empower Māori communities, women and whānau to participate in decision making that influences their future. I strongly believe in social justice for all. 

It is a privilege to serve on the board and to be part of an organization that stands for positive, lasting change in our communities. I look forward to continuing this mahi alongside my fellow board members and our dedicated kaimahi.