Tēnā koutou e te whānau. My name is Chris Herrick and I am the Area Connector for Motueka Districts Neighbourhood Support, which is part of Top of the South Neighbourhood Support. I am based in Motueka with office space in the Motueka Community House. My position is part time and for 15 hours per week. I work on a Tuesday and Wednesday. My background is in Education for 40 plus years, having just retired as the principal of a primary school in Stoke. I have worked in various parts of the country as a primary school teacher, a YMCA recreation officer, in management in the hospitality industry, and more lately a primary school principal. I have lived in Motueka for 12 years, commuting to Stoke daily until my retirement in 2021. I have two young adult sons, one of whom lives in Motueka while the other is in Christchurch. I am a single parent of the family dog! I am also involved in the Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust as a Trust Board member and a volunteer driver of the Coastal Bus. I am also a volunteer patroller with the Motueka Community Patrol. Needless to say, I have a passion for Education and in particular the needs and aspirations of students with divergent learning needs. I also know that ‘attendance matters’ and I recognise this as a challenge for some families and whanau. I understand the importance of belonging to a family/whanau structure and to be connected to a safe and resilient community/neighbourhood. I was a volunteer with the Motueka Districts Neighbourhood Support prior to its amalgamation with Top of the South Neighbourhood Support. I am looking forward to working within the Motueka community, supporting the mahi of Neighbourhood Support in the district and engaging with the needs of individuals and groups. I always try to be ‘solution focused’ and look at each challenge as an opportunity. I look forward to meeting YOU.

Nathan knows how important it is for people to feel that they belong in their community.  His successful career in NZ & Australia in hospitality, events and retail management was built on a foundation of being able to make people feel welcome and listened to.  This is something he has brought to his voluntary roles as a founding member of Youthline Wairau, as an LGBTQI+ facilitator at Marlborough Youth Trust and on the board of Volunteer Marlborough.  Nathan has lived in Christchurch and Melbourne, but calls Blenheim home.  He works as the Marlborough Coordinator-Manager for Citizens Advice Bureau, while also studying politics and international relations full time through Massey University. 

Jason is videographer, photographer and film maker. He's a visual storyteller, recording the ways people across the region enjoy their neighbourhood and connect with one another and the environment in community. A graduate of Nelson College, Jason has leant his technical skills in support of local not-for-profits and sports teams.