Strengthening neighbourhoods, connecting communities
Meet The Team
Helen
Manager
A born and bred Nelsonian, Helen has worked in the Health sector and more latterly the Community sector over the last 30 years. She is very keen to continue strengthening neighbourhoods across Te Tau Ihu and building networks to ensure our communities are more resilient and connected. Having been a long term Trustee of Age Concern Nelson Tasman and also a Board member of Brain Injury Nelson, she has insight into the specific needs of older people in our region and those with different abilities. Helen has worked with many diverse cultures that now call Te tau ihu home and she is keen for younger members of our community to have a voice and be active participants in shaping our communities.
Nathan
Marlborough Area Coordinator
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.
Jenny
Nelson & Waimea
Area Coordinator
Jenny feels privileged to serve as the Connector for Neighbourhood Support in the Nelson and Richmond communities, bridging the gap between residents, resources, and opportunities across our beautiful region. With deep roots in both Nelson and Richmond, having lived here for over 30 years, Jenny brings a wealth of local knowledge and a great connection to our region. Her career journey to date has been marked by a diverse range of professional and voluntary experiences, and it's a passion for community engagement that truly drives her. As your Community Connector, her mission is simple: to foster strong bonds among neighbours, facilitate access to essential resources, and create opportunities for growth and collaboration. Friendly, enthusiastic, and always eager to lend a helping hand, Jenny is excited to meet you and assist neighbourhood groups in cultivating meaningful connections. Together, let's build a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to embrace whatever life throws our way!
Katie is very passionate about the wellbeing of the environment and people. She grew up in the region and has a deep connection to Te Tauihu, Top of the South and its beautiful outdoors. She studied in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, gaining her Masters in Geography where she developed knowledge on the importance of community connections, wellbeing, resilience and sustainability. In her spare time she loves surfing, river swims and she also teaches yoga. Katie is keen to work with you and the rest of the community to help Motueka and neighbouring areas continue to be a safe, connected, resilient, and a wonderful place to reside. Katie is based out of the Community House in Motueka on Tuesdays or the Richmond police station on Mondays and Wednesdays, please feel free to pop in and say hi.