Maree

Manager

Maree has worked in the NZ social sector since the 90s, as a manager, lead advisor, account manager & more, for community based providers, and central government agencies.

She loves the way communities can often solve social challenges without bureaucracy and mountains of paperwork. 

With family ties to the region that date back to the 1860s, she says that moving here with her husband and teenagers in 2020 felt like coming home. 

Maree has volunteered with Victim Support, is on the governance committee of the Nelson Women's Centre and is a lifelong supporter of the Black Caps. 

Charlotte

Marlborough Area Coordinator

As a former teaching principal in rural NZ schools, Charlotte knows the value of a well-connected community.

Since moving from the UK over 20 years ago, Charlotte has worked & volunteered her time in many Marlborough initiatives. She's a founder of the Women's Art Initiative Marlborough and supported new migrants through her work at English Language Partners and on the Refugee Resettlement Steering Committee. 

She's worked for Marlborough District Council supporting recovery from flood events and is trained in civil defence emergency management. 

Aniquah

Nelson & Waimea Area Coordinator

Passionate about people & the environments they live in, you may recognise Aniquah from one of the many Nelson groups that she belongs to.

Originally from South Africa, she lived in Australia before finding her place in Atawhai. 

She helps people to celebrate the beauty & potential in the abundant region we live in. She's also worked closely with Multicultural Nelson Tasman celebrating diversity and cultural connections.
She's our expert on the Gets Ready tool , a great online facilitator and has supported many locals to deliver successful events and projects. 

Marrit

Nelson & Waimea Area Coordinator

Marrit thrives on community connection. She's one of those magic people who creates a welcoming environment for people to talk, laugh & share.

Born in Holland, she moved to NZ over 20 years ago. She and her family are avid outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying all of the tramping, cycling, fishing, boating, boarding and adventuring that our amazing region offers. 

She's the founder of Tidy Tulip, a successful local professional organiser service. 

She has worked for Age Concern & Somerset Village, organising activities & events in Nelson and Tasman. 

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Becks

Communications

Becks is our newsletter wrangler, social media guru and event planning whiz. 

Originally from Wellington, she made the great move across the Cook Strait over 20 years ago. 

Since then, she's contributed her skills as a Youth and Event Coordinator for Nelson City Church, volunteered at World Vision, Nelson Christian Academy, Scripture Union NZ and the NZ Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

She's a fierce advocate and knows how important it is for people to share purpose and a sense of belonging.

Barbara

Motueka & Districts Area Coordinator

Barbara joined Top of the South Neighbourhood Support after being the local coordinator for Motueka Districts Neighbourhood Support Society. 

She's well known in the area for her work welcoming local members and supporting street groups. She's very popular at the Motueka Police Station where she regularly brings in home-cooked treats on her shifts. 

She's a champion of rural communities, and knows how important it is for neighbours to look out for one another, especially when their letterboxes can be a couple of km's apart. 

Suzanne

Tapawera Area Coordinator

Suzzi is a community champion, volunteering her time in Tapawera as a first responder with civil defence emergency management, volunteer firefighter, at the Tapawera Op Shop, Tapawera Foodbank and most recently with the Tapawera COVID response. 

She rallies to support community members when they need an extra hand. Suzzi believes that everyone in Tapawera has an important part in strengthening the area, and keeping connected. 

Jason

Visual Content Creator

Jason is our extremely talented 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.