Victim Support
Free, nationwide support for people affected by crime, suicide and traumatic events.
We are here for you, 24/7.
Our patron: 2010 - present
Since Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support's establishment in 1986, we have had the privilege of working with renowned patrons Dame Anne Ballin, Dame Augusta Wallace, Sir Howard Morrison, and our current patron, internationally acclaimed soprano and opera star Dame Malvina Major.
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The Board sets the strategic vision for Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support and oversees finances, service delivery, culture and values.
Reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our Board includes two dedicated Māori representatives alongside six general representatives and one co-opted position. Our chair is elected from with this governing group.
Rob first became involved with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support in Auckland as a police inspector when he was appointed liaison officer with the Local Group Committee for the area.
He is the current Chair of that group and joined the Board in 2014. Rob spent the majority of the 35 years working with New Zealand Police in its Criminal Investigation Bureau.
On his retirement from the Police, he worked in internal audit and risk and assurance groups in the Department of Labour and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Darren Rewi is a Māori Kaumatua based in Tahuna, Queenstown. He is the founder of Mana Tahuna, a Charitable Trust, and the Director of Take Tuia.
Darren Rewi has supported early childcare centers, primary schools and colleges, libraries and many community groups through telling of local Māori history and legends (purakau) and supporting them to understand Te Ao Māori (The Māori World) so they themselves can support their own communities.
Richard first became involved with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support in 1991 as a Police Liaison Officer. Since then, he has remained actively involved with us, as a police officer in community-focused activities and in numerous roles within Local Group Committees.
He is a trained volunteer Support Worker and has previously provided support as a relieving Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support Service Coordinator.
Richard is a member of two Local Group Committees and has been a member of the national Board since 2010.
Michael has been involved with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support since 1998, starting out as a volunteer Support Worker. He joined the Board in 2011. He is also a member of the Greater Wellington Regional Committee.
He is an authorised Financial Advisor with qualifications in personal financial planning and risk management.
Michael brings considerable financial and governance experience to the Board as the Director of Stratus Financial Services, Stratus General Insurance and Wealth Strategies.
No te Tairawhiti me Ngati Maniapoto ona Iwi.
Ko Harley aka Michael Thompson tona ingoa.
Harley is the founder and Director of Kaharawa Limited, and the creator of the KAHA® transformative engagement model.
He has over 35 years experience in the social service and education sectors, is a registered Social Worker with an Adult Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Social Work and Masters in Māori and Indigenous leadership from the University of Canterbury, and he is currently undertaking doctoral studies.
He believes manaakitangata underpins building a sense of community. Mana commonly is referred to as prestige, aki is similar to awhi which is to support – So manaaki is to support the prestige of someone else.
His life learnings have culminated in developing transformational change programmes for whānau,community and professionals.
He is honoured to be able to bring his skill to Manaaki Tāngata on the board as the Te Ika a Maui – North Island Māori Representative.
Gwen has been involved with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support as a volunteer Support Worker since 1998 and is an active member of the Invercargill and Districts Local Group Committee, joining the Board in 2013.
Gwen has a strong background working in the arts, cultural, health and education sectors and in 2001 was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the arts and community.
She brings a wealth of experience to the Board through roles as Director of Sister Cities New Zealand and Member Venture Southland Trust, Board member for Southland Museum and Art Gallery, Chairperson Toi Rakiura Arts Trust (Stewart Island), and member of Southland District Council’s International Relations Committee.
Nicky’s involvement with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support started as a volunteer Support Worker in 1989 before undertaking training to become a Service Coordinator. She is the current Chair of the Napier Local Group Committee and joined the Board in 2016.
Passionate about helping others, Nicky brings a diverse range of skills to the Board, drawing on her long history with the organisation and expertise in human resource management.
In 1991 Rosalind joined the Nelson Local Group Committee as Secretary. On moving to Napier she trained as a volunteer in 1994 and joined the Gisborne LGC in 1996. After moving to Christchurch, Rosalind became Chair in 2006 until present, as well as being part of Invercargill LGC after moving to Invercargill in 2014.
Rosalind's strengths include a deep understanding of Victim Support – the values, the work undertaken, and organisational history. She has championed the organisation, developing and growing, especially at a local governance level.
Nationwide, our diverse frontline teams of staff and volunteers are the beating heart of our mission.
Favourite value: Whanaungatanga
I am fortunate that our Northland team that I lead are not only colleagues we are whānau. We care about each other not just as individuals, we acknowledge that we have a village behind us. Whanaungatanga is our base, providing us the foundation to stand together to face the challenges that our role can bring on a daily basis.
I have been with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support for 16 years, starting as a volunteer then becoming a Service Coordinator, and now District Manager. I'm proud to say our team in Northland stands true to all of Victim Support's values.
Favourite value: Kaitiakitanga
Representing Victim Support, I commit to uphold safety, wellbeing and the rights of those we support.
I have been working with victims of crime and traumatic events for over 28 years through my careers in Policing, Family Harm Advocacy and now as District Manager, Service delivery. It is my goal and passion to ensure victims of crime are heard, represented and supported in the best way possible that is culturally appropriate and inclusive to all.
It is imperative that my team in Auckland are equipped with training, resources and support to enable them to carry out this challenging mahi whilst remaining safe and well-grounded with a good work/home life balance.
Favourite value: Whanaungatanga
It is the connections to each other that weaves the cloak that enables positive relationships and outcomes. This is what helps us to support our clients and work together in our organisation. Knowing more about a person enables us to find the best way to work together. Asking about their experiences and knowing their world will impact all the other values within Manaaki Tānaga | Victim Support.
Having worked for our organisation in various roles, including volunteering, support work, and service co-ordination since 2019, I’ve been honoured to get to know the many people who have worked to support communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s also been a privilege to be a part of the victim’s experience as they are empowered to move forward in their journey.
Favourite value: Whanaungatanga
As District Manager covering the Waikato and Bay of Plenty team, whanaungatanga resonates strongly for me. Our relationships and connections to each other are of utmost importance. That we have individual strengths, that we are part of our local team and that we are part of a larger team who develops positive relationships both internally and externally. This makes the support we offer compassionate, genuine and always meaningful for me.
Favourite value: Manaakitanga
It is important people feel supported, respected and valued. I am privileged to work in a team where the culture embodies genuine care, wellbeing, and people’s mana is respected.
Practicing manaakitanga creates a welcoming and inclusive environment and as we keep this core value at the forefront of our minds, we are able to provide genuine support, empathy, and effective care for victims - and also for each other.
Having worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years, both in volunteer and paid roles, I know by embodying manaakitanga, we contribute to a more harmonious and supportive community.
Favourite value: Manaakitanga
Growing up in our Māori community, manaaki was the core value. It involved contributing to the prestige of the marae by practising manaaki and enhancing an individual's mana through unwavering respect and uplifting mana-enhancing interactions. People were acknowledged for their ability to exemplify manaaki, aligning seamlessly with the essence of our workplace: Manaaki tāngata – caring for people.
This value holds immense significance, benefiting both victims and our colleagues. Manaaki fosters respect and trust, vital in our work.
After a long career in the Police and a commitment to helping others, coupled with a background in Whānau Ora, supporting Māori whānau growth, I joined Victim Support, driven by an enduring dedication to bettering lives.
Favourite value: Kotahitanga
My favorite value is kotahitanga, and I really value it for several important reasons. Kotahitanga represents important ideas like coming together, inclusiveness, and having a shared goal. It's like a guiding star for our organisation as we all work together for a common purpose. We're committed to helping people when they need it most. This commitment to our common goal is something I deeply connect with because I feel fortunate to be part of our organisation's purpose. It's a chance for me to make a meaningful and positive difference in our communities.
Guiding our mission with unwavering dedication, the Senior Leadership Team at Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support is a dynamic blend of experience and passion.
Their commitment ensures we not only meet the needs of today but are also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring we're empowered to make a lasting impact while always prioritising the wellbeing of victims.
Favourite value: Manaakitanga
As well as being at the very heart of our kaupapa, manaakitanga is about how we care for each other. It's about the wellbeing of our community, engaging with one another and maintaining strong relationships. For me, it’s essential: We simply cannot do what we do as a team without a deep care for our colleagues. When we put our wellbeing first, everything else just gets easier.
As CE, I want us to grow our reach so that every victim of crime, traumatic events and suicide can receive our support. But also in a way that upholds the mana and wellbeing of our amazing team. This is what I believe leadership is about, and why it is such a privilege to hold this role. It's something I never take lightly, and why I love working in this sector so much.
Favourite value: Rangatiratanga
Our organisational value rangatiratanga deeply resonates with me, both personally and professionally.
In my role, I am continually inspired by the strength and leadership shown by those we support as they navigate their paths towards healing and empowerment. Rangatiratanga is reflected in our commitment to uphold the mana of individuals and acknowledge their ownership over their own journey. It drives our approach to service, ensuring we provide tools for self-management and returning the control to those who have faced life’s most challenging moments.
It is a privilege to be part of a team that facilitates such an important process, and I see my role as a steward of this value, fostering an environment where every individual's inner rangatira can flourish.
Favourite value: Kaitiakitanga
Guardianship and responsibility – representing our commitment to uphold the safety, wellbeing and rights of those we support.
My role is to 1) bring an evidence-based victim-centric lens to our work at Victim Support and 2) ensure that politicians, stakeholders and society understand why victims’ needs matter and therefore why Victim Support matters. I’m passionate about seeing kaitiakitanga lived out by everyone in society because we can all make a difference to people affected by crime, suicide and traumatic events.
I have a long association with Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support, including in policy and communications roles, training, and as a volunteer Support Worker. This work inspired my PhD in psychology on the impact of sudden death on Victim Support Workers, Police, and bereaved survivors. My recent research has focused on victims’ experiences in the justice system and experiences of victim blaming.
Favourite value: Whanaungatanga
Whanaungatanga resonates with me because the work we do is based on a foundation of connections and relationships. These connections with people are what drives me in my role, whether it is with colleagues, clients or in my personal life. Like a whānau woven together by our shared experiences – for me it is what gives life meaning and what it is to be human.
Over my career at Victim support I have seen the power of shared experiences and human connections heal some of the deepest trauma and loss.
Favourite value: Kotahitanga
Unity, togetherness, and collective action.
It’s something I’m passionate about in my personal and professional life: creating a community to achieve goals.
It’s particularly relevant in this role, where I’m tasked with raising awareness of our mahi and building relationships with our wonderful donors to generate change and create action.
With over a decade of experience in fundraising and marketing, with roles spanning New Zealand and Australia, keeping kotahitanga at the centre of my work gives me the opportunity to contribute to our shared goal of creating a more compassionate and resilient community.
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Favourite value: Whanaungatanga
Connections between people cannot be severed.
A core value of mine is connection. It’s remarkable how shared experiences can bring people together in the most powerful way.
It makes me incredibly proud when I reflect on the mahi our team undertakes, and how we do it. The unique contributions of staff and volunteers sum to the collective impact we at Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support make in the lives of our clients and communities.
In my role, I oversee the finance and reporting functions of our organisation. I have the privilege of working closely with our teams across Victim Support, ensuring they have the resources and reporting they need.
By providing clear, accurate, and reliable reporting to our people and stakeholders, I can assure that, together, we are making a difference and utilising our resources appropriately as one team.
Favourite value: Kotahitanga
The binding force of a shared mission, and the power of collective effort.
With over a decade of experience introducing tech solutions to address the unique challenges of non-profits in Aotearoa, I’ve seen the benefits of a "one team, one mission" approach again and again. It's not just about the technology, but how it fosters kotahitanga, ensures our organisation stays interconnected, amplifies our collective impact and helps us towards our shared aspirations to help more people!
Favourite value: Whanaungatanga
Connections between people cannot be severed.
Everything I set out to achieve (and everything that Victim Support is all about) links to relationships and people. My role is to build relationships that allow Victim Support to grow and ensure we can support everyone who needs us. This is about long-term partnerships, funding and growth.
My legal background, relationships across the Justice Sector and beyond, and my ability to build strong relationships ensures that I am having the conversations that are needed so victims receive support during their journey.
Historically, LGCs were responsible for securing local funds to run local operations.
Since Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support became a national organisation in 2004, LGCs have continued to promote the organisation and victims' interests in 19 committees across 6 regions.
Our governing Board of 9 includes regional representatives from these committees and 2 Māori representatives from the North and South Islands.
LGC members are our kaitiaki - advocates and guardians, upholding our values.
