Te hāro o te kāhu | Board of Trustees

Anne Bateman | Chair

I am originally from the United States, but my family has strong ancestral links back to Italy and Poland. I was born and raised in New York, where many of my relatives still live. I also spent many years in South Florida, before coming to New Zealand 10 years ago. I am proud to call New Zealand home now, and each of the other areas hold a part of my heart. 

I believe in doing good work for the world, having a positive impact on society and being able to have some fun along the way. In the past, I’ve worked in government, funding and leadership roles in mental health and addiction organisations. I now run my own consulting firm, specialising in NGO and government organisational and system development. I’m fortunate to meet amazing and passionate people every day from all areas of New Zealand (and a few other countries!). 

I am so pleased to be a part of a bright star like Changing Minds. It is an organisation that is rapidly growing and developing with so many people committed to making the world a better place. 

Jess Thorne | Treasurer

I am currently an assistant manager for a chartered accountancy firm in the Auckland CBD. Through my current employment I have had the opportunity to assist several not-for-profit organisations with their day to day accounting needs and strategic objectives. Being a part of the Changing Minds Board has allowed me to apply my finance skills to make a real difference to the community.

Lawrence Storey | Trustee

My ancestors are from the United Kingdom and Australia, and I myself immigrated to New Zealand from England at the age of three. I settled in Wellington with my parents and older sister in 1987, where I attended school and university. More recently I have been based in Melbourne and Auckland where I have worked in broader strategic roles across major event, entertainment and tourism sectors.

My support network of friends, families and professionals has enabled me to successfully navigate many challenging situations throughout my life. As a result, I am passionate about ensuring that all sections of society have access to the support networks they require to assist them in negotiating their own challenges. More broadly, I am committed to breaking down the stigma around to mental illness and addiction, and keeping the conversation going.

Adrienne Kenney | Trustee

Tēnā koutou katoa, 

Ko Granate te maunga 

Ko Colorado te awa 

Ko Comanche rātou ko Cherokee ko Blackfoot ngā iwi 

Nō America ahau 

Ko Joshua tōku hoa rangatira  

Ko Indigo rātou ko Jade ko Rain ko Sky aku tamāhine  

Ko River taku tama 

Ko Adrienne Kenney tōku ingoa 

Tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. 

Much of Adrienne’s career has been geared towards formulating and executing strategic direction to advance an organization's vision while focusing on overall community outcomes. Above all, She believes that we work within and for our community and its people.

Originally from Texas, Adrienne has held a number of senior management positions throughout the U.S. and NZ over the past twenty years. She’s currently CEO and Director of SSL Consulting, a nationwide organisation in project management, design, architecture, and asset management. Prior to SSL, Adrienne was CEO for the Ngati Koata Trust, where she led a team to grow its capital and implement several social initiatives. Adrienne’s past experiences as a Healthcare Regulatory Consultant, a President of a Non-Profit education organisation, VP for healthcare provider, among others, has shaped her passion for governance.

Adrienne is excited to be a part of Changing Minds, as she truly believes in its core values and the positive difference it's making.

Jason Haitana | Trustee

Kia ora tātou,

Ko Ruapehu te maunga

Ko Tongariro te potae

Ko Whanganui te awa

Ko au te awa ko te awa ko au

Greetings, I am Jason Haitana and I affiliate with Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Whangānui, though I live in the pito o te Kaipara at Topuni in the North. I have fourteen years experience working in mental and health and addictions, and have worked in a number of District Health Boards, as well as the four northern ones. I am passionate about writing and hearing the stories of people, and bring with me a wealth of aroha and tika, into all things I do.

Johnny Kumitau | Trustee

Johnny is the Manager/ LEVEKI of Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau (Northland Pacific Island charitable Trust), and has extensive governance experience in Māori / Pasifika and Government organisations. He has worked in private education and is formerly Operations Manager for Rubicon Co-Existing Youth Services. He has extensive experience in working with Māori and Pacific youth and adults, and in recent years has focussed on early intervention, prevention and community building. He is based in Northland and is originally from Niue.

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