About | PlanConnectDo

THE WHY

During both my employment and volunteering roles in the sport and recreation, education and local government sectors, it never ceased to amaze me how many skilled and knowledgeable people there are willing to share what they have learnt along the way to help others.

While it was always exciting to hear new innovative ideas and strategies, I felt on numerous occasions that we were then left to our own devices to find the time, and resources to implement these ideas. So it either did not happen or was not successful.

For me there is a clear gap from sharing this wonderful knowledge, to actually providing hands on in depth support to make it happen, and providing ongoing monitoring to review progress to see if it is all still on track.

There is too much of "this is what you need to do", and not enough of "this is what you need to do, and I can help you achieve it" from community projects to improving organisational performance.

On top of this, the behind the scenes work does not always have the same focus as the deliverables, especially as it is not always the fun things to do.

To be strong, resilient and successful we need

* To engage properly to get true feedback to inform decision making.

* To provide an environment that is positive and safe.

* People need to be well supported, feel valued and have the opportunities to develop their skills.

* Efficient systems and processes in place to reduce organisational risk and set clear expectations for our people to make their roles easy.

This is my why.

BACKGROUND

I have held many senior leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer for Surf Lifesaving Bay of Plenty; Sport Manager at Sport Bay of Plenty; Team Leader; Sport, and Recreation & Community Facilities at Tauranga City Council, and I am currently supporting the Tauranga Art Gallery as the Business Development Manager.

Alongside my professional career, I have also been volunteering for over 20 years in governance roles in education, sport and community not-for-profit organisations and continue to be actively involved today.

These range from Tauranga Girls' College, Upper Central Zone Rugby League NZRL, Blind Sport NZ and I am currently an Independent Director on the Board of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and Chairperson of the Brain Injured Children's Trust, whilst spending some spare time helping Girl Guide NZ leaders in the Bay of Plenty.

As a lifelong learner I continually to keep up to date with best practice and trends, and carry out my own research on specific topics. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Sport Management, Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management and a NEBOSH Certificate in Health and Safety among a few other qualifications. I am also a member of the Institute of Directors and Human Resource Institute of New Zealand.

What do I like to do in my spare time? That's easy!

Spending time with family, friends and our two dogs whether it is going to the beach, BBQ's, hiking, or competing against each other in cards or a board game, it is all great fun. I also enjoy the challenge of multi-day tramps where I can push the mind and body and have a wow factor along the way - such a good way to clear the mind and appreciate what we have here in New Zealand.