NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT - Key Persons
Geoff's home overlooks one of the most beautiful parts of Te Tau Ihu, but along with the amazing view, is the threat of being cut-off in adverse weather or after an earthquake. He knows that if something bad does happen, he and his neighbours will probably be the first responders offering to help those around him.
Geoff's long and successful career in insurance taught him how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
He has worked for and volunteered at a number of not-for-profit organisations, including as the Executive Officer of Cycling NZ/BikeNZ Inc. He serves the community as a Justice of the Peace and is a former member of the Motueka District Neighbourhood Support Society.
Katy's qualifications and career in sustainable development and environmental science showed her the importance of strong communities.
She remains passionate about ensuring we recognise and value the important role neighbours play in providing connections that build community.
Katy has lived in Nelson for over 20 years, and in that time, she has volunteered on several nott-for-profit boards including as chairperson of Adult Learning Support. She has worked at Volunteer Nelson and the Nelson Environment Centre.
Her management experience includes three years leading Neighbourhood Support Nelson and then through the formation of Top of the South Neighbourhood Support.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Founding Chair of the Top of the South Neighbourhood Support Board
Lys is the founding Chair of the Top of the South Neighbourhood Support Board and previously served on the Neighbourhood Support Nelson Committee.
Having moved from the UK to Nelson in 2003, she continued her successful career as an educational consultant travelling between the UK, USA and NZ until 2013.
Lysbeth uses her strengths in assessment, evaluation & moderation to make sure that our strategies are outcome focussed & measurable.
She has volunteered at local schools, with Adult Learning Support and on the board of Nelson Taoist Tai Chi Society.
Lys knows the value that connected neighbourhoods can make to the lives of children, families and to new migrants.
As a Canadian that moved to New Zealand in 2009, Meg knows that getting to know your neighbours and making connections is incredibly important. So much so, that over a decade later, it played strongly in her decision to join the Board of Top of the South Neighbourhood Support.
Meg lives in Blenheim with her husband and is the proud mum of two teenagers and assorted pets. She is the Manager of Volunteer Marlborough and holds qualifications in legal assistance and information management.
Volunteering and community involvement has always been important to Meg. She's volunteered with Girl Guiding, Victim Support, on school PTAs and charity street appeals. She believes in the value that volunteers bring to Top of the South Neighbourhood Support.
Years living on the remote West Coast have shown Peter how important being connected to your community is, not just when trouble strikes.
He lives in Motueka, where he previously served on the Motueka Districts Neighbourhood Support Society board.
Peter has spent most of his working life in management roles on the West Coast and in Tasman, including 17 years at Nelson Pine Industries.
He brings his expertise in management policy and procedure development & risk management to the Top of the South Neighbourhood Support board.
Peter is keen to see the spirit of community and connectedness maintained and grown across the entire Top of the South Island.