Member Council

Lynne has been an active member on the Mana Association for many years and is an IHC Life Member. Lynne's son Duncan born with Down Syndrome passed away in 2017. She is a Welfare Guardian and Property Administrator for two people with intellectual disabilities and holds Enduring Power of Attorney for another woman undergoing medical treatment. Lynne has been involved in many of IHC's Advocacy and rights based campaigns, advocating for both the individual and the systemic changes we need to make in community. Lynne's motto is: "think globally; act locally; respond personally" and spend time doing this with like-minded people.

Cassy is a full-time mum to three young children, including her daughter who has Down syndrome. Cassy trained as an Early Childhood teacher and has worked in home based education as a Regional Manager, supporting caregivers and teachers in children's learning and development.

She has travelled the world extensively and has visited most corners of the globe. Returning home to New Zealand, she opened and operated an espresso bar at Mount Maunganui. Cassy brings fresh ideas and perspective and is passionate about making a better life experience for all people with an intellectual disability.

From an adult education background, Denise has been involved in a number of initiatives to advance skills within the Health and Disability sector. 

She is an active member of the North Harbour Association and supports the management of the IHC opportunity shop in Birkenhead, Auckland.

Denise is committed to the ideals of IHC, supporting those we care about and is looking forward to having the opportunity of playing an active part in the promotion of better communication between IHC membership and the organisation.

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John’s involvement with IHC spans 45 years. He has a son, Matthew, who resides in Wellington with IDEA Services support. John is an enthusiastic advocate for vulnerable people as evidenced by his work on both the Hamilton and Wellington IHC Associations (previously known as Branch Committees) and 30-plus years assisting people in various ways as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Hamilton, Wellington, and currently the Hutt Valley.

John served as Treasurer of the Wellington Association for eight years and led the development of client services for the St Vincent de Paul Society in Wellington over a period of 16 years. Those services included a Special Works Programme for people with an intellectual disability that was developed in liaison with IHC and IDEA Services.

He views his position on the Member Council as an opportunity to assist in the development of Member/Association/Board communication and interaction for the benefit of IHC clients and families.

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Keith is a retired accountant who worked for the same firm for 52 years. 

He has been involved with the Matamata Area and Waikato South Association for over 45 years. During this time Keith has been an Association Chair and is currently the Waikato South Association Treasurer. 

Keith feels privileged to be part of this organisation and wants to make sure that people with intellectual disabilities will be looked after so they can lead satisfying lives in the community. 

Keith has an interest in becoming part of the Member Council to promote communication between the Association, Members and the Board.

Vicki has two children including her daughter who has Aperts Syndrome, which includes both intellectual and physical disabilities. Vicki is a barrister and solicitor specialising in public law, and has worked for a number of government departments.

She would like the government to take a more integrated approach to the disability sector. She would also like to see IHC have a broader reach within the community, particularly with families who have tamariki with an intellectual disability.