Member Council

As a parent Anne is dedicated to ensuring her younger son is a valued member of his community accessing full rights of citizenship. She has served on the IHC Board for six years and as Association Chair and member for several years.

Currently Anne is Transparency International New Zealand’s Public Sector Integrity Manager promoting transparency, integrity, accountability, ethics and good governance through the New Zealand public sector.

She is keen for the Member Council to effectively represent the collective voice of families and members. Therefore ensuring IHC remains the leading advocate for the rights and wellbeing of people with an intellectual disability.

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.

Cherie lives and works in Dunedin. She trained and commenced her career as a Registered Nurse, but has spent much of it in leadership roles in the health before moving to the tertiary education sector.

Cherie is committed to advocating and supporting the rights of people living with disabilities. Her doctorate explored sustainable business models in order to create accessible adventure for all people, no matter their level of ability. She has also contributed to disability at a local governance level on the Family Network and for Conductive Education. Cherie has two children, one of which has high and complex needs.

Janet is a secondary teacher and the sole caregiver of her son who has Down syndrome. Her long involvement with IHC with the Mana and Tauranga Associations has also included representing New Zealand at international Down Syndrome conferences in Sydney and Darwin. She is passionate about connecting families and their young people with an intellectual disability to IHC to help ensure IHC remains a collective advocate for their rights.

Kay has strong connections to many groups and individuals in the North Canterbury community. As the mother of a young man with an intellectual disability, she brings a parent perspective to the Member Council. Kay has a strong desire to be part of progressive change and to help bridge the gap between members and the organisation.

Mark is a parent and has worked in the disability sector for many years primarily as Chair and Trustee of Rett NZ Charitable Trust.

He also works on the Committee of Management for Wilson Home Foundation which provide grants, respite and rehabilitation for disabled children. Mark has worked in the public and private sector as a Trustee and Director in governance positions working with government and industry organisations.

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.