Board

Anna-lee Dewes

I have been on the BAIS board since 2010, as a board member, secretary and now chairperson. I have 2 children and I have been a Primary School Teacher on the Hibiscus Coast since 2009. I have a degree with majors in Psychology and Education, as well as a post graduate diploma in Primary Education.

Being a part of this organisation and its development has been a humbling journey for me. Our advocates often provide a lifeline for people in difficult circumstances who are unable to access their entitlements independently . There are so few agencies that specialise in this area and such a great need for this kind of support in our community. I have seen our advocates make such huge differences in the quality of the lives of vulnerable people and their families and I am grateful to be a part of this work.

The work our advocates do to feedback to government around policies in development is invaluable. I believe having the voices of the people these policies impact, heard at the level of policy development is so important and can make such a huge difference in the day to day lives of many New Zealanders.

As a teacher I have seen families struggle through the financial implications of things like unemployment, sudden health crises and separation. It is reassuring to know that we have his service available for them. I am part of this board because I see the real value of this service to our community and I am proud to lead our committed and knowledgeable board, in supporting the passionate staff of BAIS, in their running of this essential service.

Kate Flannery

Degree in Marketing Communication.
Full-time worker for a B2B company

I am a mother of two children, and I enjoy being outside and spending time with my family and friends. I joined the BAIS team several years ago and have enjoyed doing something that is beneficial to our community. It has been a real learning curve seeing how much people need help to manage the WINZ system. Seeing the BAIS team in action makes me appreciate that a service like this is available to anyone, these ladies are so skilled and knowledgeable. It is a wonderful team to be a part of.

Veronica Kennedy

Employed in a senior role for a firmly established importing company based on the North Shore
My primary role is management of financial accountability and logistics. I have been in this role for 12 years
My work history has always been in office management and accounting, the training that I have had has ensured that I have developed the skills required for my current position

Originally from the North Shore I have always enjoyed the community in which I live. I have raised three children, the last of which is in her final year at college. I believe we have the luxury of living in such a wonderful country and am an avid supporter of our natural resources and environment. I have also had to meet the needs of raising a family and know that now more than ever the financial challenge of this is very hard on our families. I have been an active member on the BAIS board for the past four years. This role constantly reminds me of how important community is and that those without a voice at times need help.

Linda Holden

Qualified nurse originally based in Wellington and Lower Hutt
Moved to UK where I was co-owner of a successful IT business, after 7 years the business was sold, and I bought my family back to New Zealand to re-established on the Hibiscus Coast
Served on both Plunket committee and Kindergarten committee
Retired and active in voluntary services in the community.

I feel that this is such a valuable service and wanted to do more to ensure that this would be available to those who could least afford it. From the personal experience of being widowed at age 32 with 3 children to raise, I did not have the access to this type of service. I believe that had this type of service been available to me at the time that my process would not have been so difficult. I have referred clients to BAIS and have seen what a difference their service makes in times of high stress. With this in mind I have chosen to support BAIS and my wider community on the board. Offering both my life skills and business skills.

Fern Wendt-Corfe

• Qualified Early Childhood Teacher with over 20 years experience within the sector.

• Homeschooling parent and actively involved in the homeschooling community on the Hibiscus Coast.

• Facilitate and run a Steiner inspired homeschool group, weekly in the local community.

• On the parent committee for our local Steiner Playgroup with my role being to oversee funding applications and general interactions with the Ministry of Education.

• Mentor and support worker for local families who need additional support with life skills etc.

• I am passionate about Environmental Issues, Human Rights and speaking up for those who cannot do so themselves.

The service that BAIS provides is incredibly valuable to our community. All members of our community need a voice, especially when in times of high stress.I am really proud to support the amazing work BAIS do and have been on the board for the last six years.

Daryl Gove

Full-time therapist (12 years) and therapy tutor (9 years)
Specialise in hypnotherapy for chronic health conditions
Supervisor and mentor to professional therapists
Professional speaker
Board member for around 10 years

Life can be so difficult. When people are going through personal issues and hard times, even getting out of bed can be a struggle. I’ve been there myself and seen so many people have their life turned upside down and require assistance from the state.

The processes can be very overwhelming, and perhaps not always with equal outcomes. This is where BAIS comes in as a godsend to the people they help. I am on the board of BAIS to be a support to this fantastic organisation, that never ceases to amaze me with the amazing and extremely vital work that they do.

Sonia Cope

Bachelor of Social Work
I am currently working voluntary for St John and Whangaparaoa Baptist Church.
Previously I have held roles in community mental health, a care and protection social worker, support worker/coordinator for Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren and family worker with Coast Families Trust based in a primary school.

I am part of a family of six, our four boys are aged between 17 and 23 years of age. I have lived on the Hibiscus Coast for most of my life and enjoy being part of this great community. I became aware of BAIS while carrying out my role as support worker for HBC Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren. I saw the positive impact that the BAIS team had on the grandparents and their families offering invaluable knowledge and support that made a tangible difference. Work and Income can be an intimidating place to visit, with the knowledge and skill of the BAIS team it can ease the client’s anxiety and apprehension. BAIS are an invaluable part of our community and are a wonderful team of dedicated women.