We are so excited to introduce you to some very special people at One Mother to Another. Their collective wisdom and experience is immense and we are beyond privileged to have them and their experience at the help! Scroll down to read about our Staff, Patron and Board

Joy helped start One Mother to Another in May 2016. She is now the Executive Officer of the charity, with a big passion for helping whānau in hospital and seeing the charity’s influence and reach grow. She is a journalist by trade with 20+ years in the industry – formerly TVNZ’s Europe Correspondent. She is also a mother of three and knows firsthand how vulnerable and frightening it is to be a parent of a sick child in hospital.

Natalie found out about One Mother to Another through the amazing EATS cookbook. Humbled by the work being done, she initially joined as a volunteer and now oversees operations and projects at One Mother to Another.  Natalie has a background working in the NGO sector and has spent a decade working both here and abroad in fundraising, events and project coordination. Natalie has two children and loves being able to support the amazing work of One Mother to Another.

After Catherine’s son had a stay in NICU and her daughter a stay in the CAA Unit she knew she needed to do more for those parents that found themselves in those same positions. Catherine volunteered with One Mother to Another for 2 years by attending packing days, writing notes and crocheting hearts and has now joined the team to help with administration tasks and coordinating our volunteers. Catherine has 10 years experience working within the retail sector as an administrator on multiple levels. She is passionate about the work of One Mother to Another and about expanding its reach to help even more families.

Zoe found out about One Mother to Another in 2022 after receiving a pack when in Children’s High Care with her then 6 month old son who was in surgery removing his brain tumour. She still remembers how it was the most amazing blessing to receive the care pack at such a difficult time. Zoe began volunteering in 2023 packing the care packs as well as writing the hand written notes and at the end of 2023 joined the team as the Grants Coordinator. Zoe is a mum of three and has a strong passion for all of the inspiring work One Mother to Another does for many families in their most vulnerable times.

Sheena discovered One Mother to Another when she spent time in the Christchurch NICU with her firstborn. After experiencing firsthand the impact of One Mother to Another, she had been eager to use her skills to benefit support families going through a similar situation.  Sheena came on board as the One Mother to Another Grants Coordinator in mid 2024, and has a background in Marketing, Communications, Administration, Grants and Events, with a bit of design thrown in!  She currently lives in Tasman with her husband and two young boys (aged 3 and 5).

Geoff is One Mother to Another’s finance officer.  Together with Joy, they lead One Mother to Another.  All three of their children have spent time in hospital which is the driving force behind their passion to see it support others in that situation.

Fiona is the note-writing co-ordinator, organising the team of note-writers to handwrite thousands of notes each year to go in the care packages.  She is a grandmother and her three grandchildren have spent time in hospital. 

Former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae

Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, the former Governor-General, came on board as our patron in 2020. A distinguished leader, Sir Jerry Mateparae is also a father and a koro who has also experienced having a child in hospital.

Sometimes the simplest gestures of kindness can be the most effective. I believe One Mother to Another encompasses the Māori saying “Aroha atu, Aroha mai – Love given, Love returned”.

Sir Jerry Mateparae

Accounting firm partner, Mother, Grandmother

Jane brings a wealth of business and governance nous to the One Mother to Another table.  She is a Partner at Nexia New Zealand and has more than 30 years accounting and advisory experience.  She also brings authentic wisdom and empathy having experienced first-hand what it’s like to have a child in hospital, and also a grandchild.

Co-founder and Chief Executive of One Mother to Another, TVNZ Journalist, mother of three

Joy helped start One Mother to Another in May 2016. She is now the Executive Officer of the charity, with a big passion for seeing its influence and reach grow. She is also an active journalist with 15 years in the industry. She is currently a TVNZ reporter, formerly the organisation’s Europe Correspondent. She is also a mother of three and knows firsthand how vulnerable and frightening it is to be a parent of a sick child in hospital.

Entrepreneur and investor

Graham brings a business brain and energy to One Mother to Another’s board. He’s a sought-after business strategist and investor with a background in the Information Technology sector. He’s a successful entrepreneur and company director – the founder of four hi-tech start-ups, and an expert salesman drawing on more than two decades of selling experience in various global markets.

General Manager, Māmā, Kuia

Gwenda, of Te Aupōuri te iwi, is a loved wife, mum to 4 adult sons, 3 beautiful daughters-in-law and 5 mokopuna.  She’s currently the General Manager of Operations at Aviva – a family and sexual violence agency within the Waitaha region and brings a strong passion to help those in need within our communities.  She has a bachelor of social work in Bi-Cultural practice.  Gwenda has experienced first hand what it’s like to be a Māmā in the neonatal unit following the birth of her twin boys. Her memories of that time, the care of the staff and support of many friends offers her some personal insight into the work of One Mother to Another.

Charge Nurse Manager, Children’s Acute Assessment Unit, Christchurch Hospital, father of two.

Warren has been the Charge Nurse of Christchurch’s Children’s Acute Assessment Unit since 2013. With his extensive paediatric nursing experience, he brings a welcome healthcare perspective and sees firsthand where One Mother to Another’s influence is needed most. He was there on day one when the first One Mother to Another gift bags were donated and has been a big supporter ever since. He has volunteered with children’s charities in Palestine and Romania.

Business broker, father, grandfather

Athol McCully is a successful business broker throughout the South Island and the current Sales Manager of the NAI Harcourts Grenadier Business Broker team.  His almost two decades in this field follows a career as a nurseryman and scientist.  Athol is an active Rotarian and has been a champion of and an adviser to One Mother to Another since 2018.  He is a father of three, grandfather of eight and enjoys boating and gardening.

Investment advisor, mother of two

Sara is a dedicated investment advisor at Craigs Investment Partners with more than 25 years experience in the dynamic world of finance.  She has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, improving financial literacy and ethical investing.  Sara, who has two teenage daughters, has been a longtime supporter of One Mother to Another’s mission and her strategic expertise, both personally and professionally, is of great value to the board.