Our Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees provides governance for Kites Trust on the behalf of the people we serve.
Victoria Parsons, Board Chair
Victoria is mum to 3 amazing kids, struggling to learn crochet, and often ruminating about system change. In her working life, she has facilitated the equitable distribution of investment and resources, managed complex projects, and co-developed NGO contracts using progressive procurement practices. She feels really lucky to be able to use some of this knowledge base to support the mahi of Kites Trust & it’s awesome kaimahi.
Rebecca Gallacher, Board Secretary
Rebecca is mum to two young kids and two fur babies and relishes those rare moments of peace having tea with her husband. She has spent 25 years working in urban planning, property, and development including senior leadership and governance roles. As she approaches her half-century, she has become increasingly aware of the importance of physical and mental wellbeing and is excited by the opportunity to work with Kites Trust to deliver community outcomes while expanding her knowledge base.
Jane Patterson
Ko Nga Puhi te iwi Jane is first and foremost a grandmother, and everything she does is about the future of her mokopuna. Jane is always looking at ways to address the inherent biases in our health system. She celebrates commitment to diversity and focuses on creating positive environments that enable others to be heard. Jane brings positivity and enthusiasm into the workplace and actively
promotes collaboration.
Elise Watkins
Elise is a peer support worker who facilitates groups in inpatient mental health wards, creating spaces for people to share their experiences and be heard. She’s passionate about making mental health services more inclusive and ensuring that people’s voices are valued in the system. When she’s not working, she can usually be found studying for her Health and Wellbeing qualification or getting lost in a good book. Elise is excited to support the mahi of Kites Trust and learn from the team.
Rahini Uniyaal
Ra has worked in the stakeholder engagement space across various sectors in New Zealand and abroad in Asian and Pacific countries. Ra is passionate about all things equity. She is a communications and engagement consultant and enjoys working with the community to understand their challenges and finding effective and meaningful solutions to problems. On a sunny day, you may find her cycling, running or hiking. She is a Yinyasa Yoga Teacher and imbibes yogic breathing in her daily life.