Te hāro o te kāhu | Board of Trustees

Amanda Luckman | Chair

Find out more about Amanda soon—content incoming.

Aaryn Niuapu | Trustee

Find out more about Aaryn soon—content incoming.

Johnny Kumitau | Trustee

Johnny is the Manager/ LEVEKI of Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau (Northland Pacific Island charitable Trust), and has extensive governance experience in Māori / Pasifika and Government organisations. He has worked in private education and is formerly Operations Manager for Rubicon Co-Existing Youth Services. He has extensive experience in working with Māori and Pacific youth and adults, and in recent years has focussed on early intervention, prevention and community building. He is based in Northland and is originally from Niue.

Megan Campbell | Trustee

Find out more about Megan soon—content incoming.

River Paton | Trustee

River works in the addiction sector, saying it’s in her DNA. She is the Addictions Lead for Geneva Wellbeing. With many years of experience in the drug and alcohol sector, River has had the privilege of working as a practitioner, leader, and manager in various senior roles. Her approach combines professional expertise with a sense of humour, warmth, and compassion.

River's experience spans a range of settings across NGOs and government-funded addiction services. As a registered Drug and Alcohol Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor, she is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Her passion lies in improving mental health and addiction support for all New Zealanders.

Robert Ford | Trustee

Robert originally trained as a social worker (MA) in London UK, and then psychodynamic counsellor, where he worked predominantly with offenders who had mental health, and drug and alcohol problems. He later trained as a psychodynamic psychotherapist (MCliSci) and worked in primary and community mental health services.

For the last 20 years in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, Robert has worked in clinical roles with the NHS (UK), and senior management roles in mental health and social care (AU and NZ). This has included service management as well as commissioning new services, system redesign work, and social work education. He is a registered psychotherapist in the UK and New Zealand.

Te reo tautoko | What people are saying

Testimonials

“Your opening keynote address at the eMental Health Congress was simply one of the main highlights of the day. We have received a lot of positive feedback. I also wish to acknowledge what you have done by way of innovation is truly remarkable and be in the know that you are making the difference.”

“I appreciated the kindness and care shown to the Whakatau Mai participants. I was impressed that there was a peer-to-peer facilitator available.”

“Whakatau Mai has changed my life.” “I feel like I am co-creating wellness with others.”

“The Whakatau Mai facilitators have established a light, open and friendly atmosphere for the groups to participate in.”

“Changing Minds do such incredible work and they receive bugger all funding. I know their staff work long hours willingly just to make sh* happen… Happy to help out.”

“Loved hearing about your work… Look forward to seeing more stories shared in due course.”

“Love your mahi.”

“Thanks for the recoVRy goggles at the Expert Forum. More importantly, thanks Taimi and the team for everything you do.”

“Thanks for the recoVRy goggles, display of exceptionally good forward thinking leadership.”

“Thank you for all that you do, especially during these tougher times.”

Te kāhui āwhina | Our Supporters

Our connections of support

Āwhina atu, āwhina mai | Ways to support us

When you support us, you support the people 

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu | Donate

When you support us, you support real change, for real people.

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Kōrero mai | Share your thoughts

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