Meet the other NZDSA committee

Angela Hawke, Representative for Zone 1 – Northland My husband Bryan and I have four children, Amie (22) is currently in her second year of Teachers training collage, Shayla (17) is training to become a Chef, Maia (13) is currently in her second year of intermediate and is mainstreamed and also attends classes to suit her needs, she will also be doing a third year at intermediate and Trent (12) will start high school next year. We live in Whangārei and I have been a part of the Northland Down Syndrome Support Group since Maia was a few months old. I’ve been on the Northland committee for almost as long and I have been on the NZDSA committee for the past four years. Our family, whānau and friends treasure the things Maia has achieved and taught us along her journey so far and we can't wait for many more lessons to come.

Diane Burnett, Representative for Zone 1A – Auckland I live with my husband Brad and our three children, Jada (7.10yrs), Marlowe (5.7yrs) and Ivy (3.8yrs). I have been involved with the Auckland Down Syndrome Association since Jada was one, initially as Treasurer, then as Outlook Editor from 2013-present and also as a committee member. I joined the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association as the Auckland Zone Representative earlier this year. I am on both committees so that I can be more involved with our wider community, can stay in the know and up-to-date with what is going on locally and across New Zealand in education, health, employment, recreation and so on, and to help support existing and new initiatives.

Gwen Matchitt, Representative for Zone 2 – Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki Kia ora, my name is Gwen. I am married to Lance and we have four children, Cynthia (28), Morgan (24), Jayden (22), Bailey (11) and we have one grandson, Karmelo (3). We live in Kihikihi, Te Awamutu. Bailey currently attends Pekearu Primary School and is fully mainstreamed. She is currently being transitioned to Te Awamutu Intermediate in readiness for next year. She attends a before and after school programme and is fully immersed in our wonderful community. I represent Zone 2 on the NZDSA committee and I have been the representative for this area since 2012. Being part of the NZDSA is a journey of knowledge, not only nationally, but also internationally. I became part of the committee to educate myself on all aspects of the disability sector, to enhance learning so I can support, not only my daughter but the wider community.

Geraldine Whatnell, Representative for Zone 3 – Whanganui, Manawatu, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay Hi, I am a mother of two beautiful daughters, Zeta and Kiah, and an older sister to Mark. Mark is 18 months younger than me and has Down syndrome. He has been an inspiration to me throughout my life. I am a clinical nurse specialist lead developmental disabilities at Palmerston North hospital, I have been a disability nurse for 35 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am proud to be able to represent Zone 3 for the NZDSA. I am very passionate about the health needs of people with Down syndrome and developing education around this.

Kerry Ryan, Representative for Zone 4 – Wellington and Wairarapa My name’s Kerry Ryan. Alan and I have three children, Douglas (10), Dallas (8) and Laura (6). Dallas has Down syndrome. We have lived in Wellington for 13 years where I have been on the Wellington Down Syndrome Association committee for several years and I have recently become the Zone 4 representative on the NZDSA governance committee. I am excited about being involved on a national level, representing the Wellington region and providing a voice on the experiences of primary school aged children with Down syndrome. I believe in inclusion for everyone and working with people to encourage and support them to be the best person they can be. This is the best outcome, not only for the individual and their family, but for society as well.

Shelley Waters, Representative for Zone 5 – Ashburton and all areas above Ashburton I am married to Jeff and we have three daughters, Rochelle (23), Jess (22) and Gemma (20), and we live in West Melton, Christchurch. Rochelle introduced us to the wonderful world of Down syndrome 23 years ago and I have been a member of the NZDSA ever since. I am the Zone 5 Representative on the NZDSA Governance Committee and the Secretary for the Canterbury Down Syndrome Association. I have also been a past Committee Member of the Waikato Down Syndrome Association, as we lived in Hamilton for five years. I feel very privileged to be part of the NZDSA and all the wonderful work that goes on behind the scenes. I really enjoy working with the team here and meeting new families whenever the opportunity arises, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the NZDSA's Mission and Vision to ensure people with Down syndrome are valued and respected members of society throughout their lives.

Averill Glew, Representative for Zone 6 – All areas below Ashburton Hello I am Averill Glew from Invercargill. Our youngest Jacqui 18 has Down syndrome. I have been the NZDSA national committee zone 6 rep for the last 6years. I enjoy meeting, connecting & supporting families in our communities who have a family members with Down syndrome.