Bridget is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 20 years of environmental engineering experience, primarily in drinking water and wastewater. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, risk management and project governance. She enjoys working collaboratively to solve problems and improve outcomes. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and friends, tramping and playing bridge.
Raajan and his family relocated from Auckland to Christchurch in 2022, joining Godfrey’s Law as an Associate – transitioning to Senior Associate Litigation and joining the ownership team as Director. His extensive experience in litigation has gifted him with invaluable understanding and appreciation of people and his community (blue and now red/ black).
Raajan prides himself in using his knowledge and experience to help those around him. This is reflected in his involvement with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Sydenham Junior Cricket, and his sons U10 cricket team.
When not working or donating his time for a good cause you can find Raajan walking his two labradors in and around Christchurch and exploring the outdoors with his family near the ocean or somewhere up a mountain or at Hagley Park relaxing and watching our summer favourite.
Dean Garrett is a retired accountant with extensive experience in tax specialization, previously affiliated with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury. After two decades in Australia, Dean returned to his hometown, Christchurch, two years ago. He is also a certified teacher, having earned a Diploma of Education
Rob Simcic is a company director specialising in the New Zealand food sector and community wellbeing initiatives and CEO of Little Beauties a specialist gourmet food producer. Rob spent over fifteen years in ANZ Commercial & Agri Banking, most recently as the Food & Beverage Sector Specialist. He was Board member of Eat NZ and vice chair of Festival Marlborough. He lives on a small holding in Tasman with his wife Niki and has four children. Rob was the Chair of Life Education Trust Marlborough when he joined the LET NZ Board in 2016, was appointed Deputy Chair 2019 and Chair in 2021. Rob holds a degree in Applied Science from Massey University
Christine’s involvement with Life Education began 25+ years ago and is a founding Trustee of the Life Education Taranaki Trust and a Life Member of LET NZ. Christine’s family are actively involved in Life Education across different parts of NZ. Christine has a long history of supporting at risk youth, providing care for more than 100 young people since 1995 and is heavily involved in the Taranaki Community
John is managing director of the Beacon Media group which includes newspaper and printing businesses started by his father with the Whakatane Beacon in 1939. John has been chairperson of the Eastern BOP Life Education Trust for 20+ years and is a Life Member of Life Education Trust (NZ). John joined the Board in 2016 and was appointed Deputy Chair in 2021. He is a passionate golfer and has various community roles including the golf club committee and Board of Trustees at St Joseph’s School.
Sam is currently a Product Manager with ANZ Investments, currently overseeing New Zealand’s largest KiwiSaver scheme, with over 650,000 members and $22B funds under management. He’s previously held various roles as Senior Associate in the Private Bank business as well as Business Banking Manager.
Prior to his career in banking, Sam held the role of President at the University of Canterbury Students’ Association. This role was responsible for the overall affairs of the organisation including strategic direction, leadership, and representation of the University of Canterbury’s 18,000 students.
Bio to follow
Bio to Follow
Keri has been teaching for over 23 years from Year 3-8. Both private and state schools, in both New Zealand and the UK. Keri has a varied educational career in; school leadership roles, specialist in the performing arts, and gifted and talented education. Keri lives in Rolleston, Canterbury with her husband, also a teacher, dog and two cats. She loves to travel and is now enjoying exploring the beauty of New Zealand. “Teaching is not just a career it is a calling. Working with children every day is a great privilege, especially through Health Education. I love being able to provide children with tools that help them deal with problems they are facing and help them understand more about themselves and their growing bodies.”
Jo has been teaching for 20 years in Christchurch Primary Schools. She has taught from year 0-8 during this time. Finally settling into a leadership role at her previous school. Prior to moving into education, Jo was nursing in a private hospital in Christchurch. Working for Life Education Trust enables her to work within her two passions, education and health. Jo considers Life Education her dream job and is very excited to be part of the team.
Jo is married to Dave and they have two sons, Luke 16 and Oliver 12. They also have two cats and two naughty Miniature Dachshund puppies, who rule their home. In their spare holiday time they travel around NZ in a purpose built bus, exploring, fishing and enjoying all the beauty that is our stunning country.
Helly is a New Zealand trained and experienced teacher who has worked in both mainstream and specialist classroom settings.She has recently joined the Canterbury Team of Educators after teaching in the Middle East and South East Asia for several years. Helly has returned to New Zealand and has made Rangiora home. Enjoying skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer with her husband and two teenage boys. She has a strong commitment to the students that she works with. Helly loves seeing children thrive through learning and feels it is an honor and a privilege to be part of their learning journey.
Starting his working life as a Registered Nurse Michael has a passion for empowering people and improving their health and wellbeing. More recently Michael has worked for Profit for Purpose organisation primarily in government and community partnership roles at a senior level. He loves building relationships that lead to outcome that benefits all stakeholders and most importantly help change and empower individuals and communities.
Michael is married to his wonderful wife Astrid and they have two children Alex and Max who are excited that Harold is his boss!.
Together in their spare time working in their garden (which recently included adding their first bee hive). Michael also enjoys traveling, camping and sailing (which he wishes he had more time for).