Our People

John was invited to become involved with Dayspring by an existing Trustee. Upon understanding the values, aims and aspirations of the organisation he was enthused to be part of a team endeavouring to deliver objectives which aligned with his belief in family and life values.

John spent his early life in the property industry, holding management and marketing executive roles in New Zealand’s largest residential construction and commercial property development companies. He later established his own successful consultancy business in business development, marketing and franchise assistance.  John has also been involved in start-ups and innovation projects.

Many years’ experience in progressing complex projects and management of key associations have helped build a broad range of connections across many disciplines.

John is delighted to be involved with Dayspring Trust to support and offer what he can to further the work of a truly worthwhile organisation, in an area where the results can deliver tangible and measurable benefits.

Elaine has over a wealth of experience working in Maori Mental Health and Addictions, previous roles include:

• Operations Manager – Mental Health and Addictions with Te Whanua O Waipareira.

• Co-ordinator for Teen Mother & Pepi/Baby Respite.

• Co-ordinator for first Maori Womens Refuge in West Auckland.

“I have a passion to assist in the recovery journey of individual’s and their whanau. Dayspring has demonstrated this, by operating honestly and transparently with love and respect for individuals and whanau, offering a variety of services to choose from.  The past two and half years as Chairperson has given me an opportunity to observe and work with a group of skilled and dedicated Board Members, Employees and Volunteers who are committed to the vision Dayspring holds for our community. Dayspring’s plan to become the preferred provider of Maternal Mental Health Services influences the path we are taking in growing the organisation.”

Elaine is married with 5 children, 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren of Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Niue and European ancestories.

Iwi:    Ngati Awa

Married for 39 years with 5 adult children and some grandchildren, Stephen lives in Oratia and attends Glen Eden Baptist where he was approached about joining Dayspring Trust in late 2018.

After gaining a Science Degree in 1976 he joined a multinational business and by 1980 was in his first overseas role. He joined executive teams & boards over 35 years ago in business and was exposed to financial analysis through his career. He was GM and Director for the business here in Auckland for over 10 years. Able to retire at 60 in 2014, he has continued and developed a number of community/Board roles:

• Trustee and Treasurer for VisionWest Community Trust – 2005 -2018
• Trustee and Treasurer for Community Waitakere – since 2010
• Director and Grants Convener for Baptist Foundation – since 2014
• Director – August Properties – since April 2018
• Director – Howick Baptist Healthcare – since Dec 2018

He has a passion to serve where the work aligns with his faith and to use the skills and knowledge from his time in business. A boss once told him he had “a unique mix of good strategic thinking plus attention to detail.

Samantha currently works for Contract Negotiation Services as the Accounting and Insurances Administration Manager.

She previously worked as a Treasurer for Plunket since leaving full-time work as an accountant to start her family.  Samantha is also secretary for the NZRDA Education Trust.

As a new mum, Jacky strongly believes that it is very important to support the mothers in our community. Having had first-hand experience of grief and trauma, she is passionate about supporting and helping others that are struggling.

Jacky practised as a lawyer for 15 years in NZ, Scotland and England.  She specialised in Intellectual Property and Consumer/Marketing Law. Jacky then moved into Corporate Governance, and is a Chartered Company Secretary.  Jacky also works on change management, people and leadership initiatives in her current role.  Jacky is passionate about using her significant legal, governance and business experience to support Dayspring Trust.

Jacky is excited about the future of Dayspring Trust, and looks forward to using her skills and experience to help Dayspring Trust to achieve its vision.