Staff Profiles

Reweti Ropiha - CEO

From Manutuke started at VLC 1997 to oversee Vanessa Lowndes Operations. There have been a few memorable moments since starting at VLC: Restructuring Vanessa Lowndes and setting a new direction, providing opportunities for whanau whom participate at the centre and working with committed staff. Aspirations are to re invigorate whanau aspirations and to provide tangible opportunities.

Lisa Fogarty - Finance / Human Resources Manager

Born in Opotiki and raised in Matawai I left the district for 10 years before returning in 97 to join the team at Vanessa Lowndes Abilities. I am employed to manage the Finance and Human Resources of both Vanessa Lowndes Centre & Turanga Health. Over the time I have been employed here I have seen many changes – all for the good of whanau. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with awesome staff members who are passionate for all that Vanessa Lowndes Turanga Trust stands for.

Christina Sayer - Financial / Clerical Support

Hi my name is Christina Sayer, I am from Palmerston North. I’ve been working here at Vanessa Lowndes Centre since 2002. I started out at VLC in the Engraving Department as an engraver, I then had an opportunity to work in the finance department as a clerical support. My current position is now Finance Clerical Support for both Vanessa Lowndes Centre & Turanga Health.

Terry Drummond - Supported Employment coordinator.

Being born and bred in Gisborne and my involvement in a lot of community organizations has given me a wide network of friends and associates. This provides me with a good grounding to establish communications for placing whanau within the workforce.

Over the years with Vanessa Employment Services I have enjoyed working in a close team environment alongside Turanga Health and Vanessa Lowndes Centre. It has benefited me and given me a greater understanding of Maori culture and the needs and sensitivity of Tangata Whaiora.

Guy Moetara - Tutor

Currently residing in Manutuke but originally from the “Hokianga of the winterless north” Starting in 2000 I supervise whanau day programme activities from gardening / fishing / hikoi etc. Most memorable moment was taking whanau members on a P & O cruise around the pacific islands. My aspirations are to see whanau participate fully in all activies open to them within our communities.

John Moetara - Tutor

A staff member since 97….
Born in Upper Hutt, bred in Manutuke, Schooled in south Auckland with a short stint @ Lytton High.
A variety of skills under the belt, but with a passion for Toi Maori specifically in contemporary visual and performing arts.
A keen traveller of the world with an aim to inspire and motivate the whanau here at VLC to achieve what ever dreams and aspirations they choose to follow.

“ROCK ON WHANAU!!!!”

Chris Miller - Tutor (part time) – Light Engineering

Born & breed in Matawai, educated at Matawai Primary / Waikohu college and moved to Gisborne where took up a mechanical apprenticeship. Been involved in the motor industry fot the last 35 years, been employed at Vanessa Lowndes Centre as an engineering Tutor since 1999. Interested in helping people and keeping fir and healthy.

Turanga Health Support Workers

Lil Davis - Whanau Ora Support Worker

Having a passion for working alongside Whanau with disabilities, I have worked for Turanga Health since 2000 as a Mental Health Support Worker.

Recently my role has changed, now currently employed as a Whanau Ora Support Worker, still working alongside Whanau with disabilities, mainly supporting them to maintain and manage their general health and well-being also encouraging to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.