Our team

trustees
Staff

Trustees

Jeni Claris – Chairperson

I have been working in and around the disability sector for 35 years both here in NZ and in the U.K. I arrived in Whangarei in 1983, working with the community arts council, then the first Women’s Refuge and Rape Crisis Centre in Whangarei. Following this I enjoyed running and owning my own business.

In 1997 I was hit by a cattle truck while riding my horse. This accident left me 40% Impaired on one side of my body. After 3 years of rehabilitation I started a job at CCS with youth and adults. I am currently a committee member of Disabled Persons Assembly Northland. I am interested in working towards social change and human rights.

 

Wally Noble– Tiaho Trust Board member

Wally is not just a Trustee for Tiaho Trust he is also one of Tiaho Facilitators who delivers Disability Awareness Training, known as “No Problem, You’re Welcome”. Wally is a wheelchair User and has lived experience with a disability so adds a huge value to our training. For the last two years we have been concentrating on training the Health Sector to ensure our nurses understand the difference between the Social and Medical Models of Disability and how important it is to retain a persons mana and not make assumptions.

Wally has six tamariki and seven mokopuna  and very soon eight. Ngatikoe Ngapuhi and wairua Australia. He tries to live a healthy lifestyle, very active minded and love water sports such as wakaama. Wally is proud to be part of changing peoples perception on disability through is own actions and the “No Problem, You’re Welcome” training sessons.  

 

Staff

 

Jonny Wilkinson – Chief Executive Officer

Jonny has a unique combination of disability sector knowledge, business skills and first hand experience of disability issues. He has Cerebral Palsy, and lives in Waipu with his wife. Jonny has two lovely daughters and one moko who is from Ngati Hine decent.  Jonny has been the CEO of Tiaho Trust since it was founded approximately 20 years ago. Jonny has excellent contacts within the Northland community including MSD, MoE, Te Whatu Ora (Northland District Health), and much more. As a Trust we offer free Advocacy for anyone with a disability or whanau of.

Prior to becoming CEO of Tiaho Trust he spent three years in management positions with two key organisations within the Northland disability sector. He has also served on the National Executive Committee of DPA. Over this time, he has developed strong strategic planning and people management skills, and an innovative approach to problem solving. If you need help or advise the best way to contact me is by email: jonny@tiaho.org.nz 

 

Pip Newman– PA to the CEO

Pip brings a diverse background in journalism, marketing, community engagement, and government services to her role at Tiaho Trust. She began her career as a journalist, working across regional and metropolitan newsrooms before moving into marketing and communications, where she developed strong skills in storytelling, public engagement, and digital media.

Pip later joined the Ministry of Social Development and gained valuable experience supporting whānau and navigating government systems. She has also worked in finance and administration roles, building a strong foundation in organisational processes, project coordination, and client support.

Most recently, Pip completed her Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health and Wellbeing through NorthTec, further strengthening her understanding of the disability, mental health, and social services sectors. She is passionate about promoting inclusion, improving access to support, and helping ensure disabled people and their whānau feel seen, heard, and supported.

Pip lives in Whangārei with her husband and children. She is the first point of contact for many of Tiaho’s projects and events, and works closely with Jonny and the wider team to support advocacy, communications, and community partnerships.

The best way to contact Pip is by email: pip@tiaho.org.nz or 022 574 5675.

Leah Petersen – DIAS Outreach Co-ordinator

I am a local Northlander and have worked in the disability sector for many years since my middle child was born with a Profound hearing loss. Encouraged and empowered by seeking the knowledge I needed I set off on the journey of ensuring she would have the best possible education and social outcome. That led on to me Teacher Aiding for ten years,  then five years Administrator for the National Parent’s of Deaf Children and then two years with Parent to Parent. I have worked for Tiaho Trust for just over 10 years.

My work takes me into the Mid North and Far North on a weekly basis.  I help promote the 16 Disability groups in Tiaho’s Northland Disability Information Advisory Services (DIAS) Collective and network with other Community Groups or organisations in the Mid and Far North. My primary role is to support effective referrals to the Collective or other organisations.

Being able to contribute to the improvement of the health and wellbeing of people with a disability and be responsive to their needs by providing access to information and services they don’t know about makes my work very rewarding.

I encourage you to use my service, to ask any question about disabilities and my promise is that I will find the answer for you or put you on to the appropriate people.

Phone: 021 1211 867
Email: leah@tiaho.org.nz