Our Co-Governance Journey

Leading change for an equitable future.

Presbyterian Support provides services to many disadvantaged sectors of our community; however, a disproportionate percentage of our clients are Māori. To address this, the Board has adopted a co-governance and co-leadership structure for Presbyterian Support.

These changes mean that Presbyterian Support is now a leader in the social services sector with the articles and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) guiding everything we do to achieve our vision for an equitable, compassionate, and inclusive society.

Co-governance is a way of sharing power where decision-making is made by consensus between all members. Another key element is equity. The Presbyterian Support Board now has two Co-Chairs, Andrew Johnston is Tumuaki Tauiwi, and Sharyn Roberts Tumuaki Tangata Whenua.

Andrew is excited to be a part of the Co-Governance journey confirming that “this change will allow Presbyterian Support to embrace collaboration, unity and diversity, paving the way for a brighter future for our fantastic team and the community we serve”.

“Lao Tzu said ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’,” says Sharyn. “The PSUSI journey to Co-Governance has taken many courageous and tenacious steps by forward-thinking leaders and I feel honoured to be the first wāhine Māori Co-Chair of this dynamic Te Tiriti-led organisation”.

Board member representation will also transition to a 50:50 split with five Māori and five non-Māori community representatives. This will enhance our ability to hear what whānau/clients need from our services through iwi/hapu representation. Kim Manahi has been appointed as Tumu Whakarae Māori (Co-CEO) to work alongside Barry Helem as the Tumu Whakarae Tauiwi (Co-CEO).