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Meet our Board

Our Board

Our Board provides strategic governance and oversight, helping shape the future of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island. As a co-governed and co-led organisation, our Board reflects a partnership between Māori and Tauiwi leadership, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our communities.

Chairman Andrew

Andrew Johnston

Tumuaki Tauiwi (Co-Chair)

Ko Andrew Johnston tōku ingoa. I was born in Ōtautahi and have spent my working life in Te Waipounamu. Growing up on an orchard in Ouruhia shaped my appreciation for resilience, sustainability, and the power of community.

This foundation led me to study agriculture at Massey University, where I developed a deep understanding of how people, environments, and systems connect.

I feel a strong calling to serve and contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. I am passionate about ensuring that people have the support they need to thrive, particularly in times of change and challenge.

Outside of my governance roles, I enjoy tramping, open-water swimming, and immersing myself in a good book.

Sharyn

Sharyn Roberts

Tumuaki Tangata Whenua
Board Co-Chair

Ko Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa ōku iwi
Nō Murihiku ahau, kei Ōtautahi e noho ana

Ko Sharyn Roberts tōku ingoa

It is an honour to serve on the Board of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island as Tumuaki Tangata Whenua – Co-Chair. I am a registered tangata whenua social worker with over 20 years of experience in youth development and social work.

I lead as Pou Ārahi Manager at Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, a Kaupapa Māori Youth Development Organisation, and have had the privilege of serving as President of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers for six years.

My qualifications include a Master of Social Work, a UC Certificate in NGO Leadership, and a CPIT Diploma in Iwi Development. I am deeply committed to fostering collective wellbeing through collaboration and kaupapa-driven leadership.

Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga o te katoa – we must work together for the wellbeing of all.

Janelle Riki Waaka Tainui Awhiro

Janelle Riki-Waaka Tainui Awhiro,

Ngāti Hauiti

I am one of two Kaihautū (Directors) of Riki Consultancy, along with my brother Nathan. I am a seasoned leader and consultant with over 14 years of professional experience, with expertise that extends beyond leadership to encompass a myriad of governance roles. I am highly skilled in Te Tiriti o Waitangi strategy and have provided invaluable support to boards, clients and communities.

Known for being just the right mix of inspiring, warm, and provocative, I act as a māngai for Māori and ally for equity in all kaupapa that I contribute to. I serve Tangata Whenua by supporting Tangata Tiriti to know and do better for our tamariki mokopuna.

Joseph tyro

Joseph Tyro 

Ko Ngāi Tahu rātou ko Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi ko Ngāti Rangi ngā Iwi

Ko Joseph Tyro tōku ingoa 

Joseph was raised in Ohinehou Lyttelton, close to his Papatipu marae Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke. Joseph is a registered social worker and for the past 30 years has worked in social services, social work and health sector in clinical, management and executive leadership roles.

He holds a national role as Principal Advisor for Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, Adjunct Social Work Lecturer for Open Polytech and is Kaihautū Māori for Hōhepa Canterbury.

Joseph has masters’ qualifications from the University of Canterbury and Auckland Institute of Technology and is a chartered member of New Zealand Institute of Directors. Joseph serves a number of communities, hapū, regional, national and international governance roles. He is a proud recipient community, health, leadership and governance awards. Joseph is driven by the hopes and dreams of his grandparents and is passionate about advancing the aspirations of tangata whenua Māori.

Ian Lothian

Chair of Audit, Finance & Risk Committee

Tēnā koutou katoa

My name is Ian Lothian, and I came to New Zealand from Scotland in 1982. My wife and I have three grown up children and two grandsons.

I have a business background and am also very interested in Horticulture and Education. I have experience in exporting kiwifruit and citrus to Japan, and with horticulture projects managed by the Commonwealth Development Corporation

My passion for education led me to set up an NZQA-accredited Private Training Establishment from scratch and work in the College of Engineering at the University of Canterbury. When I’m not at work, I am busy with my family, the gym, my church and an emergency foodbank

My governance journey has led me to work with social service organisations, membership associations, and university start-ups. It has also given me some insight into Te Ao Māori

My qualifications include MA, CA, MBA and CMinstD.

Caroline Lees resized

Caroline Lees

Counsellor (BSW, BCouns)

Caroline uses a person-centered and narrative approach with her counselling and integrates other modalities where appropriate. Her approach is strengths based, collaborative and holistic, the motivation being to support clients to grow and successfully navigate challenges. She loves seeing people gain greater self-awareness and connecting more deeply with their values and beliefs. Caroline has a particular interest in the over 50 age group, grief & other life challenges such as health issues that leave people feeling isolated or stuck. She is also passionate about the role of lifestyle factors on mental health.

Caroline has worked in the social service field for 30 years. She originally trained as a social worker, then, while raising a family worked with community focused organisations. Outside work Caroline (Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui) enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging out with whānau, reading and continuing her journey to kōrero Māori ia rā, ia rā.

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