David Senior – Chairman

David is the Chairman of the Trust and is blind. Along with his wife Phillipa, he has had a long association with the Trust right from very early days. He was involved in the National CFFD board before moving to Kaitaia where he is now involved in leadership in a number of groups that work in the disabilities sector.

Hugh Willis (QSM)

Hugh has been involved with the Trust from its inception. He retired from teaching in 1995 after 15 years as Head of Mathematics at Westlake Boys High School. He now spends at least one day per week working at the Centre in the finance area. He has been the editor of the Encourager for over 30 years and was the National Chairperson for the Trust for 22 years until the recent Governance changes. He has produced 5 books and a number of educational booklets on helping people with disabilities. Outside the Trust, he has developed an extensive network of walking tracks in the Awaruku reserve. He enjoys Sudoku and listening to sports, especially cricket.

Di Willis (QSM)

Di was one of the Co-founders of the ministry along with her husband Hugh and close friend Margie Willers. She works fulltime as the Ministries Director in a voluntary capacity and is very involved in the Drop In Centre in Auckland. She is involved in church services for disability awareness, running educational seminars and also speaking at Bible Colleges. She is involved in the planning of National camp each year which attracts around 400 people. Her training as an Occupational Therapist has given her valuable insight in her development of teaching resources and information booklets used for training and educating others about people with disabilities. Outside of trust work, she enjoys reading, board games and spending time with her extended family and friends.

Debbie Mudgway

Debbie has been on the Trust since 2000 and brings experience from her work in the Disability sector and working at District Health. As well as bringing a young persons perspective, Debbie is confined to a wheelchair. She is a graduate of Lifeway Bible College and, despite her impairments, enjoys life to the full.

Nick Abplanalp

Nick is an owner and director of one of NZ’s largest privately owned I.T companies. He attended National Camp in 1999 and has been ‘sold’ on the ministry ever since. He is married to Mary Anne and they have one daughter who now works in the Government sector.

Alan Pace

Alan is an analyst and technical writer for large businesses.  He was first involved with the ministry back in 1992.  As people shared their stories, he saw how their trials had refined life to its core elements and their faith in Christ came shining through.  He is married to Kathie and they have three children.  Prior to working in the corporate world, he was involved in Campus Crusade for Christ, a movement focused on evangelism and discipleship.

Alf Richardson

Alf Richardson was born in South Africa. He established his own veterinary practice in UK and then later in South Africa.
Alf immigrated to NZ in 1972 with his wife Margaret, where they settled in Christchurch.
His Church focus is in Pastoral Care and Counselling He became the Spiritual Advisor CFFD Christchurch in 1988 and then the Spiritual Advisor CMWDT South Island in 1989. In 2010, Alf was appointed to CMWDT Trust Board as a Trustee. His hobbies include:- Photography, Cycling, Travel,  The Great Outdoors and Birding and Nature studies Alf and Margaret have two sons and a daughter and 4 Grand kids

David Green

David was appointed to the Trust in March of 2011. Following a career in insurance; selling his life insurance marketing business in May of 2010; David is now happily retired in Levin with his wife, Jill. Following a serious accident in June of 1995 David was a residential client at the Laura Fergusson Trust rehabilitation centre in Greenlane for almost 3 years. David is an incomplete paraplegic can now walk short distances on crutches. David is an active soldier with The Salvation Army.

Spiritual Advisor to the Trust Pastor Geoff Wiklund

Geoff has been involved with the ministry now since 1985. He pastors a Church in Mt Eden and ministers to a large number of disabled people. Along with being the Spiritual Advisor to the Trust, he uses the spiritual gifts that God has given him to assist the Trust in achieving its goals in God. He is the National Representative for Promise Keepers NZ and is our National Camp Pastor each year at Totara Springs, attending with his wife Joanne. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. When he gets the chance to unwind, he enjoys playing guitar, sports – especially basketball and square dancing.

Jeanette Howden — Operations Manager

Jeanette joined the Ministry in 2010, although has been involved with the trust in a volunteer capacity for more than 10 years. She brings a broad range of skills to the team in the area of administration and staff supervision. She has been the Director for the National Camp for a number of years and has a passion to see people with disabilities given the opportunity to be all they can be in God.

Joy Pollock — Drop In Centre Coordinator

Joy has been working at the Drop In centre for 14 yrs now. She is an invaluable member of the team. She is responsible for the daily needs of those in the Drop In centre and also, the visitors. She coordinates a team of volunteers who take care of the meals for everyone, including the other members of the staff. Joy arranges for visitors and missionaries to come along and share with the group as well as people to teach craft. A friendly smile and warm heart are what you can expect from her.

Linda Heron — Librarian

Linda has been our Librarian for 4 years. She takes care of the distribution of Book, tapes and music for people who are Blind or Visually Impaired. She also takes care of the sending and receiving of Every Day with Jesus and the Encourager magazine on tape. She is an asset to the team and is always looking to go the extra mile for our people.

Paul Tafunai — Van Driver

Paul is our van driver and handy Mr Fix-It whenever something needs repair.. His wonderful warm personality and smile are always there to greet people as he collects them to bring over to the centre. A caring nature and great musician in the Drop In centre, he is great to work with.

Kevin Gill — Operations Administrator

Kevin is a great all-rounder that has been with us for many, many years now. He is self taught on databases and has been a crucial part of the team in building software specific to our needs. He is also our onsite repairman and never far away when we have a problem. With his all round knowledge in so many areas, he is a great guy to have on the team.

Leila Corban — Community Liaison Officer

Leila has been with us for many years now. Leila takes care of liaising with the community, media articles & various promotions through Church and community organisations. She is a wonderful asset to have on the team. Her ability to recall events, names etc is second to none. Recently receiving the Team builder of the year award, she is always ensuring people are well informed.

Annette Hocking — Finance Administrator

Annette has been with the team for 20 years now. She works alongside the Finance director, processing banking for the main Trust. She arranges for the payment and receipting of accounts throughout the office. A cheeky comment is never too far away with her. She has a great sense of humour and is a popular member of the team.

— Kitchen Aide/Carer

Volunteers

We have a wonderful group of volunteers, many of whom have been with us for years now. Revealing the Father heart of God in Servant hood, these people are crucial to helping our staff do what they do. We are blessed to having such faithful servants!