About

Jonny Wilkinson MNZM – Chief Executive Officer

Jonny Wilkinson MNZM combines lived experience of disability with more than two decades of leadership and advocacy within the disability sector.

Living with Cerebral Palsy, Jonny has dedicated his career to advancing the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of disabled people and their whānau throughout Te Tai Tokerau. He founded Tiaho Trust in 2002 and has led its development into a respected provider of advocacy, information, education, and community support. His previous management and governance roles include serving on the National Executive Committee of Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA).

Under Jonny’s leadership, Tiaho Trust provides advocacy, disability information and advisory services, community development initiatives, and Wānanga Tūhono – Disability Responsiveness Training. Based in Waipū with his wife and whānau, Jonny remains committed to creating inclusive communities where disabled people have opportunities to live good lives.

Pip Newman – Personal Assistant to the CEO

Pip brings experience in journalism, communications, marketing, administration, and community services to her role at Tiaho Trust.

After beginning her career in journalism, Pip moved into marketing and communications, developing strengths in storytelling, stakeholder engagement, digital media, and community outreach. She later worked in government services and administrative roles, gaining experience supporting whānau and navigating complex systems.

Pip holds qualifications in Journalism, Business, Communications, and Mental Health and Wellbeing. She is passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and helping disabled people and their whānau access the information and support they need.

As Personal Assistant to the CEO, Pip contributes across Tiaho Trust’s advocacy, communications, events, project coordination, governance administration, and community partnerships. She works closely with the wider team to strengthen connections between disabled people, whānau, service providers, and the community.

Leah Petersen – DIAS Coordinator

Leah is a proud Northlander who has worked within the disability sector for many years. Her journey began when her middle child was born with a profound hearing loss. Determined to ensure her daughter had every opportunity to thrive, Leah immersed herself in learning about disability supports, education, and advocacy.

This experience led to a decade of work as a Teacher Aide, followed by roles with the National Parents of Deaf Children and Parent to Parent New Zealand. Through these positions she developed extensive knowledge of disability services, family support, and community networks.

As Tiaho Trust’s Disability Information Advisory Service (DIAS) Coordinator, Leah works throughout the Mid North and Far North, connecting individuals and whānau with disability organisations, support services, and information. She promotes the organisations within Tiaho’s DIAS Collective and helps ensure people can access the services most appropriate to their needs.

Saffron Simpson-Hana – Administrative support 

Born and raised in Whangārei, Saffron is a yoga teacher passionate about helping people navigate mobility challenges while building confidence, strength, and a positive connection with themselves. She takes an inclusive, “meet you where you are” approach that supports people to feel more in control of their minds and bodies.

With whakapapa to Taranaki, she is also studying te reo Māori through Tai Tokerau Wānanga and is passionate about uplifting mātauranga Māori and strengthening cultural connections.

As a new member of the Tiaho Trust team, Saffron provides administrative support and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to disability advocacy across Te Tai Tokerau, supporting tangata whaikaha, their whānau, and the wider community. 

Jeni Claris – Chairperson

Jeni has worked within and alongside the disability sector for more than 35 years in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. After arriving in Whangārei in 1983, she became actively involved in community development, working with the Community Arts Council, the first Women’s Refuge, and the Rape Crisis Centre in Whangārei. She later enjoyed many successful years owning and operating her own business.

Following a life-changing accident in 1997, Jeni experienced disability firsthand and spent several years undertaking rehabilitation. Her experience strengthened her commitment to disability rights, inclusion, and social justice. She has since worked with disabled young people and adults and remains actively involved in disability advocacy and governance.

Jeni is passionate about human rights, social change, and ensuring disabled people have opportunities to participate fully in their communities.

Wally Noble – Trustee

Wally is both a Trustee of Tiaho Trust and one of the lead facilitators for Wānanga Tūhono – Disability Responsiveness Training. As a wheelchair user with lived experience of disability, Wally brings valuable insight, authenticity, and practical knowledge to every workshop.

Through Wānanga Tūhono, Wally helps organisations connect with the lived experiences of tāngata whaikaha, building understanding, confidence, and inclusive practice. He supports participants to better understand the Social Model of Disability, challenge assumptions, and recognise the importance of preserving dignity, autonomy, and mana.

Proudly of Ngāti Kahu and Ngāpuhi descent, Wally is a strong advocate for disability rights and inclusion. He believes meaningful change happens when people are willing to learn from lived experience and work together to create more accessible and welcoming communities. Outside of his governance and facilitation roles, Wally enjoys an active lifestyle previously a waka ama participant and now playing pool at an international level (Wheelchair Cuesport).

Ko Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri ngā iwi. Ko Panguru te kāinga.

Cecelia has dedicated many years to disability advocacy, governance, and human rights. Her involvement within the disability community has included membership and leadership roles with Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA), CCS Disability Action, and TASC.

Since 2002, Cecelia has served in governance roles supporting disabled people across Te Tai Tokerau, including with Ripple Trust and Tai Tokerau DEAS, where she was appointed Chair in 2003.

Alongside her disability sector work, Cecelia has worked as a mediator for the Human Rights Commission for more than a decade, bringing extensive experience in advocacy, conflict resolution, and promoting equitable outcomes.

Now based in Kerikeri, Cecelia continues to contribute her knowledge, leadership, and commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of disabled people throughout Northland.

Ian Peters – Trustee

Known to most people as Ian, Leslie “Ian” Peters lives in Whananaki with his wife and family. He brings a wealth of experience across community leadership, governance, economic development, and public service.

Throughout his career, Ian held a variety of roles with Te Puni Kōkiri, including dispute resolution consultancy and economic development advisory work. He is also a Justice of the Peace and remains actively involved in equestrian events throughout Northland.

Ian joined the Tiaho Trust Board to contribute his broad range of skills, governance experience, and community connections to support the Trust’s ongoing growth and impact across Te Tai Tokerau.

Anthea Baxter – Trustee

Anthea joined Tiaho Trust with a strong commitment to supporting disabled people and their whānau. While relatively new to the disability sector, she brings extensive experience working with people and supporting families through challenging times.

Anthea spent 26 years working within the funeral profession and has long been involved in community service. She moved to Whangārei in 2009 with her daughter and now proudly calls Northland home.

Her connection to disability is both personal and lived. Anthea’s sister has Asperger’s Syndrome, and Anthea herself was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 after symptoms first appeared in 2003. In recent years MS has increasingly affected her mobility and energy levels, and she now identifies as an ambulatory wheelchair user.

Anthea has been actively involved with MS Northland and enjoys Tai Chi, Qigong, and spending time in nature. She is passionate about helping others and contributing to a more inclusive community.

Stuart Selkirk – Kaumātua

Ko Tokatoka te maunga
Ko Te Wairoa te awa
Ko Māhuhukiterangi te waka
Ko Rongomai te tangata
Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi
Ko Te Kuihi te hapū
Ko Te Houhanga a Rongo te marae
Ko Stuart Selkirk tōku ingoa

Stuart was born in Te Kopuru and raised in Dargaville. He attended St Stephen’s School from 1969 to 1973 before embarking on a diverse career spanning travel, hospitality, training, and business ownership.

In recent years, Stuart has built an extensive career within the health sector, holding roles with Manaia PHO, Mahitahi Hauora, and Te Whatu Ora. He currently works with Mahitahi Hauora in a Cultural Advisor and Equity role, helping ensure that the needs and aspirations of Māori, Pasifika, and disabled communities are considered in health programmes, service delivery, and decision-making.

Throughout his career, Stuart has collaborated with disability organisations through initiatives such as the Gout Stop Programme and National Bowel Screening Programme. He is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion and is passionate about ensuring all people have access to opportunities, support, and quality health outcomes.

As Kaumātua for Tiaho Trust, Stuart provides cultural guidance, leadership, and support to the organisation. He is committed to strengthening relationships, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring the voices of tāngata whaikaha and their whānau are heard and valued throughout Te Tai Tokerau.

Stuart brings a wealth of life experience, community connections, and a deep commitment to service, helping guide Tiaho Trust’s work in supporting disabled people, whānau, and communities across Northland.