Community Voice

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  Gaye Coates Community Voice Member

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  The West Coast has been my home for over 30 years. It is a region that is significant to generations of my extended family. Together with my husband, I live and farm at Haupiri, a very rural community in the Grey District. I am Mum to 3 adult children who create many opportunities that keep me actively involved in their lives.

  Before farming, I worked as a registered nurse at Grey Hospital and in community health positions.

  I have a long-standing interest and voluntary involvement in the health and well-being of our West Coast people. In being a part of the Community Voice Forum, I join with a group of community focused individuals, who are committed to connecting the voices and lived experiences of our West Coast people, whānau and communities to our health services, working together to achieve local health services that are relevant and responsive to West Coast needs.

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  Jan Flinn Community Voice Member

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  My name is Jan Flinn originally from Northland. I've lived in Runanga for the last five years and have been involved in working alongside the community to develop local services.

  
  One of these is the fortnightly Health Clinics that serves local people. I have a variety of interests; however, my attention has been drawn to the difficulty people have in accessing healthcare and I am keen to hear what health services local people would like delivered and how.

  
  I live on Ward St with my wife Kate Kennedy, two dogs, one cat, two ducks and 20ish fish. Looking forward to working with you.

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  Lynnette Beirne Community Voice Member

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  I am a 5th generation West Coaster and have lived here most of my life. My children and grandchildren also live here. Our family has always been active in our community, and I am passionate about the health and wellbeing of the residents of Te Tai o Pountini. Over many years I have been networking and been an advocate on a number of Committees to help ensure our community has a voice. Our family have considerable experience as consumers which makes me aware of the need to work together to make health care accessible to all. 

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  Mary-Rose O'Loughlin Community Voice Member

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  I am a passionate biker and runner. I enjoy crafts including knitting and weaving. I am on several committees including Rotary, Buller women’s Health fund, Buller marathon committee. I have joined the group as I believe we need to be advocates for our communities.

• Mike Nolan Community Voice Member

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  Neil Stevenson Community Voice Member

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  Retired, Westport township. Joined because perceive serious deficiencies in provision of healthcare on the Coast. Critical system-wide under-resourcing leads to poor health outcomes for many patients. Prior involvement with WCDHB Consumer Council; driving Red Cross (now St John) Community Health Shuttle. Lived experience of brain injury, also hearing loss and osteoarthritis; now involved with support groups and Food Security Network and FoodBank deliveries.

• Nicki Mora Community Voice Member

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  Noula Markham Community Voice Member

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  My name is Noula Markham, and I am a born and bred South Westlander. I have been the Principal at Cobden School for the past 14 years and am passionate about community engagement. I believe that giving the community a voice will lead to better outcomes for all.

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  Pam Sutherland Community Voice Member

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  I was born in Greymouth and lived most of my early life in the township of Rapahoe. I have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

  A list of the positions I have held.

  ·         Dictaphone typist for the Post Office

  ·         P.A. for the Secretary and Engineer of Westland Catchment Board (equivalent to the Regional Council)

  ·         P.A. for Building Supervisor of West Coast Education Board

  ·         Set up and owned Jones Café/Bar in Greymouth.

  ·         13 years as Kitchen Technician managing Tai Poutini Polytechnic Chef Course

  ·         17 and a half years as Co-ordinator of Community Alternative Resources for the Elderly (C.A.R.E.) Voluntary group

  I am at present – Co-ordinator of the C.A.R.E. voluntary group. I’ve been made aware by many elderly people that I am the advocate for the elderly of Greymouth District. My hobbies are gardening, cooking and baking, bush walking and having family and friends coming to visit and stay. I am passionate about housing and the health care and well-being of the elderly of our district.

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  Steph Newburry Community Voice Member

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  Kia ora, I’m Steph, and I have always been curious about how large systems work and the interplay between processes and people. I am a mother of three in the Buller Region, and my focus areas include early childhood development and healthcare, maternal health, and our region's overall well-being, particularly during and after adverse weather events or large-scale emergencies.
  
  With an analytical and strategic mindset and being a frequent user of healthcare services, I want to clearly communicate the consumer perspective to assist in advocating for and designing healthcare services that work best for the people they serve.
  
  My vision is for New Zealand's best healthcare to be accessible at a time and place that suits the needs of individuals and families. We are blessed on the West Coast with unparalleled access to nature and small, connected communities that care, and I want our healthcare system to enable us to thrive in this beautiful yet remote piece of paradise we call home.
  
  Ngā mihi nui.

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  Teri-anne Bell Community Voice Member

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  Role: Manager, West Coast Office, Presbyterian Support USI 

  Core Values: Kindness, Support, Integrity, Protection, Connections 

  Interests:  Exploring our great outdoors, travel, photography 

  Personal Mission: Dedicated to fostering a community that embodies care and mutual support. 

  Community Involvement: Currently, a Trustee of Grey District Youth Trust, Te Rito, West Coast Youth Sector Network.   I have also previously been involved with local schools and sports teams, SASH, Women’s Refuge, Tai Poutini Polytechnic. 

  Reason for Joining the Group: As a lifelong West Coaster, I am fortunate to have been raised and to have raised my own family in this remarkable region. My commitment lies in ensuring that every individual in our community feels valued, heard, and acknowledged as a vital part of our collective well-being. The health and well-being of our community members are of paramount importance. 

  Personal and Professional Background: My extensive experience with the health system, both personally and through the experiences of my children, parents, and extended family, has provided me with a profound understanding of its challenges and opportunities. In my professional capacity, I have engaged with a diverse array of community members, including older adults, youth, and families facing various health issues – which are exacerbated by isolation, location, availability, understanding and/or financial barriers.  My role frequently involves advocating for and supporting family members, clients, and other community members in navigating and accessing essential services. 

  Vision: To align community members with accurate and truthful information, creating a two-way bridge that enables us to effectively voice and address community needs.

• Andrew Welsford Community Voice Member

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  I was born and raised in North Canterbury and made the move to this area after marrying a West Coaster. I have a strong rural background, with experiences ranging from butchery through to high country mustering and livestock sales. I live on the coast with my wife and two sons, and we enjoy being part of the local community here. We like to make the most of the lifestyle on offer and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors whenever we can.

  My experience

  I completed a double degree in Farm Advisory and Rural Valuation at Lincoln University, then came to work for FMG, initially on the West Coast, then the Mid Canterbury area. A shift back to the Coast saw me take up some other opportunities and work as a dairy livestock specialist and as a retail specialist at several leading rural companies. I also spent time in the automotive and engineering industry before returning to FMG in 2011.