Left to right: Tristan, Annie, Kate, Liz, Paul (Bola).
OUR PEOPLE
Life To The Max Whanganui have committed, qualified staff that work well as a team, are energetic and creative, and have adapted and changed to the needs of their clients and family/whānau. The staff have their own strengths and skills they bring to the job and these skills are matched to the families. The whole team works with families so they may get the best of every one at Life to the Max. Having both male and female staff members creates positive role modelling for all members of the family.
LANCE ROWE
CHAIRMAN / TRUSTEE
Ko Lance Rowe tōku ingoa. Nō Whanganui ahau, engari kei te Papaiōea tōku kainga.
My name is Lance Rowe. I am from Whanganui but my home is in Palmerston North.
I am a lawyer by training and profession. I practiced law in Whanganui for 27 years, most of those as a partner of the firm Armstrong Barton. I was a Youth Advocate for 15 years and was the Convenor of the New Zealand Law Society’s Youth Justice Sub-Committee for four years until 2008. I was the Crown Solicitor for Whanganui for eight years until 2016. I am now a District Court Judge, appointed in June 2016.
I am a founding Trustee of Life To The Max Whanganui, and have been its Chairman from the outset. I became, and remain, a Trustee because I see the clear need to intervene holistically, early in the lives of children who are at risk of adverse life outcomes or developing persistent offending behaviour. Life To The Max was established to do this, and this remains its guiding Kaupapa. Life To The Max strives to facilitate positive change for its young clients, their whānau and their peers for their collective benefit and that of the Whanganui community. It is a privilege to be part of this community based approach to deliver positive outcomes for tamariki, whānau and the community.
JASON SHAILER
TRUSTEE
My name is Jason Shailer, I am the father of five children ranging in age from 22 years to 3 years, I am married and live in Whanganui but originally from the Tokoroa/Putaruru area in the South Waikato.
I am currently the Compliance Operations Manager at Whanganui District Council, prior to this I worked for four years with youth as they transition into Tertiary Education and into employment. Up until mid-2016 I was in the NZ Police mainly working in the South Waikato and on the West Coast of the South Island, for the last 10 years of my service I was the officer in charge of the Putaruru Police Station and had many occasions running other Police stations around the central North Island.
I have been in leadership/management positions through employment and sports since the early 1990’s and always seem to end up in roles where I have a team, I think that leading people is one of my biggest strengths.
From my experience especially in the Police, I believe that Life To The Max is crucial to break the cycle of generational crime, social and family dysfunction – the results over the past 20 years speak for themselves.
KATE JOBLIN
TRUSTEE
My name is Kate Joblin and I lead an accounting team at Kate Joblin and Co Ltd whilst also serving my third term as a Whanganui City Councillor. I am a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and have been awarded a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health.
I have used my accounting and business advisory skills on various boards throughout my career, being one of the founding Trustees of Life To The Max Trust (2001). I am passionate about the positive impact LTTM has on the community with the trust’s preventative, holistic approach supporting at risk youth.
KEVIN SHORE
TRUSTEE
My name is Kevin Shore and I was brought up, educated and worked for 40 years in Whanganui.
I currently work in Wellington being appointed to the CEO role for APIS and NZCEO in late 2020 where I serve the needs of all state integrated schools. Previous to this, I spent 33 years in education with the last 10 years as principal of Cullinane College followed by 3 years as principal of St Peter’s College in Palmerston North. I have extensive experience in leadership, working in boards and in my new role are developing useful political connections.
As a principal and DP I was well aware of the important work of the Life To The Max Trust and had no hesitation when asked to serve as a Trustee. I have a passion for equity in education and the work of the Trust provides significant support to children and families in need and helps promote self-worth, increased confidence and affirms them as worthy individuals. It is a pleasure to be able to give something back to our community and support the work of our wonderful staff who are passionate in supporting our young people and their families.
JODIE BRUNGER
TRUSTEE
Working with people, especially young people as well as exploring the world has always been a passion of mine. Before settling down my husband and I travelled extensively before returning home to train in our chosen careers. I trained as a teacher and taught here in Whanganui for many years in between having our two beautiful children. In 2014 we moved to France as a family for a year which was an amazing experience and put us all totally out of our comfort zone. We all developed a new appreciation for New Zealand and it gave me the confidence to make some big changes in my life.
Upon our return I made the tough decision to leave teaching and joined the team at Sport Whanganui. Sport and physical activity has always been a big part in my life and allowed me to forge strong friendships, challenge myself physically and mentally and experience new and wonderful places here and around the world. Being physically active has not only developed my skills and values but it has helped me create balance in my life.
As the Active Communities Manager, I have been able to support my community in a range of ways from working at a leadership and advocacy level to creating programs and play spaces for young people. My role is diverse, and every day is different which I love. I volunteer for several organisations and joined the Life to the Max Board in 2016. Being part of this mahi is both a pleasure and a privilege and I truly believe in the approach and impact it has for our families. My family and I are so proud to call Whanganui home and we love the community spirit and wonderful friends and family we have here in the beautiful river city.
CARLA DONSON
TRUSTEE
In my work life I am the Manager of the Women’s Network Whanganui. As an organisation, it has been delivering services to empower women and their whānau for 35 years. I have several advisory roles with the Whanganui District Council and the Whanganui District Health Board, and enjoy the opportunities to contribute to community leadership and governance capacity. Recognised as a finalist in the 2016 NZ Westpac Women of Influence Awards, and being awarded a Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Medal in the same year reflect some of my contributions to the Whanganui community.
With a background in special education and youth development, including having studied a Bachelor of Arts [majoring in education and social policy] and a Master’s in Education at Victoria University of Wellington, I maintain a keen interest in how society values children and young people. I remain focused on how we can encourage equity of opportunity, meaningful relationships with peers, and interactions with positive adult role models. As a trustee of Life to the Max since 2005, I believe the governance of our organisation has been significant to enabling our dynamic operational team to deliver the best wrap-around social work services to children, young people and their whānau at times when they most need a boost.
NEIL FORLONG
TRUSTEE
My name is Neil Forlong and I am a Whanganui boy through and through. My parents were both grew up and went to school here, and after moving around a bit in my very young days we moved home to Whanganui when I was seven. I went to Aramoho, Whanganui Intermediate and Whanganui High schools and have basically lived and worked in this beautiful city my whole adult life. I married a Whanganui girl and have 3 awesome daughters who I am incredibly proud of.
I have been in the police since 1992 and over the years I seen our focus change from responding to crime and incidents, to preventing crime happening using crime science, education, identifying drivers of crime and addressing these. Life to Max has been an important part of preventative policing since they started 21 years ago and have many success stories to emphasise the importance of positive interventions in young people’s lives.
PAEROKE MAIHI
TRUSTEE
I am honored to introduce myself as a Trustee Board member of Life to the Max. My name is Paeroke Maihi, and I am a proud son of Whanganui, dedicated to making a difference in our community. Although I spent 15 years in Wellington, my heart has always remained connected to my hometown, and I am thrilled to be back in Whanganui, working for Ngā Tai o Te Awa where I have the opportunity to passionately serve my Whanau, hapu, Iwi, and community.
My true passion lies in using sports as a catalyst to inspire and empower individuals, particularly our rangatahi, who are the future leaders of our community. I firmly believe in instilling values such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience through sports. Having grown up in a strong Māori Whanau, I have always embraced the wisdom of Tikanga Māori, and I have been able to apply this cultural knowledge in my coaching and leadership roles for over 20 years, cultivating the Marae model.
As a new Trustee member of Life to the Max, I am excited about collaborating with the passionate team to enhance the programs and initiatives offered by the organisation. Together, we will work towards creating a stronger, more resilient community. I am committed to utilising my skills and passion to support the social and support services provided by Life to the Max, ensuring that individuals and families in need receive the necessary assistance and support they require.
With my deep love for the community and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, I am thrilled to contribute to the mission and vision of Life to the Max Trust Whanganui. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, fostering a stronger and more vibrant community for all.
STAFF
Tristan Smith – Social Worker (BSW, Reg S/W)
Annie Firaza – Service Manager (MSW, BSW, MANZASW, Reg S/W)
Kate Malcolm – Social Worker (BSW, Reg S/W)
Liz Hoskin – Funding, finance and administration
Paul (Bola) Hausia – Social Worker (BSW, MANZASW, Reg S/W)
POLICE LIAISON
Constable Luke Cranston
