Staff

Meet the team

The national office staff are located in Wellington. We help provide national coordination and support to our Local Age Concern staff so they are equipped to deliver our crucial services to local communities. 

Chief Executive - Karen Billings-Jensen

I am so privileged to be the Chief Executive of Age Concern New Zealand and be part of an organisation that has the wellbeing, rights, respect and dignity of older people at its heart.  Relationships are at the core of what I do, alongside ensuring that the right resources are in place for all our work both nationally and to support our members.  I am a proud Wellingtonian and a registered social worker by background with extensive management and leadership experience across the NGO sector.  To see our vision, mission, values and strategic priorities come to life is an important goal and one that we can only achieve in partnership with the community, social, voluntary and government sector, including working with Iwi, Pasifika, Migrant and Refugee communities.  
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Natasha Muir - Manager, Fundraising, Communications and Marketing

A lot of my role is around building relationships and engaging people to support the work we do supporting older New Zealanders. Age Concern New Zealand is a well-regarded and trusted organisation in the New Zealand charitable landscape giving me a great platform to work from. I want a New Zealand that is a great place to live at any age but also a great place to age! We are all aging and we all have a vested interest in creating a society that respects, values and celebrates the contribution of older New Zealanders.
I am an apartment dweller in central Wellington and really enjoy scouring the city for food haunts, entertainment hubs and op shops.
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Hanny Naus - Professional Educator: Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention

My role is to support and encourage the professionalism of workers in elder abuse and neglect prevention throughout the country. It is a privilege to work with these passionate and skilled colleagues who support older people have their needs and choices respected. In previous work roles, my focus has included social work/counseling in community and health care settings with older people and people with disabilities.
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Office Manager - Irene Buijvoets

As Office Manager I am one of the first points of contact at Age Concern New Zealand. My role is to keep our office humming along, whether that involves organizing events, submitting papers, fixing computers, or buying biscuits. I have a combined background in hospitality, tourism and IT, and moved to New Zealand from the Netherlands in 2017. After living in rural Southland and rural Bay of Plenty I now call the big city of Wellington my home. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work in this amazing team and doing my part to contribute to the lives of older people.  

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Scott Weaver - Office Manager (Parental Leave Cover)

As Office Manager I contribute to the success of the team at Age Concern New Zealand by ensuring that the day-to-day operation of the office runs smoothly. I’m often the first point of contact, redirecting queries to where they need to go. I was born and raised in Wellington. However, I spent close to 20 years working in Information Technology and Project Management roles for various charities and within the public sector while living in London.  Upon returning to Wellington after the birth of my daughter, I retrained as a primary school teacher. Over the past decade I have been managing Early Childhood Centre's.
In my free time I enjoy creative writing. I am working on several unfinished novels of dubious quality.  I also enjoy live music and I contribute reviews to a couple of online music publications.  I feel extremely privileged to work for such a respected organisation as Age Concern New Zealand, supporting the great work they do.
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Louise Rees - National Manager Social Connection Services

My role is all about social connection. This involves coordinating our Accredited Visiting Service. The service provides company for older people and volunteering roles for people aged from 18 to over 90. Older people’s social networks can be disrupted by things like bereavement, health problems, or stopping driving, but we help to turn that around, and support people to build new patterns and make new friends. I love working with the team of coordinators around the country, and also seeing all the ways in which we connect older people together to enjoy company, food, and activities. I migrated to New Zealand when I was expecting my first baby, and organisations like Plunket and New Mother’s Support Groups helped me to quickly develop a network of supportive friends in a country where I knew hardly anyone. I’m happy to be working for an organisation that provides similar support to older people.
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Joanne Reid - Manager Health Promotion and Policy

Age Concern New Zealand is an inspiring place to work alongside others to promote the wellbeing of older people. My role covers two areas that go hand in hand - health promotion and policy. I provide information and support for health promotion initiatives and develop resources relevant to older people. I also prepare submissions and policy statements that advocate for the rights and wellbeing of older people. My career choices have always been influenced by my desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I am passionate about spending time with family and friends and spend many happy hours exploring my family history.
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Anna Ikenaga - Health Promotion Adviser

My role is to support the health promotion mahi of Age Concern. I am passionate about community and public health, and I am privileged to work for an organization that values and celebrates older people. 
I grew up in rural mid-Canterbury, and recently made the move up to Wellington from Christchurch. I value creativity and love to read and paint. I also enjoy trying new foods, and familiar favourites, with friends and family.

Vicky Beesley - Fundraising and Communications Adviser

My role is assisting with fundraising and donor engagement to ensure the organisation can carry on it’s vital work with older people in Aotearoa.
I love working in the charity sector and I am thrilled to join the Age Concern New Zealand team. I think older people are valuable members of society and I am proud to work for an organisation that advocates for their rights and wellbeing.
I am originally from Somerset, England. I have been living in wonderful Wellington for 9 years. I am a book worm, I love live music and exploring op shops. I also love film photography and most recently bird taxidermy.
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Hariata Hema - Staying Safe National Course Coordinator

My role is to champion our NZTA funded 'Staying Safe' refresher courses for older drivers across New Zealand.  I love training and promoting opportunities for trainers to shine as well as participants to feel attendance was worthwhile and fun. All drivers, regardless of age must assess their driving skills in order to stay safe, and it is an added bonus to work where independence and dignity are valued.
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Sally Wilkinson - Financial Administrator

I joined Age Concern New Zealand in September 2019, as Financial Administrator.  In my role I manage the day to day finances and also oversee all contract payments to local Age Concerns. Previously I have worked in small businesses, so this is my first experience working in a not for profit/charity.  I have lived in Wellington my whole life and I enjoy playing tennis weekly. 
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Rei Te Teira-Ngatai - Admin Support

As an ‘older’ person in the workforce I enjoy the social connection and making every day count. I live in a Thorndon apartment complex as it is very handy to my ‘bellringing’ hobby where 5 bells are hung for full circle ringing in Old St Paul’s and 14 in the Anglican Cathedral of St Paul.

He aha te mea nui o te Ao – He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata.
What is the greatest thing in the World – It is people.
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Gillian Cross - Accountant

I come in regularly to support the Finance Administrator and prepare Board and Management Reports as required. I assist a number of not for profits in a similar role and the balance of my work time is spent in my office in Porirua doing accounting and taxation returns. Out of the office, I am a Justice of the Peace, and enjoy playing tennis and netball.
Email Gillian