Emerge is a charitable trust governed by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time and expertise to guide and advise the organisation.
Below is a brief summary of these very fine people who serve on our Board.
You can read about our employees on their individual pages in the menu on the left.
The Board
Chris Lipscombe – Chairman
Chris Lipscombe is an experienced strategic planner, marketer and business adviser with a successful background in graphic design, publishing, marketing and IT. Chris has lived in Wellington on and off since the mid-70s, and has had a long involvement with local community, aid and development organisations, including Corso and Crossways Community Centre. In his work as General Manager with the Wellington Region’s economic development agency, Chris developed extensive contacts within ICT, creative content and education industries in the region. Since 2000 his company Ground Zero has provided strategic planning and capital-raising services to Wellington-based clients in these industries. Chris holds directorships in two New Zealand-based technology and marketing consultancy companies, and is President of the Wellington-Xiamen Association.
Peter Ledingham – Deputy Chair
Peter Ledingham spent most of his career as an economist with the Reserve Bank, including a number of years as a head of department. He retired from the Bank in 2006, and is now pursuing some personal interests. He is a single parent of three children, who have all now left home. His youngest child, David, has Downs Syndrome and finished school in 2006. David participated in Emerge’s transition programme, enjoying some successful work experience assignments.
Gordon Smart – Treasurer
Gordon is a Chartered Accountant with 20 years commercial and educational experience.
Janet Dixon
Janet is the parent of four children, one of whom has several disabilities. Until recently she has been working as a lecturer/advisor in Early Childhood at Victoria University. She has a longstanding interest in inclusion and advocacy. Janet was a founding member of this Board in 1996.
Jo Maling
When Jo returned to NZ in 1993 she was unable to get work and was referred to Emerge via McGirrs computer training in 2000. She was offered a place on the Mainstream Programme and got a job with CCS as a vocational support person. Jo now works for the Disability Centre in Petone.
Lesley Shanahan
Lesley is the parent of fully mainstreamed, included and supported adult son. Member of the Lyall Perris Task Force, Special Education Advisory Board and Parent Perspective Advisor for the College of Education in Wellington.
Maree Bregman
Is a Senior Lecturer, Wellington Institute of Technology, Certificate in Community and Vocational Learning Skills programme.
CVLS is a work skill based programme for people who have a long term illness, injury or disability that require targeted assistance to maximise their potential. Individually focused to provide graduates with the skills, confidence, and practical work experience to gain meaningful employment.
Maree has been involved with the CVLS programme part time for the past 12 years, and has also tutored on several other programmes within WelTec. Teaching computers and digital creative design in the Centre of Hospitality, Tourism, Hair & Beauty Professionals to name a few. Maree has been a full time tutor with the CVLS programme for the past 6 years.
Maree has Adult Education and Training qualifications. Advanced computer skills and computer training experience, plus senior level information systems management skills. She has experience in design, implementation and assessment of programme documents including moderation, plus many years’ experience working with people with disabilities.
Hina Short
Ko Mataatua tooku waka
Ko Taiarahia tooku maunga
Ko Hinemataroa tooku awa
Ko Tuhoe tooku iwi
Ko Te Mahurehure me Ngaati Rongo ooku hapu
Ko Te Ura Hina Short tooku ingoa
Hina Short has been a trade unionist for over 15 years, supporting, representing and advocating for employment rights of workers. Hina has represented youth issues and interests both within New Zealand as Convenor for youth at the NZ Council of Trade Unions and internationally as Titular for the Asia-Pacific Regional Area. Being an experienced facilitator and educator for the union she has also contributed to the development of union delegates, delegate groups and networks.
Hina has one daughter who recently was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
