TRACEY WRIGHT-TAWHA (Chair)

Tracey is the Chief Executive of Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust. This organisation runs a wide range of integrated health and social services. Of particular interest is the Tūmanako Oranga Wellness Centre, in Invercargill, focussing on mental health, addiction and crisis respite care.  Services are regional with offices in Dunedin.  

Tracey is also the Chair of Oraka Aparima Runaka and Alternate to Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, having a passion for her whakapapa and Ngai Tahu roots.

Tracey is deeply committed to Māori health and well-being, with a focus on equality and equity of access. Her team of 108 staff deliver over 170,000 interventions annually through health and social services in the Southern community. 

“I am mana whenua and I care deeply about the health and wellbeing of people and our environment. Being Chair of the LAC for Southland is a huge privilege.  I can’t wait to get started.”

Gary is the former Mayor of Southland, ending his tenure in 2023. Previously a Senior Constable in Te Anau, Tuatapere and Invercargill, Gary served 25 years in the police force, managed the Borland Lodge, a non-for-profit organisation, and spent time as a fish and game warden. Gary was also owner/operator of a holiday park. His governance experience includes roles as a Chair at Koha Kai, Trustee at Borland Lodge Adventure and Education Trust and Committee Member at St John Funding Committee. Gary is also a past member of Boards of Trustees, boat clubs and community boards.

“(LACs have) been proven as a valuable asset to Fire and Emergency in other parts of New Zealand. I feel my experience and contacts would contribute to a LAC in Murihiku Southland.”

Tracy was Mayor of Gore from 2004 to 2022. His extensive background in governance includes as elected councillor to Environment Southland, Gore District Council and Mataura Borough Council.

Tracy also chaired the Southland Mayoral Forum and Southern Leadership Group (RLG) and was part of the group that responded to Tiwai Aluminium Smelter.

His governance career also includes roles as a Trustee of the Community Trust of Southland and the Local Government Superannuation entity. A Founding Trustee of Tussock Country, as well as providing leadership in establishment of the Hokonui Huanui project, including developing a long-term Council relationship with Hokonui Runanga. Tracy’s background is in retail, leading the establishment and management of The Warehouse in Gore.

“Being on the LAC and having the chance to connect and advocate for both the community and the brigades is exciting.”

Beryl’s experience extends over many years in both governance and management positions in the education, health and community service fields. Her community perspective and involvement include working with rangatahi (young people), the elderly and, as current Chair of the South Invercargill Urban Rejuvenation Charitable Trust (South Alive), strengthening the important elements of consultation and engagement to enable a stronger community voice, wellbeing and resilience.

She has been a representative on many local and national advisory and consumer consultation groups in the health sector and other fields. She considers community voice and advocacy is essential to achieve local and relevant solutions. Beryl was awarded the Member of New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community in 2022.

“I am excited to join the LAC and bring my experience in working in communities to ensure that their voice, needs and risks are included when seeking positive options and feedback along with meeting local outcomes.”

ALISTAIR MCKENZIE (Member)

Alastair has served as Director and Chairman of several Companies across a variety of industries including retail, hospitality, professional sport, health, marketing, aviation, and the primary sector.

As a Chartered member of the Institute of Directors, he is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the community, using his extensive knowledge of the area and its uniqueness.

HIMANI GALBRAITH (Member)

A former Chair of Hindi School Trust Board and an English teacher at Central Southland College, Himani now acts as a liaison between families and various agencies with Family Works.

She is also the Director and Chair for Southland Migrant Walking Together which aims to connect Tamariki (children) with their heritage, integrating Indian tradition and Kiwi values needed to be confident and competent community members of the future.

“I am excited about the prospect of contributing my skills and experiences to the LAC.”

Carla is currently the Southland Area Manager for Farmers Mutual Group (FMG) and has a background of 20+ years in the Financial Services Industry. Her governance experience includes roles as Director at Southland Chamber of Commerce 2019-2023, Trustee of Love Local Charitable Trust 2020-2022, Graduate of Agri Women’s Development Trust Escalator 2023 Cohort, Intern Director at South Port NZ Limited 2023-current and she has recently completed the Institute of Directors (IOD) Directors Course and passed the Chartered Member Assessment.

“Being a part of the local community is important to me. To be able to play a small part sitting alongside our local Fire and Emergency is something that not only appeals to me but it’s a place in which I can see I would be able to add real value.”

CHRIS DILLON (Member)

Chris, alongside his family operate an arable farm in Northern Southland. Through his wider involvement in both his local community and as immediate past President of Southland Federated Farmers, he has established connections throughout the region and country.

He is a member of the Ardlussa Community board and resides on the National Federated Farmers Arable Executive. Chris has been a member of the local volunteer Fire Brigade for 23 years so he has first-hand experience and knowledge in emergency management.

Chris brings a local voice and its his desire to give back to his community that drives his interest in governance and this advisory group.

“I am looking forward to joining the LAC to help represent the community where I live and work by bringing a practical, grounded, forward focused approach.”

JOHN TWIDLE (Member)

John recently finished as Workstream Lead, Heritage and the Ngai Tahu Partnership on the Milford Opportunities Project.

He has served on many Boards and Trusts including Waiau Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Enhancement Trust, Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust, Fiordland Trails Trust, Te Waiau Mahinga Kai trust and is still an active member of the Fiordland Hazards Working Group.

He is an ex-member of the Southland Conservation Board and has a deep understanding of Te Anau, Milford Sound Piopiotohi, the uniqueness of the area and the hazards and risks that go with that.

“Being able to share and contribute my knowledge and experience in a positive way for the community I live in is what motivates me. I am thrilled to join the LAC to do this.”