Our Governance Team
Kaz Philip
Chairperson
People and Culture Manager, WellSouth
Karen is the People and Culture Manager at WellSouth. She has 24 years of experience in generalist HR roles in a variety of contexts.
Her roles in the past have covered all aspects of the employment relationship from recruitment, professional and performance development, disputes, negotiations, remuneration, and health and safety.
Nicola Atwool
Associate Professor - Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work (University of Otago)
Nicola has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Gender, and Social Work at the University of Otago.
Prior to her work at the University she worked for the Children's Commissioner as a senior advisor. Nicola has an extensive background in social work and child psychotherapy.
Craig Dinnissen
Area Response Manager, NZ Police
About Craig
Brian Lowe
Youthline Helpline Triage Team Leader - CA, MBA, BCom (Finance, Accounting and Systems)
Brian has a sales/marketing background in the fields of finance and business. He is a former Managing and Sales Director of Tecpak Industries Limited, Dunedin, which grew into an Australasian supplier of packing.
Until taking on his current role in 2022, Brian was the General Manager of Youthline Otago and Youthline Southland, Chair of the Youthline Helpline Operations Committee and member of the National Executive. He remains a Board member of Youthline Southland.
Carole Adair
Partner, Polson Higgs
Carole is a chartered accountant and is a Partner at Polson Higgs, she works mainly in the Business Advisory area where she deals with a wide range of clients both large and small and in both the commercial and rural sectors.
Carole deals with all aspects of clients businesses including compliance and taxation work as well as being involved in training. Carole was a member of the Board of Trustees of Kings High School and chaired the Finance Committee for 6 years until 2015. She ls also a trustee for the Home of St Barnabas and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Garth Powell
Special Education Advisor, Ministry of Education
Garth is a primary trained teacher who is currently the Learning Support Service Manager for the North Otago Team. He has been there for 3 years and in that time has also worked as a Special Education Advisor, supporting young people with high and complex needs (ORS verified) and with behavioural challenges. Prior to joining the Ministry of Education, Garth taught at East Taieri primary school where he was a classroom teacher, Dean of the Middle Team, and part of the Senior Leadership. In 2026 Garth will be leaving the Ministry and heading back to East Taieri school where he been appointed as Principal/Tumuaki – a role he is very excited to take on.
Dan Houghton
Transitions Team Leader, Te Hou Ora Whānau Services
About Dan
Dame Patricia Harrison
Patron | Retired Principal - DCNZM, QSM, QSO, MA (Hons in Philosophy)
Pat is a founding trustee and held the role of chair for eight years. Pat was Principal of Queen’s High School for 19 years. Other roles include ORC councillor, and member of the University of Otago Council.