Our Team
National Team
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand is run by a small but dedicated team, who are spread throughout the country.
Get to know the team who help to coordinate Neighbourhood Support at the national level...
Louise Grevel
CEO
Kia ora, I'm Louise but you can call me Lou!
I have been involved with Neighbourhood Support for many years, having worked as the Coordinator for Neighbourhood Support Waitakere, serving as the District Representative for Waitemata District (which covers Members in Waitakere, Rodney, North Shore and Greenhithe) for nearly 10 years, and serving on the Board for a similar amount of time (with two terms as Chair).
I have a vested interest and passion for seeing NSNZ continue to grow by increasing our profile in a positive and constructive way.
Outside of Neighbourhood Support I am also a volunteer for my local Fire Brigade, a Trustee for the Waitakere Township Hall and Whangateau Cemetery, as well as a Ranui Swanson Waitakere Community Patroller.
When I have the time, my hobbies include woodworking and renovation / DIY projects. I love to create furniture and art using recycled materials as a way to relax.
Kelsey Ardern
Community Advisor
Kia ora, I'm Kelsey! Originally from the Wairarapa, I moved to the 'big city' (Wellington) when I was 13 and have lived here ever since.
Prior to joining the National Team in 2015, I was the Manager of Hutt Safe City Group which looked after the operational management of Neighbourhood Support, 7 community patrols and the city’s CCTV network in the Hutt Valley.
In my current role I love connecting with Members + Supporters from across the country and seeing their local groups and organisations flourish with a bit of help and guidance.
In my spare time I like to hang out with friends and family, watch sport (especially rugby and V8s), relax at the beach and work on some home + garden projects with my husband. We also love to spoil our lovable furry ginger feline, ED; AND we welcomed our first child, Arlo, into the world in March 2023, so he has naturally become our world!
Zelia Horrell
Marketing & Communications
Hello! My name is Zelia and I’m the gal behind NSNZ’s website, social media, branding, graphic design and communications.
I grew up on a farm in Southland before heading to University in Dunedin. I have since lived and worked in several different spots across New Zealand and the United States, and now reside in Queenstown.
I live an eclectic life, with an array of different endeavours. When not working for Neighbourhood Support, I volunteer for Showbiz Queenstown and am currently on both their Board and Committee. I teach Musical Theatre classes to kids and the odd private singing lesson. I am also a qualified Health Coach, and offer freelance marketing services to several small businesses and brands.
In my personal time I enjoy performing in community productions, hiking, walking my dogs, catching up with close friends, and working on my home with my wonderful partner, Jack.
National Board
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand is governed by 5 to 7 elected Board members.
Our current Board members are:
Claire Steer
Chair
Kia ora, I'm Claire!
I'm based in Pauanui Beach where I'm the Vice Chairperson for Pauanui Neighbourhood Support. I'm also currently the Neighbourhood Support Deputy District Representative for Waikato as well as a Justice of the Peace.
During my time on the Board, I've been proud to secure long term funding for town security cameras as well as providing upskilling for household members and street contacts. I've also helped to bring PNS into the 21st century by establishing a social media presence for the organisation.
As a member of the Institute of Directors and having many years of governance experience in the education sector, I am confident of adding value to the board of Neighbourhood Support New Zealand.
I am proud to have recently stepped into the role of Chair for the NSNZ Board.
Colleen Brown
Vice Chair
Kia ora, I'm Colleen! I've been the Chair of Manurewa Neighbourhood Support for 7 years and am also the District Representative for Counties Manukau.
With a background in education, I've been a lecturer in Communication as well as a Manukau City Councillor for 9 years where I am currently serving another term on the Counties Manukau District Health Board where I chair two committees. I have also been passionately involved in the disability sector in governance and advisory roles whilst also supporting my son for the past 30 years.
I live in Hillpark, Manurewa, Auckland one of the last urban forests in New Zealand where I spend my days writing and watching Tui, Kereru and finches zoom around my garden.
I see NSNZ as being a key factor in creating sustainable, healthy, and well connected communities across the country. With a large immigrant community in my district, Neighbourhood Support creates an opportunity to cultivate a sense of ownership of our streets and wider community, giving residents both old and new a sense of pride and belonging for where they live.
Craig Yarndley
Treasurer
Kia ora, I'm Craig - the numbers guy! I'm the Principal Chartered Accountant of Gener8 as well as involved with our local Neighbourhood Support organisation 'CommSafe' based in Te Awamutu.
My wife Jenny and I have 6 children which understandably keeps us busy as we support and encourage their various artistic talents.
Our faith keeps me grounded and this has led me to a particular interest in building relationships, and helping people to reach their full potential.
I love the technological age and strive to use it to its full potential in all areas of my life and work.
Betty-Ann Smart
Board Member
Kia ora, I'm Betty-Ann! I joined South Canterbury Neighbourhood Support as a part-time Coordinator in April 2019 and have since been the South Canterbury Rep attending our Canterbury Regional Meetings.
From 1998 to 2008 I was involved with the Pre-School Learning Alliance (a National Early Years Educational Charity in the UK) as a volunteer, Outreach Worker, Team Leader/Manager, QA Mentor + Assessor, Adult Trainer and Project Manager at the local, regional and national levels.
Since moving to Aotearoa, I have worked as the Principal's PA and Executive Officer at Central Hawke's Bay College while also serving as Board Secretary and Privacy Officer for the Board of Trustees. During my time there I was appointed Returning Officer for 3 Elections and regularly undertook training.
I see these experiences as being valuable in my role on the NSNZ Board and look forward to representing Canterbury nationally!
Chris Smith
Board Member
Bio coming soon!
District Representatives
As a membership-based organisation, we care deeply about ensuring the diverse voices of our Members are heard at the national level. Our District Representative Forum comprises of twelve democratically elected Members - 1 from each of the 12 Police Districts.
Our current District Representatives are:
Bay of Plenty District - Richard Perkins
Canterbury District - Betty-Ann Smart
Central District - Alison Jarden
Counties Manukau District - Colleen Brown
Eastern District - John Roberts
Southern District - Kelly Young
Tasman District - Helen Reynolds
Waikato District - Chris Smith
Waitemata District - Rebecca Smith
Wellington District - Emma McGill