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
National Community Advisor
Kia ora! I’m Kelsey, and I’ve called Wellington home since I was 13, though I’m originally from the Wairarapa.
I joined the National Office in 2015 as the National Community Advisor, and I absolutely love my role! I’m passionate about creating real, meaningful connections within communities and seeing how they thrive when everyone comes together.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me hanging out with family and friends, catching some action-packed sports (especially rugby and V8 racing), soaking up the sun at the beach, or diving into home and garden projects with my husband, Mike.
In 2022, we welcomed our little whirlwind, Arlo, into the world, and he’s been keeping us on our toes ever since—he’s quickly become the absolute heart of our world!
Kirsty Oliver-Robson
Brand, Marketing & Communications
Kia ora, I’m Kirsty!
I cover NSNZ’s website, social media, communications, graphic design and branding.
I have lived most of my life in the Wellington Region, but am an avid traveler who loves exploring the world and our own beautiful backyard here in Aotearoa.
I have a background in art, design, film/cinema, social media, marketing and communications.
Making connections and sharing stories is a big part of who I am and what I do (either through work or personally with my art), and I'm especially looking forward to expanding the Neighbourhood Support community around the country and sharing our stories.
In my spare time I love to create art, practice yoga, roller-skate, explore the outdoors, see live music, and spend time with friends and family.
Kahlia McDougall
Community Advisor
- Tāmaki Makaurau
Kia ora! Ko Kahlia McDougall ahau (Ngati Porou).
I am a passionate Community Advisor and Advocate dedicated to empowering communities. With a heart for whānau and a deep understanding of the importance of support, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my leadership and lived experiences in the non-profit and private sectors.
Outside of Neighbourhood Support, I am advising and advocating in the Eating Disorders carer lived experience space and in Peer Mentoring and when I'm not working, you can find me exploring the outdoors or planning my next travel adventure.
I'm committed to working alongside community members, organizations, and stakeholders to build connected, resilient communities that uplift and support one another.
Partners
Anaru Graham
Senior Prevention Partnerships Advisor – Community
Tena koe, Ko Anaru Graham ahau.
I recently joined the Iwi and Communities team for Police National Headquarters.
I work closely with three community organisations as part of my role: Neighbourhood Support New Zealand, Community Patrol New Zealand and Limited Service Volunteer (LSV).
I am born and bred in the Hawkes Bay, growing up in a police family with my father and uncle both being in the police, currently living here with my own family. I whakapapa to Kawhia, (Ngati Hikairo) where I spent a number of my school holidays with my grandparents, whanau and whanauga burning my feet on the black sand, eating the abundance of cockles we gathered.
I refer to these things as they are most important to me, they are also the reasons I have become who I am as a person, the reasons that have shaped me, along with my life experiences from both Police and my personal life. Growing up knowing you have people around you that support you and connect you to the whenua and community makes me feel safe.
I joined the Police in 1997 and since graduating from Police college I’ve been privileged to have worked in some absolutely amazing places, meeting some incredible people along the way - people who have shown me the importance of being connected and belonging to a community.
Over the years of working in community, it has become apparent to me that knowing where you come from is equally important as knowing where you are going - even more so is knowing that anyone and everyone can help make a community safer by being connected, this is why I am so passionate about Neighbourhood Support.
My Police career started in South Auckland and my passion to grow Neighbourhood Support has only grown stronger after seeing first-hand the difference that being connected with neighbours can have in making us feel safe, and how looking out for each other helps keep us safe.
It has been events like Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle that have shown me that you can’t beat kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) for building partnerships and showing that you care, these events have also show how we (the Police) can’t do the mahi alone, we need the support of our communities to make a difference.
I am excited to be in the role and look forward to meeting some of you in person in the near future.
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.
Chris Smith
Board Member
Kia Ora, I’m Chris.
My journey with Neighbourhood Support started in 2006 when I was approached to assist establish an organisation to support community safety.
I am the only original trustee who remains in the organisation which is now known as CommSafe. This organisation administers and runs Neighbourhood Support and Community Patrols in Te Awamutu and surrounding rural areas. CommSafe also oversee CCTV for the Waipa District working closely with NZ Police and Waipa District Council.
I have had a variety of work experiences from banking, owning a retail business, selling real estate, and now work for a large organisation which focuses on social housing and mental health amongst several other areas.
I have always been socially conscious from a period as a volunteer fireman, years on a committee to promote Te Awamutu, Chairperson of Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce (10 years) and District Representative for Neighbourhood Support Waikato for the past 12 years.
I see Neighbourhood Support as an important conduit between NZ Police and the community as we all strive to make our communities safe places to work and live. My vision is to see Neighbourhood Support developed throughout the entire country.
Dalice Stewart
Board Member
Born and raised in North Canterbury, I’m a proud Kaiapoi resident, sharing life with my husband and our two wonderful kids. For the past seven years, I’ve been involved with North Canterbury Neighbourhood Support, a role I truly enjoy. I’m passionate about fostering safer, more connected, and resilient neighborhoods—because a strong community is a happy community!
As a board member for Neighbourhood Support New Zealand, I’m excited to share insights from a grassroots perspective while also learning from my fellow board members. It’s all about collaboration and making our neighborhoods better for everyone.
When I’m not busy with community initiatives, you’ll find me playing netball, spending quality time with friends and family, or scootering around the neighbourhood on the kids scooters! I believe in the power of community and the joy it brings—let’s connect and make a difference together!
John Roberts
Board Member
Tena koutou katoa,
Ko John Roberts toku ingoa
Ko Heretaunga ahau
Kia ora my name is John, or more commonly known as JR.
I have been fortunate to be part of the Neighbourhood Support whanau since 2019 as the Community Resilience Co-Ordinator for the Hastings District Council.
I feel very privileged to be one of 2 new board members and what we as a combined group can do to not only support our fellow staff and volunteers but also our diverse communities.
I am married to Katrina with 4 children, 2 step children, 3 mokos, 2 dogs 6 guitars and one drum kit.
I look forward to meeting new members and working with you all in the near future.
“No reira, Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa”
.
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 - Alivia Roberts
Canterbury District - Sue Abel
Central District - Kristel Gillespie
Counties Manukau District - Colleen Brown
Eastern District - John Roberts
Southern District - Christine Dorsey
Waikato District - Chris Smith
Waitemata District - Tanya Svendsen
Wellington District - Helena Henare-Coolen