Board of Trustees

Andrew Wilson - Chair
Andrew provides consultancy services in the fields of social housing and property management (Director of Avonbank Property Advisory Ltd).  He established Accessible Properties (New Zealand’s largest non-government community housing provider) in 2010 and ran it until 2017. Over that time it grew in size from 900 to 2600 homes under management. Andrew is a member of the Australasian Housing Institute and  served 5 years on the national council of Community Housing Aotearoa, including 3 years as chair.
Catherine McLellan - Treasurer
Catherine is a chartered accountant with 15 years' experience working for chartered accountancy practices in Christchurch, Adelaide and Nelson. She works for Findex as a senior manager.  Catherine has a wealth of experience preparing and reviewing financial reports, managing staff and has served in many treasurer roles previously. She is also a trustee on the Nayland Primary School board.

 

Elton Merrin
Elton is an agri-banker with ANZ, with over 25 years' experience in the banking sector. His skills include financial planning, commercial banking and accountancy and he has strong experience in dealing with property transactions and business management. He has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Diploma in Accountancy.

 

John Harris
John Harris is of Ngāpuhi descent and was born and raised in Kaitaia but has lived most of his life in the Nelson district. John brings strong experience within Māori communities and the health sector to the board. He currently works for a kaupapa Māori health service as a Pukenga Manaaki (navigator) for people who experience distress. John was involved in the development of the Housing First initiative tackling homelessness in Nelson and continues to play an active role supporting whānau into affordable and emergency accommodation.
Paul Russell
Paul is a retired civil engineer and former branch manager with MWH Global. Paul's expertise includes  geotechnical engineering, heavy civil structures and domestic building and he also trained more than 300 MWH project managers in Australia and New Zealand. Paul's governance skills include strategic planning, risk management and health and safety. He is also a trustee with the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust.
Peter Barr - Vice-chair
Peter spent 23 years working in the oil industry in marketing and senior management roles both in NZ and overseas. He served 10 years in sports management with Tasman Rugby, as well as 6 years as a senior executive working for Nelson Pine Industries Ltd. Peter's former governance roles include deputy chair of the board of trustees at Nelson Girls College and a trustee with Network Tasman Trust.

 

Susan Coleman
Susan has many years’ experience at executive management level in local government, community social services and the non-profit sector. Susan's experience with Nelson City Council processes assists NTHT to build productive working relationships with local authorities. She also brings skills in strategic planning, employment and governance. Susan has a Masters in Management (Massey University).
Carrie Mozena - NTHT Director
Carrie is one of our founding trustees and has been employed as Director since 2015. Carrie has a strong background in leadership, community development and not-for-profit management. She has wide contacts across Nelson and Tasman having coordinated the Nelson Women's Centre for many years, and a deep understanding of local housing need and solutions. Carrie has previously served on the Community Housing Aotearoa (CHA) National Council as treasurer.