About Us
The Christchurch Aunties is an amazing network of people of all genders and backgrounds who contribute to the vision and mahi of a Canterbury where all women and children who have been exposed to abuse and family harm, are safe, well supported and resourced through their collaborating agencies.
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Karon Storr, Manager
Karon has a corporate and NGO background in New Zealand and overseas, and has taken the reins as Manager of the Christchurch Aunties, since May 2022.
She is the mother of two fully grown terrific humans and two wayward Miniature Pinschers (Beau and Ty), Karon is also learning to paint portraits from her assiduous Fine Arts partner. Her aspirations are to grow with the needs of the organisation and to help ensure the Christchurch Aunties profile is elevated in Waitaha, through individuals and corporates, alike. When she's not networking, connecting good people or seeking charitable funds, Karon loves producing and eating 'la cucina italiana', travelling and cleaning-really! karon@chchaunties.org.nz 0272844309 |
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Reetah Mitchell, Chairperson
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Reetah Mitchell (Ngāti Kauwhata ki te Tonga and Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) is a business owner, mother to two eye rolling teenagers and partner to a very patient husband. She loves romance novels, running, cups of tea, and eating more chocolate biscuits than is advisable for a middle aged woman. Her volunteering experience includes Victim Support and a plethora of her children's school, sport and extra curricular clubs and organisations. Reetah is currently the Leader of the Christchurch branch of Days For Girls - an international organisation that creates and distributes menstrual hygiene kits to girls in developing countries. Her business is a key drop off-point for The Christchurch Aunties.
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Holly Gibson, Trustee
Holly has worked in operational leadership and HR management roles for the last 18 years and most enjoys work which serves to improve experiences for people in some way, which is why she was drawn the Christchurch Aunties.
Holly loves variety and this has allowed her to obtain a 'jack of all trades' background throughout her career covering everything from people functions to finance, IT and process improvement. A self-confessed foodie and amateur runner, when she is not in the office, she more or less lives in activewear and can be usually spotted bounding through the Port Hills with one of her three labradors. |
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Fiona Archer, Trustee
Fi is passionate about the work she is doing with the Christchurch Aunties. She enjoys liaising with both the donors of supplies, and the end recipients. She loves that she can be part of helping to make lives easier for individuals, and families. Fi is the go to person, who knows the Aunties processes and can step in when needed. She is well known among the agencies that the Aunties support.
When she isn’t being an Auntie, Fi enjoys time with her incredibly patient husband, dog Archie, and the company of her friends. Her background is in finding solutions to problems, and connecting the right people to help with those solutions to get things done. |
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Dr Jacqui Johnson, TrusteeJacqui is firstly a mother to 3 teenage boys and 1 fur baby (a chocolate Labrador), Amongst the beautiful organised chaos of home life, Jacqui recently completed her PhD at the University of Canterbury. Her study “Monitored Mothering”, looked at the experiences of mothers who parented within New Zealand women’s prisons. While continuing her involvement in this area through contributing writing in international publications and podcasts, Jacqui currently works as a Family Violence Response Specialist Social Worker. With a passion for whānau, rangatahi, and tamariki, Jacqui is constantly looking for ways to make a difference. Thankful for the unwavering support of her husband, they enjoy their family times, camping, travelling, biking and snuggled up binge watching complete seasons on Netflix.
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Bernie McCarthy, Trustee |
Bernie McCarthy is a mum to three, a business owner, volunteer and has served on various
not for profit and school boards. She enjoys the outdoors and has done many multi day tramps
with her family, throughout Aotearoa. Bernie has had a varied background from working in IT for
Hewlett Packard in China, through to owning a business focusing on quality of life for our elderly.
She is currently studying a Masters in Dementia Care and finds that working with people living
dementia is her passion.
Bernie was drawn to the Christchurch Aunties because she loves their kaupapa of getting what
women need to them, in a respectful, seamless way.
not for profit and school boards. She enjoys the outdoors and has done many multi day tramps
with her family, throughout Aotearoa. Bernie has had a varied background from working in IT for
Hewlett Packard in China, through to owning a business focusing on quality of life for our elderly.
She is currently studying a Masters in Dementia Care and finds that working with people living
dementia is her passion.
Bernie was drawn to the Christchurch Aunties because she loves their kaupapa of getting what
women need to them, in a respectful, seamless way.
Sasha Uhrbom, Secretary and Trustee
Sasha Uhrbom is a 19 year old, second year Bachelor of Science student, studying at the University of Canterbury and majoring in Chemistry.
In his free time, (although there isn't so much of that any more!) Sasha enjoys playing bass guitar and analysing music. (No, we're not sure either, but we're keen to find out!)
Sasha was amazed by the mahi done by the Christchurch Aunties, and so eagerly took the opportunity
to lend his whakaaro when approached to join the Board as Secretary.
In his free time, (although there isn't so much of that any more!) Sasha enjoys playing bass guitar and analysing music. (No, we're not sure either, but we're keen to find out!)
Sasha was amazed by the mahi done by the Christchurch Aunties, and so eagerly took the opportunity
to lend his whakaaro when approached to join the Board as Secretary.
Lisa Tau, Trustee
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Lisa Tau (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi) is a proud mum to three and wife to a passionate Warriors supporter. She manages her time between a busy corporate role in the sales team for a travel management provider, managing her children's sports team and treasurer for one of her iwi taurahere in Ōtautahi - Ngāti Porou ki Waitaha.
Lisa is passionate about relationships and approaches all engagements with pastoral care and support. Outside of her busy work schedule and volunteering duties, Lisa enjoys catching up with whānau and friends, pottering away in the garden, learning to speak Te Reo Māori and practicing Kapa haka with her iwi group. Lisa has had a desire to join an agency that supports women and children impacted by family violence in recent years and was delighted when the opportunity presented to join the Christchurch Aunties. |
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