Our People.
Experts In
Their Field.
The team at Hawksbury are experts that you can trust will provide exceptional care and support for all residents and family members. We are proud to have a great support network that allows our staff to thrive, which in turn, benefits everyone. Learn more about the people behind Hawksbury and why we are honoured to have them in our team.
Get In TouchExecutive Leadership Team.
Kim Morton
Kim Morton
CEO
Kim was first employed by Hawksbury at our Gladstone Road home in Mosgiel when it opened in June 1993.
Kim’s roles within the organisation have been many and varied over the years and include being involved in the Pilot for MSD Transition from Vocational Placement to Outreach Retirement Programme, Team Leader at Larnach Road and Gordon Road, Otago Regional Coordinator, Interim CEO for 3 years prior to becoming CEO of Hawksbury in 2021.
Kim had significant involvement in Hawksbury’s redevelopment/development of new homes over the last 15 years and continues to be an integral part of decision-making process when we are reviewing the strategic future of our homes. It is encouraging to see the ongoing strategic direction of the Organisation coming to fruition as Hawksbury continue to provide quality homes that meet the changing needs of our residents. Encouraging choice and control and an opportunity for ongoing personal growth and achievements is our purpose. Our residents are front and centre in our decision making, our Resident Advisory Group enable and lead this.
Kim’s passion and enthusiasm for the disability sector remains her focus. To be an integral part of an organisation that is extremely proud of the quality support provided is a privilege.
“Our Whanau are our Essence; Our Essence is our Mahi”
Kim has two adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Her personal interests include interior decorating, gardening, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
Emma Aitken
Emma Aitken
Regional Manager
Emma joined Hawksbury in 2017 as Senior Support Worker at Avonhead Road and in 2019 moved into the role of House Manager at Avonhead Road. In 2023 Emma was appointed to the position for Regional Manager
Emma has lived in Christchurch since the 80’s and calls Christchurch her home. Emma enjoys Dragon boating and currently paddles for a team competitively and has won many medals from her dragon boat racing. Emma enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Sas on the weekends.
Sarah Brennan
Sarah Brennan
Regional Manager
With 30 years of experience in the health and disability sector across both New Zealand and the UK, I bring a deep commitment to person-directed support and social inclusion. My career began in the UK, where I specialised in community learning disability nursing, working closely with children and babies. I later joined the Safeguarding team, developing a strong focus on protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring their voices are heard.
I am a Regional Manager covering Christchurch and Dunedin. I’m a strong advocate for the principles of Enabling Good Lives (EGL), working to ensure that people with learning disabilities have real choice and control over their lives. I support the Resident Advisory Group to influence decision-making and drive meaningful change within our organisation, helping to create systems that are flexible, respectful, and responsive to what matters most to the people we support.
Outside of work, I enjoy Pilates, swimming, spending time with friends. I also love planning and travelling overseas, and feel fortunate to have visited many countries – each journey adding new perspectives ad inspiration to my work and life.
Susan Haugh
Susan Haugh
Quality and Systems Manager
Susan joined Hawksbury in May 2016 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO, in 2020 Susan moved into the role of Quality and Systems Manager.
Prior to this Susan worked in a variety of administration roles primarily in the NGO health sector and has a passion for working in health.
Susan is loving her role in Quality and Systems and is excited to be able to implement new systems and processes that support the organisation to run smoothly. Although her role is primarily office-based Susan is regularly out at the sites to connect with the residents and staff.
Susan is originally from the beautiful, sunny Central Otago town of Alexandra.
Vicki McClurg
Vicki McClurg
Clinical Quality Lead
Vicki joined Hawksbury in March 2023. She loves her role as Quality Clinical Lead, especially the contact she has with the residents and staff. She is proud of the quality of support Hawksbury provides to our residents.
Vicki has always worked in the disability sector in many roles including as a Nurse, an Assistant Teacher at Allenvale school, a Manager at NZ Care, ACC, Brackenridge, and General Manager at Equitas. She has seen many changes over the years as support for people has changed from a medical model to a human rights model.
Her passion is to ensure people with disabilities are valued as individuals, shown respect and have their needs met with understanding and kindness. She knows how important the “little things” are and will always advocate for people’s rights.
Family is very important and special to Vicki, she has two adult children and two young granddaughters, they are her world.
Lonaye Mckay
Lonaye Mckay
People and Culture Manager
Kia ora, I am Lonaye Mckay.
I joined Hawksbury in 2023, initially managing our three homes in Kaiapoi, and I now lead People and Culture.
My background is in mental health treatment and residential support.
I am passionate about bringing our values to life inspired by the shared wisdom and experience of our residents and staff who help us shape the culture of creating best lives.
The highlight of my day is always connecting with our wonderful residents and incredible team, as they remind me why our work matters.
At home, I have a lovely husband and am proud mum to five amazing kids who keep me busy and bring me joy.
Managers.
Mantar Deep
Mantar Deep
Manager (William Brittan & Waltham)
Mantar joined Hawksbury in June 2015 as a Support Staff member. Since then, Mantar has worked in different positions including permanent, Permanent Relief Team, Senior Support Staff and now as a Manager.
Mantar is a registered pharmacist from India and studied Infection Prevention and Control in Rotorua when he first came to New Zealand in 2011. Mantar has worked in the health care and disability sector for the last 11 years. Mantar is very happy with his current role as he loves to support people with disabilities to plan their lives and achieve the goals.
Mantar is married to Manpreet and they have a lovely daughter Hazel. Mantar likes to spend time with his family and friends, go to movies, and travel. Mantar’s dream is to travel all New Zealand in a caravan with his family.
Annette Murphy
Annette Murphy
Manager (Jamell Place)
Annette has worked with Hawksbury since 2007.
Originally working in our Mosgiel homes before transferring to Christchurch in 2022 where she was appointed to the role of additional duties at Avonhead and then in 2023 was successful appointed to the role of Manager at Avonhead, soon to be Jamell Place.
Julie Elsey-Smart
Julie Elsey-Smart
Manager (Centre Street)
Julie started her Hawsbury Community Living Trust career in December 2019 as Manager of Centre Street.
Prior to this Julie has had a long background of supporting people with varying abilities. Coming from Wellington Laura Ferguson Trust which she held the role of Coordinator supporting people with brain and spinal injuries.
Julie is loving her role as Manager at Hawksbury supporting our people to lead their best possible lives with a lot of passion and drive.
Julie is an exceptionally proud mother of one adult daughter and an annoying cat.
When Julie is not at work, she enjoys spending time with the people she loves. Her passions include – painting, sewing, making wooden sculptures, buying furniture and watching historical documentaries.
Michele McCutcheon
Michele McCutcheon
Manager (Gordon Road and Church Street)
Michele was employed by Hawksbury in 2004 initially supporting within the Outreach Retirement Programme where she spent 3 rewarding years.
She then transitioned into a Full time Support Worker Role working within all 3 Gordon Road homes, she moved into a 2 IC position in 2020 then in 2024 she was appointed Manager of the 3 Gordon Road homes.
Michele has a clear passion for the disability sector and loves nothing more than leading the Gordon Road Team to support the residents to meet their needs holistically all the time promoting independence and opportunities.
Michele is the proud mother of 3 adult sons, her eldest son lives abroad, she has been happily married for 37 years.
Her interests are cooking, baking, travelling, shopping, particularly for clothes and shoes, she also loves tending to the home and garden she and her husband have created in Wingatui.
Family is very special to Michele, she is fortunate to have both of her parents live close to her and spends quality time with them as they age.
Mike Hohaia
Mike Hohaia
Manager (Condell)
Mike joined Hawksbury in September 2020 with over 30 years’ experience in the disability and mental health sector. His career started back in another era at Templeton Hospital, before moving to Brackenridge for sixteen years and then on to Te Roopu Taurima and North Canterbury Rehabilitation Centre.
Mike strives to support all people to live their best life and experience as many things as they can. He brings the values of whanaungatanga (connecting and getting to know people), Manaakitanaga (care, hospitality, warmth) and respecting the mana of all people to every aspect of his work.
Mike grew up in South Auckland, he is of Ngapuhi descent and maintains strong ties to the Hokianga where his whānau are from. He moved to Ōtautahi in 1987, has one son and now lives in North Canterbury with his wife and kurī. Mike likes to keep fit, play touch rugby and enjoys a nice red wine on his days off.
Chris Thorne
Chris Thorne
Manager (Bennington Way & Cumnor)
Chris was appointed to the Managers role at Bennington Way in February 2023.
Chris has been involved in the disability sector for the past 15 years. Prior to this she has a background in hospitality.
Chris enjoyed supporting people with a varying degree of disability to learn, achieve, try new things and to grow as an individual.
When Chris is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, looking and trying new restaurants.
Bev Connell
Bev Connell
Manager (Gladstone Road)
Bev joined Hawksbury in February 2023.
Bev has a significant amount of experience in the disability sector interrupted by a four year journey with breast cancer in 2018.
Bev had a role as an Advocate before joining Hawksbury, which she loved and is very passionate about, continuing with this passion as part of her Managers role.
Bev has two adult children and six grandbabies whom she loves to spend time with although this proves a little difficult as her son and his whanau live up the top of the North Island and her daughters whanau is soon moving to Westport.
Bev has two Shitzu dogs, her “boys” who keep her busy and are great company. Bev loves to read crime novels, watch documentaries, road trips, spend time with family and friends and has a passion for chocolate and a family addiction to ice-cream!
Katie Faithful
Katie Faithful
Manager (Ranginui)
Kia ora, just to let you know a little about myself: I enjoy cooking, music (especially worship songs), volunteering for the Vinnies, reading (especially science fiction and fantasy), go to the theatre, hiking and travel.
I have two young adult children.
I have a soft heart for animals, especially elephants.
Rachell Lucero
Rachell Lucero
Manager (Oxley Avenue)
My name is Rachell, and I’m a proud wife and mother of two wonderful children. My deep passion for caring for others led me to pursue a career in healthcare, and I’m currently a registered nurse. Originally from overseas, I began my nursing journey working in a hospital in my home country.
After moving to New Zealand in 2018, I furthered my education by studying Health Management. Since then, I’ve gained valuable experience across various sectors of the New Zealand healthcare industry.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, travelling, relaxing at the beach, and listening to music.
Aidan Laby
Aidan Laby
Manager (Gainford)
Kia Ora, My name is Aidan. I moved to New Zealand in 2019 from the UK - Leeds.
My career started as a youth worker in the local community. I then started working at the local high school as a Learning Manager whilst being a designated Safe Guarding Officer. When I moved to New Zealand I work with families in emergency housing in Hamilton. I moved to Christchurch in 2022 and started working at Ara Poutama overseeing/managing 2 residential facilities that house residents on community based sentences. I have a big passion on supporting individuals and creating a safe environment whilst giving them a good life quality.
I love boards games, table top games, smoking food, cooking, music, theatre/musicals, movies and traveling to see the world. I also enjoy and have attended - pottery, cheese making and honey spinning which were all fun. A little fun fact about me - I ran with the Olympic Torch for the UK Olympics 2012.
Board.
Megan Hopper
Megan Hopper
Chair
Megan joined the Hawksbury Board in 2020 after being impressed by the management teams' commitment to continually improving the organisation for the ultimate benefit of residents and its long-term sustainability. In addition to her governance role for Hawksbury, Megan works as an advisor to the health and disability sector, assisting organisations to meet legislative and best practice requirements, implement new services, as well as improve existing service quality and efficiency.
Megan has spent her working life in the health and disability sectors, including clinical, operational, management and governance roles in Australia, Scotland and New Zealand. Megan is a qualified Lead Auditor and Registered Nurse with post-graduate qualifications in quality management, health and safety and governance. She is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Megan is also a Director of Vector Consulting. Based in Queenstown, she enjoys exploring the Southern Alps on skis and foot with her husband and border collie.
Richard Thomson
Richard Thomson
Deputy Chair
Richard is the Dunedin based Deputy Chair of Hawksbury, having recently stepped down as long serving Chair in 2023.
He trained at Otago University as a Clinical Psychologist and after graduating was offered a position as a lecturer in Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago Medical School. After several years Richard resigned his position to run the Dunedin Environment Centre as part of a major campaign to prevent an aluminium smelter being built at Aramoana on the Otago Harbour. During this period he set up, with his partner Anita, a small shop that helped to pay the rent on the campaign headquarters. As a result of this he discovered a love of retail that has resulted over the last fourty years in the building up of the Acquisitions retail chain which now number 20 stores from Auckland to Dunedin.
Richard has remained active in health however. As well as his long-term involvement with Hawksbury he has spent time as a Board Member of the old Otago Area Health Board, and from 2000 until his recent retirement in 2019 he has been a member of the Otago DHB and then the Southern DHB. This included seven years as Chair of the Otago Board. When the SDHB Board was dismissed by the Minister of Health in 2015 he was appointed by the Minister as a deputy Commissioner to run the DHB – a position he held until retiring in 2019. In 2010 he was elected as top polling Councillor to the Dunedin City Council. He served two terms as a Councillor before work pressure meant he decided not to stand for election in 2016. In his second term he was the Chair of Finance for the Council. Richard is also a Trustee or Director of a number of other organisations including the Health Care Otago Charitable Trust and was a director and Chairman of Composite Retail Group before relinquishing that position in 2015. From 2010 to 2013 he was a Board member of the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. He recently retired as a Board member of Dunedin City Holdings, Dunedin City Treasury, Dunedin Stadium Properties, and Dunedin Railways. He continues his long involvement in Health as Chair of Central Otago Health Services which runs the 24 bed Dunstan Hospital in Clyde as well as associated ancillary services.
Matt Taylor
Matt Taylor
Treasurer
Matt joined Hawksbury as a Trustee in May 2012, thanks to a referral from our previous and valued Treasurer. Matt is well-known throughout the South Island as a Business Advisor, and he has found immense pleasure in using the skills he has gained in practice over 38 years for the benefit of the Trust. Matt appreciates the invaluable support of staff and management working in the Canterbury and Otago residences, and can see the positive impact of their efforts on the lives of our clients and their families. As a result, he has found his time with Hawksbury to be a very rewarding experience.
In his day job, Matt is a Senior Partner and director of Findex NZ Limited, as well as director and chair of serval large NZ family business. Across all areas of the business community, Matt offers a complete range of business advisory and accounting services. He is known for providing quality, practical advice based on tried and tested experience, combined with a dedication to clients and their businesses.
Matt grew up on the family Orchard in a farming community in Central Otago. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Kerstin, and adult children, and when they are not travelling or enjoying his children’s pursuits, he rides his motorbike, spends time in his garden and playing social golf with Kerstin.
Felicity Bond
Felicity Bond
People’s Pepresentative
Felicity was delighted to join the Hawksbury Board in 2010 in the role of representative for residents for whom Hawksbury is home. Her specific role on the Board is to filter all information and decisions through the lens of service users. This enables those who live daily with disability to effectively have a voice in shaping the direction and development of the support they receive.
Felicity has been the Manager of Dunedin Friend-Link since 1993, a service for people with intellectual disabilities which focuses on the social, recreational and community aspects of life. She is involved with several disability groups and organisations, including the international self-advocacy organisation, People First. Felicity is also an accredited Restorative Justice Facilitator and is committed to using restorative practices in a wide range of everyday situations to prevent or de-escalate situations of potential conflict.
Felicity is fortunate in that her work brings her into close contact with many people who are supported by a range of services, both residential and vocational. This enables a broad view of both what is most important to people themselves and the different way things are done across the sector. When providing services, obviously the voice of those most affected needs to be listened to and heard. Felicity is committed to her role of keeping this voice at the very heart of Hawksbury governance.
Spending time with a large extended family is a priority, along with making sure an energetic border collie is well exercised.
Steve Gallop
Steve Gallop
Trustee
Steve has been a member of the Hawksbury Board since 2022. As the parent of a disabled son who is a resident of a Hawksbury home, he considers himself an advocate of both the residents and their wider whanau who trust the Hawksbury team to take care of their precious and much loved family members.
From a career perspective, Steve is also part owner and CEO of a commercial printing company, having worked in managerial positions within the print industry for over 45 years. He brings this commercial business experience, and in particular his people first management style to the Hawksbury Board. Steve is also a board member of the Helen Anderson Trust who provide support services for adults with intellectual disabilities, helping them achieve their personal goals.
During time away from his busy professional life, Steve loves to spend time with his young granddaughter/grandson and wider family, as well as the odd game of golf.
Office Support Team.
Kirsty Saunders
Kirsty Saunders
Payroll Coordinator
Kirsty joined Hawksbury in May 2022.
Originally from Nelson I have lived in Christchurch since 1998, now married with two teenage kids and our adopted dog Dennis.
I enjoy hanging out with friends and family or just chilling in the sun with a good book.
Previously I have worked in education payroll for over 20 years and really enjoy helping others as well as the challenges and variety that a payroll role brings.
Janita Clark