Our team
Taranaki Health Foundation Staff
The day-to-day running of the foundation is done by a small but dedicated team of six highly experienced professionals, all of whom have strong ties to the region and call Taranaki Home.
Adrian Sole
General Manager
I joined the trust in 2013 and enjoy using my skills, experience and energy to help achieve the foundation's goals.
I have a passion for our community, leadership and equality. Over the years, I have contributed to many community organisations, events and activities. I am currently on the Taranaki Golf Association Board. My wife Melanie and I have been married for 23 years.
alternate_email gm@thf.org.nzdeskphone 021 866 338
Grant Carter
Donor Relationship Manager
I am proud to be a fifth generation Taranakian and love community involvement. Having completed a career of 31 years with Air New Zealand, this enabled me to maximise my passion for travel, and exploring the world (hopefully many more adventures to come). I truly appreciate my life in New Plymouth with focus on our beaches and foreshore, socialising with friends, and keeping fit.
alternate_email grant@thf.org.nzdeskphone 027 248 4044
Heather Kadlec
Donor Relationship Manager
Born and raised in Canada, I migrated to New Zealand in 2003 with my husband and two small boys. We fell in love with New Plymouth and it's been our home ever since. After several years in the telecommunications industry and, more recently, as Regional Sales Manager at Stuff in Taranaki, I'm excited to be involved in a cause that will make such a difference to all of us.
alternate_email heather@thf.org.nzdeskphone 027 447 4659
Simon Velk
Marketing Manager
I arrived in New Plymouth from the UK in 2018. After a 2 year stint in Auckland, I couldn't resist moving back to New Plymouth. I have a passion for improving healthcare facilities for both patients and staff who do amazing work every day. I am so excited to have the opportunity to give back to the Taranaki community and be involved in a project that will improve Taranaki healthcare for the foreseeable future.
alternate_email simon@thf.org.nzdeskphone 027 496 8004
Tasha Kupe
Foundation Adminstrator
I am Taranaki born and bred. I travelled the globe for about 7 years before the pull of our Maunga became too great and I returned home to the beauty that is Taranaki. My greatest achievement in life would have to be my beautiful daughter.
alternate_email tasha@thf.org.nzdeskphone 021 533 234
Board of Trustees
Each of our trustees brings uniques skills and knowledge to the foundation. With their guidence, experience and knowledge, the Taranaki Health Foundation can ensure the highest level of governance.
Brian Ropitini
Chairperson
Former New Zealand Director of Manufacturing for Methanex, Brian is now an Executive Adviser and Independent Director, bringing strategic and leadership experience gained from his 35 years within the Petrochemical Industry to the Trust. Brian became a trustee in 2016 and became Chair in 2020.
Antony Rhodes
Trustee
Antony Rhodes joined the Foundation as a Trustee in 2018, bringing communications and marketing skills to the governance table. Antony’s previous experience has included communications roles with the Prime Minister and Venture Taranaki, the region’s economic development and tourism agency, and he now is the Deputy Director at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre.
Greg Simmons
Trustee
Dr Greg Simmons re-joined the Foundation in March 2017 after a short hiatus as a Trustee. He provides a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board as the Chief Medical Advisor at Taranaki District Health Board. The Foundation is very pleased to have a person of his calibre to support the charitable work of the Trust.
Mike Davey
Trustee
Mike is an elected member of the Taranaki District Health Board, he is also employed in the rural sector and is an elected member of the Taranaki Regional Council, deputy chair of Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) and a member of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce. Mike lives in Inglewood and is married with children and grandchildren. Mike is very active in the rural sector and a member of Federated Farmers Taranaki.
Mike joined the Foundation in early 2020 and has been instrumental in connecting us with the rural community.
Deb Riley
Trustee
Deborah is a multi-skilled healthcare professional with experience in the clinical setting, procurement, logistics and supply chain management. She has worked for the Taranaki DHB and is now at Southern Cross Hospital New Plymouth as Supply Chain Manager.
Current Secretary of the Product Evaluation Healthcare NZ (PEHNZ) Group and a Trustee for the Taranaki Health Foundation since Feb 2020.
Ricky Malcolm
Trustee
Ricky is an entrepreneur with a passion for people, community, business, music, events and crazy social situations.
He started out of high school straight into working in the grassroots of our local community and has been building connections with people, organisations and places ever since. The trust is very fortunate to have Ricky join us in August 2020. He brings his ‘generations lens’ and his photo, film and social skills in to the mix as well!
John Flowers
Trustee
John was previously the General Manager of Olex NZ and has well-established governance and management skills with an emphasis on change management built up over 50 years in the industry. He is a board member of the Taranaki Musical Trust, New Plymouth Golf Club and has been the National President of YMCA. The current Board Chair of YMCA Taranaki, John, is excited to join the Taranaki Health Foundation and play an active role in enhancing the health services available to all the people who live in Taranaki.