Meet the Team

As Manager – Business Services it’s Vikki’s job to deal with anything business/finance related. Vikki also ensure the NZRDA Office invoices and suppliers are up to date. Vikki has a BA Hons Degree in Applied Social Studies, and has a background in Page Ready Press and Travel/Tourism. Vikki has been the Fund-raiser for Wellington RDA for over 3 years, before bringing her skills to the National Office.

Shireen is the Manager – Fundraising Campaigns and is involved with direct mail, regular gifts, major donors, bequests, grants, sponsorships and events. Shireen gained a double degree in Political Studies and Economics, and has a background in banking, marketing and fundraising. With a blend of creativity and spreadsheet savvy, Shireen makes most things happen.

Pip is the Manager – Programmes for NZ Riding for the Disabled, as well as a registered Occupational Therapist. Pip’s main role is to provide resources, training and support for all RDA people. Pip has Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) and has worked extensively in the education sector as well as behavioural support and community services. She has a long involvement with RDA for over twenty years including volunteering, coaching and as a therapist. She enjoys supporting learning and developing the capability of our RDA teams.

Suzi is primarily responsible for overseeing the Operational Certificate Review process for each RDA Group in her role as Manager Operations, working closely with the Operations Coordinators, Manager Programmes and the SCL Team. Suzi has Bachelor of Science (Hons) Animal Health and Welfare and a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary teaching. Upon moving to New Zealand, her background was put to good use in the RDA arena as a volunteer Coach at her local Group and she gained her Level 3 Assistant Coach qualification during this time. Since joining the NZRDA team, Suzi enjoys the opportunity to visit Groups for Operational Certificate Reviews and supporting the consistent implementation of policy and procedure in day to day processes at all RDA Groups across the country.

Jill is an Operations Coordinator and works closely with Manager – Operations and Manager – Programmes. Her primary role is to liaise with key people at RDA groups to provide any support required. Jill is a former Chartered Accountant who has volunteered for various organisations over the years including Wellington RDA where she was a volunteer both on the ground and at committee level. This hands-on experience has given her a good understanding of how RDA groups operate and the ability to see things from their perspective.

Bernie is an Operations Coordinator and works closely with Manager- Operations and Manager – Programmes. Her Primary role is to liaise with key people at RDA groups to provide support as required. Bernie has a background in education and is a qualified Early Childhood teacher. Bernie spent many years in teaching and working in the Assessment division at NZQA. Bernie also spent time on committees through her children’s sports and schools, she can understand the workings of volunteering life from a governance perspective.

In Maddy’s role as Business Support Coordinator she manages the NZRDA social media channels and provides administration support to NZRDA and RDA Groups. With a Bachelor degree in Creative Media Production, Maddy enjoys picking up a camera and using her skills to take photos or videos to capture and showcase the various facets of RDA. Her creative skills are often evident in her design work whether for the website, publications or online content for fundraising and awareness campaigns.

Anne-Marie is our Business Support Coordinator – Donor Care. Taking care of all things admin alongside Maddy, her role also focuses on building rapport with our Donors. These relationships are at the core of what we do as they allow us to keep riding on! Anne-Marie has a background in nutrition whilst deviating into various creative suits along the way. Her attention to detail and analytical mindset will be a strength in this role.