The Board

Helen Melrose (LLB), Chair has practised as a lawyer specialising in retirement villages and elder law for over 20 years. After her time as a partner at a major national law firm, she established her own law firm, from which she has now retired. Helen’s experience in this area has included four years as President of the Retirement Villages Association (an association of for-profit and not-for profit industry representatives). She has served as Chairperson of the National Council of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and has contributed too many other not-for-profit community organisations.

Garry Smith has over twenty years’ experience of the health sector, having held senior positions with healthcare organisations throughout New Zealand. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of The Selwyn Foundation, he had been CEO of the country's largest health board, Auckland District Health Board, for nine years. A qualified accountant, Garry has expertise in management, planning, accounting and finance, as well as experience of the banking industry. Garry is passionate about providing ethical and values-based services for older people and ensuring that services are delivered with integrity, warmth and respect for the individual at all times.

Kerry Hitchcock has many years’ experience in property investment, development and financial disciplines as well as in governance. His expertise includes strategic planning, asset management, investment, and commercial and residential property development. A Board Member of Tāmaki Regeneration Company and Smales Farm Business & Technology Hub, his property experience includes development of a broad range of commercial, retail and residential properties and student accommodation in central Auckland.

Vicki Sykes ((BA, Dip.Tchg, LTh, Grad.Dipl. NFP Management, MSocP (Hons)) is currently a self-employed Director and Consultant and has previously spent time working in education and Anglican parish ministry. From 1998 to 2015, Vicki was the Chief Executive of Friendship House, an ecumenical community and social services agency, where she oversaw the recruitment, and supported the work, of a multicultural team of staff and Board members who were well placed to identify and connect with the vibrant and complex community of the Counties Manukau region. Her experience in governance, management, strategic planning, ministry and social services gives her a strong base from which to serve Haumaru Housing.

Matthew Harker has extensive governance experience of large organisations delivering social housing, aged care and developing large-scale Public Private Partnership projects. Matthew has a background in corporate finance and M&A and has previously held senior roles at leading international investment banks, UBS, Rothschild and Societe Generale.  As a Board Member of Tāmaki Regeneration Company, Hobsonville Land Company and Plunket, he has a sound knowledge of property, coupled with a deep commitment to community development and social housing.