Meet The Board

Meet the board members leading CanTeen as a successful charity organisation.

Hamish O'Connorhamish

President & Central Rep

I have been involved in CanTeen for over 9 years now and have been lucky enough to have a huge range of fantastic experiences. From attending local activities in Wellington to helping run National Camps, and be part of an amazing Board, I really enjoy being involved in every way possible!

I work full time as an accountant (more fun than it sounds, promise) in Wellington and like getting to visit other parts of the country when I can. I enjoy having a laugh, and am often seen in the middle of water fights, or any of the other mischief and fun we get up to here in CanTeen.

From making the best friends, to supporting each other through thick and thin, and sharing amazing stories and experiences, I believe we are all extremely lucky to be part of this awesome organisation.

Guy AlexanderGuy Alexander

Vice President & Auckland/Northland Rep

Kia Ora, my name is Guy Alexander and I've been a patient member of CanTeen for the last 4 years after I was diagnosed with a bone tumour in my leg 6 years ago.

Soon after joining CanTeen I was on the Northland and then Auckland Committee after moving down for Uni.  In February this year I was voted to the CanTeen Board as the new Auckland/Northland Rep! I'm a cycling fanatic so watch out Auckland traffic, and I like to surf, snow board and other adventure stuff.

I'm currently studying part time for a Bachelor of Commerce while continuing to work for the Telecommunications business I set-up and sold over the past 18-months.

CanTeen has given me a lot over the years and I enjoy giving back by being on the Board and on the Member Advisory Committee (MAC).  This involvement also allows me to provide a voice for members, have a say on CanTeen policy and further develop my leadership skills.

Shane Osborne

Waikato Rep

Hi I'm Shane and I'm a relative newby as one of the CanTeen leadership team.  I'm from the Tauranga region and I work for the big red shed (The Warehouse). 

CanTeen for me has been a brilliant time of meeting new people, experiencing new things and overcoming personal challenges.  I have found a new confidence in myself having been given the opportunity to have input and make decisions for an organisation that means so much to so many. 

Joining the MAC and Board is another step for me on my CanTeen journey and I look forward to having more contact with more members from across the country and helping shape the future for us all.

Catrina Hunter Catrina Hunter

Northern South Island Rep

Hey Everyone! I'm Catrina Hunter from Christchurch. I am 19, a sibling member and the new Board Rep for NSI. I joined CanTeen when I was 13 and have been on the branch Committee since I was 15.  I have held many positions since, such as Vice President, Secretary, National Camp Committee and MAC member.

Outside of CanTeen, I am in my second year of Law and Political Science at Canterbury Uni and do karate and indoor netball.  I have been on the MAC since it started and have enjoyed it immensely - so much in fact that I put my hand up to be on the Board.

Through these roles I get a chance to work closely with other members from all around New Zealand on important issues to do with important people (CanTeen members!).

It's a wicked opportunity to learn, discuss, and have a lot of laughs, and most importantly to help shape the future of a great organisation.

Lane Nicol

Otago/Southland RepLane Nicol

Hi I'm Lane Nicol from super cool Southland.  In my day job I'm an electrician and over the past few years I've also taken a leadership role for CanTeen Southland as Treasurer and President based in Invercargill. 

My time at CanTeen has helped me find my more mature and responsible side and provided me with fantastic growth opportunities.  More recently I have been appointed to the CanTeen Board and I'm stoked to take that another step further as a MAC representative. 

The MAC for me is a group who has put their hands up to give something back, to support and listen, and give other CanTeen members a voice.

Dion MortensenDion Mortensen

Business Governance

I was first attracted to CanTeen by the members I met and the dreams they had for the role that CanTeen could play in fellow members lives. Over the last few years I have had the chance to serve on the Board, confirm my first impressions and become part of the family. These days my role as a director centres around the energy and experience that I bring to the Board in the areas of strategic planning governance and organisational development.

Outside of CanTeen I spend most of my time working as a partner in Movac Ltd. Movac is a NZ based early stage business investor. Through Movac I hold several other Director roles.

I really like that CanTeen is run by its membership. I think that this contributes greatly to CanTeen's own special kind of energy and vitality - I love being part of that.

Simon Lalasimon lala

Financial Advisor

I am the parent of a child who had cancer, and have been involved with CanTeen for over 10 years now - as a CCF representative and as the Financial Advisor to the CanTeen National Board.

I am a Chartered Accountant and have a public practice based in Manukau City, with extensive experience in the not for profit sector. I am the immediate past chairman for CCF and am currently the chairman of the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations.

As of May 2006, I am also a Trustee of the Ronald McDonald Accommodation Trust. It has been great to have been involved in the development of CanTeen over many years and I look forward to the challenges ahead.

Dr. Rob Corbett

Health Professional

I was born in Zimbabwe, then educated in South Africa where I commenced specialist training in paediatrics. This was completed in the United Kingdom where I sub specialised in paediatric haematology and oncology at the Royal Marsden and Great Ormond Street Hospitals.

I left the UK in 1995 for a consultant position in Christchurch, New Zealand where I am today, now Clinical Director of the South Island Child Cancer Service. In addition to my specialty area, I have a broad interest in child and adolescent health.

I currently chair the New Zealand Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Workgroup and the Pacific Island Workgroup of the Paediatric Oncology Steering Group. I am extremely interested in developing services for adolescents and young adults with cancer. I am married to Penny and we have 3 children aged 11, 19 and 21.

Janetta Skiba

Hi, my name is Janetta and I am the national chairperson of the Child Cancer Foundation, and represent CCF on the CanTeen Board. I am a registered nurse, with a background in acute care nursing including intensive care and paediatrics.

I believe my career in the health industry, including wide-ranging work force experiences in both governance and operational roles, my health knowledge and skills, and my commitment to health care have given me a great foundation to be on the Board.

I have held a number of senior health management positions, most recently managing a multi-site health care facility. (I also have a BA and a Post Grad Dip, but not sure if you want to know that!) I am very proud to be a member of the CanTeen Board, I thoroughly enjoy my role in CanTeen and am enthused and inspired by the vision of CanTeen and by the objectiveness and positiveness of CanTeeners.

David PearceDavid Pearce

Chief Executive (non-voting)

I've been Chief Executive of CanTeen since 1 Feb 2009. Born in NZ, I've spent most of my career in big business and only recently 'seeing the light' and moving to not for profit. Better late than never!

I spent 18 years in senior management positions with the Anglo Dutch multi national Unilever. After starting in NZ, Unilever later took me and my family to live in the Philippines, Singapore and England as well.

My work, primarily in human resources and communication roles, saw me in many international projects, in over 30 countries, where I engaged with both senior leadership groups and often, with younger management trainees; an adventure and a privilege.

Back home in NZ since 2002, I happily spent the last 5 years with Fonterra, firstly in their consumer products business and finally, in their Auckland HQ. Three years ago some fantastic young CanTeeners inspired me. I made one of them a promise to use my life well. I'm delighted now to work in CanTeen and make good on that promise.