Governance Committee

Sally Ward - CHAIRPERSON

Sally has extensive management experience in children focused non-profit and government organisations in New Zealand and overseas.

She has worked extensively in the end-to-end management of programmes including developing business and raising funds. Roles in Presbyterian Support Northern included General Manager SHINE, at Variety Children’s Charity she was Programme Director and Sally is currently the Property and Services Manager- Sisters of St Joesphs.

Lydia Tsen- TREASURER

Lydia is currently New Zealand Government Affairs Leader at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Lydia is a Chartered Accountant and has been admitted to the High Court of New Zealand.

 Lydia holds a Bachelor of Management Studies (1st class Honours) and Bachelor of Law (1st class Honours) from the University of Waikato, as well as a Master in Public Policy (1st class Honours) from the University of Auckland.

Richard Greissman

Rich spent his professional life as an educator including in New York State, rural Zimbabwe and as a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

Rich and his wife emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 to retire. In retirement he divides his time among numerous volunteer civic pursuits, his passion for architectural and street photography and being a grandparent. He was most recently MC for our 2024 CPAG Post Budget event in Auckland.

Claire Dale

Claire is Honorary Research Fellow in the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity Research Hub of the Economic Policy Centre at the University of Auckland Business School. Her focus there currently is housing affordability. Her involvement with CPAG and knowledge learnt led her to found Ngā Tāngata Microfinance Trust in 2011, which, with capital funding from Kiwibank, provides fees- and interest-free small loans for asset-building and/or debt-relief for people on low incomes. She remains a trustee at Ngā Tāngata Microfinance, and is also a director on the board of the Howard League for Penal Reform.

Alan Maxwell

Alan has been an active member of CPAG for many years and on the CPAG Bay of Plenty regional committee as well as contributions to research and events. He brings a wide background in Community development and as a Youth kaimahi and Deacon Waikato/Taranaki Diocese. He is looking to complete a BTheol in the coming year and contribute his unique perspective to the mahi of ending child poverty through CPAGs work. 

Chris Jones

Chris has over 20 years experience in non profit management and administration. Her experience working in New Zealand non profits includes management experience at The Wilson Home Trust. Be. Accessible. Raeburn House and Age Concern. Her voluntary work includes Governance and Advisory boards including COGS Northshore, Auckland Communities Foundation and school committees.

Professor Carol Wham

Carol is Honorary research fellow and Professor Emerita at Massey University. Experienced dietitian with expertise in paediatric and gerontology nutrition, dietary assessment, longitudinal studies, dietetics and public health nutrition.

She is a Board member and Scientific Director of the NZ Nutrition Foundation. Previous member of the NZ Dietitians Board 2007-2015 and Massey University Academic Board 2018-2024.

Life Members and Founders

The people named below founded and hold the heart of Child Poverty Action Group. We recognise their contributions and ongoing support as life members of CPAG.

Susan St John Michael O’Brien Helen Bull Alan Johnson

Janfrie Wakim Joe Carson  (dec’d) Jenny Hassall Innes Asher

Claire Dale Mary Mowbray Gerry Cotterall Frank Hogan

Ian Hassall (decd) Lloyd Morris (decd)

Regional Networks

The Child Poverty Action Group is based in Auckland and is supported by passionate volunteers from around Aotearoa. Groups meet regularly in Whangarei, Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch to raise awareness of child poverty locally. 

Ways you can get involved

Become a member

As a member of the Child Poverty Action Group you will become part of a group committed to encouraging and promoting the development of better policies for children and young people.

Fundraise

Fundraising is a creative way to get out in the community and help support Child Poverty Action Group.

Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to the work Child Poverty Action Group does.