Meet Our Trustees

Mark Easton

Chairperson

Palmerston North has been my home for most of my life, though I also had the enriching experience of living in France for two years. That time gave me valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of being part of a migrant community.

For the past decade, I have been the founder and director of a software and digital services company with a team of over 20 staff. My responsibilities span leadership, strategic planning and execution, client relationships, and business development. I still enjoy staying hands-on whenever possible, whether it’s problem-solving or diving into code.

I joined the board of Te Aroha Noa board in 2023, though my connection to the organisation stretches back much further through long-standing family ties. I’m deeply committed to the incredible work Te Aroha Noa does in our community. Supporting others and mentoring young people—whether through my work, family, or community involvement—is something I care about deeply.

Garry Aiken

Secretary

I have spent the majority of my life in Levin. I’ve been married for over 40 years and have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. I enjoy spending time with my wife and find fulfillment in helping others wherever I can make a difference.

Grant Baldwin

Treasurer

I currently run my own business, providing spreadsheet design and coaching services. I enjoy working with people and have a natural strength in fostering harmony—bringing together diverse voices and helping build consensus.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical and Information Sciences from Massey University, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching. My background has shaped me into an analytical thinker who can quickly sort through information to identify key points. I’m often able to bring clarity to complex discussions by pinpointing the key decision-making variables and helping teams focus on what needs to be decided and acted on.

I’ve been a member of the Te Aroha Noa Community Services Board of Trustees since July 2012. Over the years, I’ve contributed in a variety of roles, including note taker and secretary, and more recently, I’ve stepped into the role of treasurer. It’s been a privilege to support the organisation and its mission in these ways.

Heather McClean

Board Member

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition and a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Community Nutrition). Palmerston North has been my home for over 40 years. Alongside my husband Alan, I’ve raised four sons while maintaining a part-time role at Massey University. My early career centred around nutrition, communications, and marketing, before evolving into a capability facilitator role where I brought together multicultural teams across academia, schools, and industry. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been supporting individuals through different stages of study, employment, and life.

In 2009, I joined the Te Aroha Noa Community Services Trust, stepping into a governance role where I’ve been able to continue sharing my experience and passion for community-focused work.

Now in retirement, I have the chance to more fully engage with the meaningful work of Te Aroha Noa Community Services, while also enjoying time with family and personal interests. I love walking and talking with family and friends in our beautiful outdoors, sewing, watching films, getting lost in a good book, and sharing great food with others.

Kenneth Mark Bidlake

Board Member

I grew up in Cloverlea and attended Our Lady of Lourdes, Highbury Kindergarten, and St Peter’s College, so I’m well aware of the diversity and unique challenges in the area around Te Aroha Noa Community Services. Professionally, I’ve worked in technical support and production management roles within the dairy industry, with experience in chemical engineering, project management, and commissioning dairy factory projects.

Together with my wife, I’ve co-led home churches, and I’ve also served as a committee member for various sports clubs. I’ve been a Trustee of TANCS since 2008. I enjoy troubleshooting and fixing things, so I help out with maintenance around the centre and get involved in cooking at family camps—it’s a real pleasure to contribute in these practical ways.

What really spins my wheels? Driving fast—especially in my 1974 Lotus, which I maintain myself—whether it’s on the road or the track. I’m also passionate about energy conservation and electric vehicles. I’ve been part of car, Blokart, and mountain biking clubs, and over the years I’ve played rugby and softball, and coached junior basketball and hockey. These days, I enjoy snow skiing and mountain biking to keep active.

Angela Drake

Board Member

I hold a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish. My early career began in family law in the Hawke’s Bay, but over the past seven years, I’ve transitioned into a variety of advisory roles at Massey University. These have included supporting Research & Enterprise, International Relations, Global Engagement, and Strategic Transformation across the university.

Currently, I work as Principal Advisor, International Engagement for the Office of the Auditor-General, Te Mana Arotake. In this role, I help promote and support transparent, accountable, effective, and efficient use of public sector resources in the Pacific. I collaborate closely with the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) Secretariat to enhance its processes, programmes, and governance. I also help coordinate efforts with other development organisations that are working to strengthen public financial management systems in the region.

I’m passionate about seeing people reach their full potential. I also love outdoor adventures, discovering new places, and connecting with people from different cultures.

Cameron Shaw

Board Member

I was born and raised in Palmerston North and moved to Tauranga in 2015 to study teaching. I taught at a small country school outside Te Puke for two years, then moved back to Palmerston North with my wife, because I missed the weather and housing market. I served on the Board of Executives for Boys’ Brigade New Zealand for four years, and was part of the development of their in-school programme, Edge. In my professional life I teach at Turitea School and am a curriculum leader for social sciences, as well as being the school liaison to our Kahui Ako.