Meet Our Trustees

Heather McClean

Qualifications: 

  • BSc (Hons in Human Nutrition)
  • PGDip Sc (Community Nutrition)

Experience

Palmerston North has been my home for over 40 years. With my husband Alan, I have raised four sons, while also maintaining a part-time position at Massey University. My early career was in nutrition, communications and marketing. Later as a capability facilitator, I organised multicultural teams, fostering collaboration between academia, schools, and industry. Guiding individuals through various stages of study, employment, and life became a highlight of my work.

In 2009, I embarked on a new chapter by joining TANCS trust, where I continued to contribute my expertise and passion in a governance role. 

Retirement now offers me the opportunity to focus on the richness of the work at TANCS, while I savour time to enjoy family and personal pursuits.

Loves:

To walk and talk with family and friends in our beautiful outdoors, sewing, films, a good read, sharing good food with others.

Kenneth Mark Bidlake

Experience:

I was bought up in Cloverlea and attended St Peters College, Our Lady of Lourdes and Highbury Kindy and so understand the challenges and diversity of the area around TANCS. 

Technical support and production management at dairy companies. Chemical engineering, project management and commissioning of dairy factory projects. 

Co Leader of home churches with Toni, my wife. 

Committee member of sports clubs and a Trustee of TANCS since 2008. I like to trouble  shoot and fix things and so help out with maintenance at TANCS and cooking at family camps.  

What Spins my Wheels:

Driving a car fast on road or track especially my 1974 Lotus which I maintain. Energy conservation and electric cars (EVs). I have been in or am currently in car, Blokart, and mountain bike clubs. Used to play rugby and softball and coached junior basketball and hockey. I currently snow ski and ride mountain bikes.

Grant Baldwin

Grant currently runs his own business providing spreadsheet design and coaching services. Grant has strengths in Harmony and enjoys gathering diverse voices and building consensus.

Qualifications:

  • BSC (MathInf) from Massey University
  • Post graduate diploma in teaching (Secondary)

Experience(s):

Grant is analytical and can sort through information quickly to discern the key points.  Grant brings clarity to complex discussions by identifying the key decision variables and focusing the required decisions on these. He will clarify the actions that come out of these decisions.

Length/Service to TANCS Board of Trustees:

Grant has been on the board since July 2012. At various times he has served as note taker and secretary and has recently taken on the role of treasurer.

Angela Drake

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor of Law
  • Bachelor of Arts (French and Spanish)

Experiences:

My early career was in family law in the Hawkes Bay. Over the last 7 years I’ve held various advisory roles at Massey University, supporting the University’s Research & Enterprise, International Relations, Global Engagement and Strategic Transformation.

As Principal Advisor, International Engagement for the Office of the Auditor-General, Te Mana Arotake, my day job promotes and supports the transparent, accountable, effective, and efficient use of public sector resources in the Pacific. I work with the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) Secretariat to improve PASAI processes, programmes, and governance, and support regional co-ordination with other development organisations working to develop the public financial management system in the Pacific region.

Loves:

To see people reaching their full potential, adventures in the great outdoors and discovering new places and connecting with people of different cultures. 

Garry Aiken

Experiences: 

I have spent the majority of my life in Levin. I have been married for over 40 years to Francelle & we have two sons, one daughter in law, and two grandsons.

Loves:

Spending time with my wife. Helping others, where I can make difference.

 

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Mark Easton

Experiences: 

I have been proud to call Palmerston North my home for most of my life, although two years living in France gave me a great experience of what it is like to be part of a migrant community and the associated challenges.

For the last decade I have founded and run Nodero, a software and digital services company with over 20 staff. My role involves leadership, establishing and executing strategy, client relationship and business development. It’s also still a pleasure to get my hands dirty, problem solving and writing code when there is an opportunity.

I joined the Te Aroha Noa board in 2023 but have had family connection almost since it began so am passionate about its amazing role in the community

Loves:

Most of my spare time revolves around my family , spending time with my wife, 4 kids (spanning 3 generations!) and 2 grandkids.

I am passionate about helping others and mentoring younger people whether through work, family or the community

I also love music – singing , playing trombone and bass in various funk, jazz, ska and folk bands over the years.