He kaimahi

Staff

Our staff are a dedicated team of compassionate professionals committed to empowering women through education, advocacy, and support services, ensuring every woman receives the care and resources she needs.

Deidré Venter

Manager
Deidré Venter, originally from South Africa, lived four years in the United Arab Emirates before making Hawke’s Bay her home in 2021. As an Occupational Therapist, Deidré is passionate about creating positive change within the community. As Manager of the Heretaunga Women’s Centre, she sees firsthand the challenges women and their families face in our region. Through her experiences, Deidré firmly believes in the power of working together through collective advocacy and education for a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community.

Brenda Rice

Administrator

Brenda joined the team in 2018, bringing with her a strong background in administration and exceptional organisational skills. Her deep respect for the Centre and its mission to support local women has made her an invaluable member of the Centre. Brenda’s passion for community work, especially in areas that impact women, drives her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

JENNY WHITEHEAD

Counsellor

Jenny is a counsellor at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre, providing counselling support to wāhine and connecting them with appropriate counsellors. She also carries her own caseload of clients and mentors students completing their practicum. With 10 years of counselling experience in Hawke’s Bay, Jenny previously worked at a non-government organisation focused on family violence before joining the Centre. She is passionate about offering affordable, accessible counselling to wāhine in Heretaunga and the wider Hawke’s Bay region.

JULIE GANIVET

Service Development Lead

Julie brings a wealth of experience, a generous spirit, and a passion for helping others to her new role. Known for her exceptional organisational skills, kindness, and can-do attitude, she has contributed to numerous volunteer roles that have given her deep insight into the needs of our community. Since joining the Centre, Julie says she has truly found her purpose—an environment where her values, skills, and desire to make a positive impact align perfectly. Outside of work, you’ll often find Julie walking Te Mata Peak with her family or out exploring the natural beauty of Aotearoa.

Aroha mai, aroha atu

Support the Heretaunga Women’s Centre

As a charitable organisation, we rely on the generosity of people like you to help provide essential support for the wāhine of Hawke's Bay. Regular and one-off donations, corporate partnerships, and legacy donations all make an invaluable difference to the women in our community.