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.

Arunthy Pavan

Financial Administrator
Arunthy joined the Centre as a Financial Administrator in May 2023, after moving to Hawke’s Bay from Dubbo, Australia. Arunthy has more than 20 years of experience working in finance and administration in the community services sector. Arunthy was excited to take on a role at the Centre as she wanted to give back to the local community and work within a fantastic team of like-minded people to support women. Outside work, Arunthy is a dedicated attendee and volunteer at her local parkrun, and is enjoying travelling around and exploring New Zealand.

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.

Kimberley Bartlett

Counsellor
Kimberley (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato-Tainui) is a counsellor at the Centre, currently working towards registration and a Master of Counselling Studies at Massey University. Kimberley has a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance, also from Massey. Before beginning counsellor training in 2021, Kimberley had a 15-year career as a purpose-led communications professional. Kimberley brings a warm, relatable and evidence-based approach to her counselling practice – she also enjoys infusing her work with matauranga Māori perspectives. Kimberley started as a volunteer; she felt called to become a part of this place because of the Centre’s strong reputation and the wonderful wāhine that are involved with the organisation.

Fiona Knobloch

Marketing & Fundraising

Having grown up in Hawke’s Bay and returned to raise her family here, Fiona feels lucky to call this beautiful region home. She joined the Heretaunga Women’s Centre team in July 2024 on a short-term contract, providing marketing, communications and fundraising support. With a background in communications, brand management and events, Fiona brings more than 30 years’ experience to her role. Working alongside the dedicated and supportive team at Heretaunga Women’s Centre gives Fiona a strong sense of purpose, knowing her work is making a positive difference in the community.

Amber McArthur

Social Media Coordinator

Amber gained many work experiences that informed her ability to transition into the charity sector. She has worked for both local and national charities, and since moving to Hawke’s Bay, she has combined her diverse skills with a passion for community, supporting some fantastic not-for-profits. Amber is passionate about empowering her community, supporting both professionally and personally – it is about creating a space where every voice is heard, and individuals can thrive. In her spare time, Amber is part of the Hawke’s Bay Fire and Emergency Recovery Team and supports a local animal rescue. She lives with her husband, Brent, and their five furry friends—three cats and two dogs.

Abbie Harris

Grant Writer

Abbie is a writer and fundraiser. She brings two decades of marketing, communications, and fundraising experience to support the Heretaunga Women’s Centre with grant writing. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, although she’s lived in many other places as well, Abbie has a genuine heart for people and is relishing the opportunity to make a difference for women and whānau in her community. 

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.