Chief Executive, Deon York

Deon brings extensive governance and leadership experience from the health and community sector to this role and is a strong champion for improving the lives of people affected by haemophilia and all inherited bleeding disorders.

He has been a passionate advocate for the New Zealand bleeding disorders community for more than 25 years, holding many roles at board level. He also served as a director of the board of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) for ten years (2010 - 2020), and chaired or served on a range of WFH committees. He currently remains engaged with the WFH in a range of areas.

He completed his undergraduate studies at Victoria University of Wellington, and postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland. Deon has been involved with research exploring the experiences of the bleeding disorders community, culminating in the publication of More than a bleeding nuisance: Haemophilia in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2019, co-authored with Julie Park, Kathryn Scott, and Mike Carnahan.  He is a member of the national haemophilia management group, and an ex officio member of HNZ’s board.

Deon is driven by contributing to a health care system that is determined and shaped by what matters to the people it serves. This theme has been constant in his career. In 2024 he was awarded the International Frank Schnabel Volunteer Award in recognition of his global contributions to training and advocacy.

Email Deon at ceo@haemophilia.org.nz

Communications Manager, Phil Constable

Joining HNZ in 2015, Phil arrived by way of marketing and copywriting.

With a background in social work and information design, along with an Honours degree in English Literature, Phil has a range of skills that help to enhance the work done by the team at HNZ.

Outside of work, Phil enjoys building bicycles in the shed, renovating, reading, and his kids; not to mention the grand-kids, Cairo & Tommy, and the dog, Pedro. 

Email Phil at comms@haemophilia.org.nz

Administrator, Leanne Pearce

Leanne has been employed at HNZ since 2004. She had a short break in 2017/18, before being welcomed back in 2019 on a part-time basis. Leanne also works at Ko Taku Reo and is enjoying learning sign language. Outside of work, Leanne enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Email Leanne at admin@haemophilia.org.nz

Northern Outreach Worker, Darian Smith

Darian has a background in counselling and family therapy and joined HNZ in 2021 after 11 years as a fieldworker for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand.  He has a passion for supporting people living with genetic conditions, in part because his wife has myotonic dystrophy.
  
Outside of work, Darian writes fantasy novels, for which he has received the Sir Julius Vogel Award and Koru Awards.

Email Darian at northern.outreach@haemophilia.org.nz

Midland Outreach Worker, Loren Silva

Kia ora everyone! My name is Loren and I am based in Cambridge, Waikato.
I have a degree in psychology and experience working in mental health.

When I am not at work, I am likely to be spending time with my partner and our dog, attending live music events, spending time with family and friends, gardening, reading, arts and crafts, and participating in all types of sport.

I look forward to working with the HNZ members of the Midlands Region! 

Email Loren at midland.outreach@haemophilia.org.nz 

Central Outreach Worker, Lynne Campbell

Since April 2009, Lynne has worked with families as the Central Outreach Worker for HNZ providing education, support and advocacy. Her regional home base is in Wellington.

Lynne is a Registered Teacher with a background in Biology and Science teaching, as well as Transition/Careers Education at Secondary level. Lynne has also held educational guidance and advocacy roles managing both the quality of pastoral support, and appropriateness of curriculum level and delivery, to a diverse range of student groups and enrolment categories, including adult students.

With a keen interest in genetics, a science background and transferrable guidance skills, Lynne has redirected her passion from working with students to helping people of all ages with rare inherited bleeding disorders.

Her interests outside of work include family, art, fashion, music plus regular voluntary work to raise funds for animal welfare.

Email Lynne at central.outreach@haemophilia.org.nz

Southern Outreach Worker, Vic Turner

My name is Vicki Turner although I do prefer Vic. I'm a proud 50 something wife and mother. My husband and I manage a blended family with six combined offspring ranging from 35 years down to 12 years, with two Moko. 
I live on our 52-hectare horse/gorse block in Okaruru bay (Goughs Bay) Banks Peninsula, Canterbury.

I originally trained as a nurse in the 80s at Burwood Hospital, then transferred to Templeton hospital until its closure. After this, I took employment at a treatment facility for young men before formalizing my training as a counsellor at Vision College. I have since specialised in equine assisted psychotherapy, which I have been using in my private practice for the last three years. 

My husband and I have recently swapped positions. He now looks after the house, the horses, and teaches Hugo, while I have the office and begin my exciting career with Haemophilia NZ.

Email Vic at southern.outreach@haemophilia.org.nz