LEADERSHIP

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Katie Pedersen, Operations Manager

Katie brings a strong background in community, youth, and wellbeing services to her role as Operations Manager at Camellia House. With leadership experience across mental health, disability, youth support, and animal welfare sectors, she is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where people can thrive.

Prior to joining Camellia House, Katie held leadership roles with PACT, Manawatū PARS, and Manawatū SPCA, where she developed extensive experience leading teams, supporting vulnerable communities, and building strong service cultures.

Katie is known for her approachable, empathetic leadership style, commitment to high-quality care, and genuine passion for supporting both residents and staff to feel valued, connected, and empowered

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Behind Camellia House is a passionate governance group of accomplished women, each bringing unique expertise, insight, and lived experience. Together, they provide leadership, integrity, and strategic direction to ensure Camellia House continues to empower and support women, whānau, and community.

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Shannon Johnston - Chair

Shannon has been involved with Camellia House since 2019. Shannon is a partner at CR Law, with the firm having had a strong association with Camellia House for a number of years. As a mother of three girls, Shannon loves being able to make a difference by assisting an organisation aimed at helping woman and children in our local community.

Tania Lennon

Tania has been involved with Camellia House since 2019. Tania has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years and is currently the Executive Director at MASH Trust

Katie Moffatt

Katie joined the board in September 2023, taking over the role of Treasurer. She is an Agribusiness Partner at the Bank of New Zealand supporting farmers and growers in the Manawatū with all aspects of their financial and business performance.
Growing up in Southland, she has recently moved to the Manawatu and is looking forward to be able to contribute to the community she will now call home.

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Renee Schalkwijk

Renee joined the Camellia House Trust board in 2024, bringing strong financial expertise and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. A Partner at DCH Accountants, she advises clients across a wide range of industries, with a focus on good governance and financial integrity. As a mother of two, Renee is passionate about giving back and supporting organisations that create meaningful impact in her community.

Margaret Hunt

Margaret joined the Board at the beginning of 2023. She has a passion for the city, it’s residents and in particular the welfare of our women and children. She is honoured to be able to give back to the city where she has resided for most of her life with the exception of a short excursion to London where she and her husband resided for a few years.

She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Grant Smith, and has a close “coal face” association with the city’s needs and issues.

Margaret is extremely “hands on” and one of her strength's is her ability to access resources for Camellia House through many of the local organisations and businesses who are always very willing to assist. The house could not function without the support of the wider community.