Our Team

Dr Amanda Evans

Co-Founder, Trustee & Clinical Director

Amanda is a Paediatric Palliative Care Specialist. She trained in paediatrics in Auckland and at Starship, going on to specialise in paediatric palliative care. She is one of only two specialists in NZ.

Vicki Chennells

Vicki brings deep expertise from the UK, where she worked in paediatric oncology and palliative care, including as a clinical lead in a children’s hospice.

Clinical Nurse Specialist
Educational Psychologist

Claire Ewens

Claire has over 10 years’ experience supporting children in schools and early learning settings, with a focus on emotional literacy and resilience.

Sarah (Ngāti Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau) is joining the team in mid-March 2026. She is an experienced neonatal and paediatric nurse with extensive experience working in our communities. Sarah has a passion for working with whānau and tamariki in a mana enhancing way.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Sarah Whitaker

Nicola Nation

Nicola is an experienced executive leader. She was drawn to Rei Kōtuku by the profound opportunity to apply her experience to deliver enduring, systemic change for vulnerable tamariki and their whānau. Prior to joining the team, Nicola was the Chief Executive of the Ākina Foundation.

Chief Executive Officer

Our Trustees

Ben Irving

Ben is an experienced director and strategic advisor working across private investment, technology and purpose-led organisations.

Board Co-Chair & Trustee

Joanie Sims

Joanie is a seasoned executive leader, governor, and advisor with experience spanning governance, health leadership, organisational culture and large-scale transformation.

Board Co-Chair
Trustee

Ray Gazley

Ray is an experienced advertising executive with lived experience of paediatric palliative care through her daughter Jemima, who died of brain cancer in 2021.

Brendan Clare

Brendan has 19 years’ experience in the banking industry with the last 9 years as a founder and director of NZAB.  He has lived experience of paediatric palliative care through his son Jonty who was diagnosed with cancer at 10 weeks old.

Trustee