Julie Paalvast

General Manager

Married with a young boy of 5, Julie is originally from England and has been living in Christchurch since 2009. Julie had her hip replaced in 2013 and was first attracted to Aspire to assist people with mobility challenges - since starting she has been incredibly inspired by peoples life stories and the difference an organisation can make. Coming from a corporate company background, this is Julies first experience of working within the charitable sector and one she is enjoying!

Mel Frazer

Information and Community Coordinator

Mel was born in Christchurch. Married with 2 children, she lives on a lifestyle block with cows, sheep, pigs, chickens and a dog. In her spare time you can find her on her lifestyle block, out boating and spending time with friends and family. Mel’s background includes being a carer for a lady with disabilities, retail and reception.

Elaine Moon

Information and Community Coordinator

Elaine was born in Canterbury. In her spare time she enjoys travel, rockhounding, walking, gardening and going to the gym. Her background is in sales, advertising and marketing.

Tania

Accountant

Tania was born in Christchurch and has three boys. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, gardening, travelling and walking her dog. Tania’s background includes auditing and management accounting. She has served on many PTA’s and Boards, and works as Aspire one day a week.

Nathan

Volunteer

Born in Christchurch, Nathan moved to the Gold Coast when he was seven and spent 18 years there! A hard worker, Nathan started working at the age of 15 and eventually ended up running his own roofing business. At 31 Nathan suffered a stroke and had to learn to walk, talk and spell again. Finding himself starting from scratch, Nathan isn’t one to let life beat him; he’s currently studying to be a Support Worker at ARA and working with us here at Aspire Canterbury. Nathan's home marae is Ōnuku and he is a part of the Ngāi Tahu iwi. Nathan is using his experiences to positively impact lives.

Jamie

Volunteer

Jamie has been a true inspiration, with cerebral palsy, he has been wheeling round town since high school. Jamie (40) is Vice Chairperson of the Disabled Persons Assembly and works with us at Aspire Canterbury. A proud Cantabrian, Jamie supports the Crusaders, enjoys swimming, karaoke and, to use his own words, is “a gun” at Ten Pin Bowling. A positive, thoughtful and caring person, Jamie is engaged to be married to Marie. The exciting news is that this pair will be setting up in business – watch news to hear more about this in the future.

Simon Wing

Chairperson

Martin Zelas

Vice Chair

Thomas Callanan

Treasurer

David Meates

Trustee

Teresa Peterson-Hoult

Trustee

Stephanie Emery

Trustee

Hamish Taylor

Trustee