General Manager of Business & People

I’m Tie, the General Manager of Business & People at Whanganui Community Living Trust.

I mostly work behind the scenes, making sure we have the right people in the right roles so our team can deliver exceptional support to those experiencing mental health challenges and disabilities in our community.

With a background spanning frontline to leadership roles, both here in New Zealand and internationally in the Health and Social Services sectors, I bring a mix of practical experience and strategic insight.

I’ve been the Board-appointed GM of Business & People for 5 years, and during that time, I’ve been proud to help lead innovative change and give the Trust a fresh, forward-looking approach-while staying true to what we do best: supporting our people in the community.

Clinical Nurse Manager

I’m Misty, Clinical Nurse Manager at Whanganui Community Living Trust.

I lead our Clinical and Non-Clinical teams with a focus on person-centred care. With a background in Nursing Management, Acute Care, and Mental Health, I’m passionate about supporting our people and staff with kindness, compassion, and respect. I have a genuine interest in people’s journeys and life experiences which helps shape our service delivery to meet the needs of our people.

I’m from Colorado, USA, and now proudly call Whanganui home.

Chairperson

My name is Dr. Kyle Whitfield, and I’m the Chairperson of the Whanganui Community Living Trust.

Born and bred in Whanganui, I attended St. Augustine’s College before leaving to attend university in Palmerston North, Auckland and Dunedin. I have a doctorate in politics and a passion for good, practical governance and making things more efficient and effective. I have experience working within the public sector, including health, justice, university lecturing and local government. I utilise my skills and experience to help management and the wider team to provide the wonderful service to our community that they do.

Email me at: kyle@wclt.co.nz

Trustee

I’m Chris Wilkinson Smith, a Trustee of the Whanganui Community Living Trust.

I am a Lawyer who lives in Whanganui and have my main office in Auckland. I do prosecution and defence work as well as general litigation involving Wills and Trusts, and often for clients with complex mental health and historic abuse issues.

I bring to the Trust my expertise and guidance for our community.

Trustee

My name is Lakina Sione – High Chief Fuimaono Tuimafuiva of Salani, Samoa.

I am a community leader, advocate, and programme designer with a deep commitment to building stronger, healthier communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. I have channelled the values of my chiefly heritage as Fuimaono Tuimafuiva into designing and delivering programmes that create real change for communities and rangatahi. My mahi spans community advisory, advocacy, youth development, and NGO leadership – all driven by a genuine heart for people and a passion to see them thrive.

A significant part of my work has been building strong partnerships with Mãori organisations in the design and development of NGOs. I believe that walking alongside tangata whenua, honouring Te Tiriti, and weaving together Pacific and Mãori values creates the strongest foundation for community-led change. These partnerships are not just professional – they are relational, built on trust, respect, and a shared vision for our people.