Our Board

Glenn Lives in Christchurch and has over 30 years of Governance experience at Civic and Community level. A former Christchurch City Councillor representing Christchurch for a very difficult nine years post the earthquakes, he also brings commercial Board experience gained at Transwaste and is the current Chair of Rata Foundation.
Glenn is a graduate of Massey (B. A.) and Otago Universities (B. Theology), a Minister of Religion and a Celebrant.
In Glenn’s words he is “… a proven goal-setter, achiever, always reaching forward, looking to working with Boards and individuals to do the same”.
Glenn also has his own ‘epilepsy lived experience’ which brings a wealth of unique life experience.
In his spare time Glenn has done the Coast-to-Coast Endurance Event ten times and is a 2022 entrant. He has also run two marathons, numerous half marathons and competed in cycle events. His other hobbies and Interests including music, gardening, and reading. Glenn is married to Anthea, and they have 7 children.

Matt has fifteen years experience in the construction industry and currently works as a Commercial Estimator and Project Manager in Dunedin.  Matt has personal and family experience with epilepsy; having epilepsy himself, a son with epilepsy and others in his extended family also living with epilepsy.  He is passionate in sharing his own experiences growing up with epilepsy to help others deal with their journey in managing living with epilepsy.  Matt is our Treasurer and serves on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Dr Bergin has been on the Board for more than ten years having been the President in the past and now holding the Service Delivery, Clinical and Research portfolios.  Dr Bergin is a consultant neurologist at Auckland Hospital where he also co-ordinates the Epilepsy Surgery Programme.  Research is a passion for Dr Bergin who has established a research vehicle called EpiNet, an internet based research programme to facilitate investigator-initiated trials into the optimal management of epilepsy.  Dr Bergin resides in Auckland and is a keen hiker and cyclist.

Philippa is a multi-award winning journalist currently working as the national day editor for Radio New Zealand.  Previously Philippa has worked in London as well as covering events and stories from around the pacific and the Pasifika community.  Working in a fast paced environment has allowed Philippa to demonstrate her empathy towards vulnerable groups and understanding of people.  Philippa lives in Wellington with her whanau and has a son who lives with epilepsy.  Portfolios held by Philippa are: Brand and Public Relations and Media.

Ricky lives in Queenstown and has a son who lives with epilepsy.  Ricky joined the Board in 2019 sharing his vast knowledge around all financial matters.  Ricky has extensive experience in governance having held directorships in both the corporate sector and the not-for-profit world.  He is a Financial Advisor having been in the financial industry for more than 35 years.  Ricky holds the Financial and Risk portfolio.

Pat holds the Equity portfolio as well as the Service Delivery portfolio within the Board.  She has multiple health qualifications right from her nursing degree through to her Masters of Health Practice in Maori Health.  Pat is deeply immersed in te ao maori, living in Katikati and working as the Chief Executive Officer at Te Manu Toroa Trust.  With several of her whanau living with epilepsy in their lives Pat is able to bring lived experience from a maori perspective.

My knowledge and understanding of epilepsy has been informed by my nursing experience and also through my relationships with friends and extended family with epilepsy.My career has enabled me to grow and develop as a strategic and authentic executive leader in healthcare across public and private sectors. I have also had a range of leadership roles in voluntary organisations. Through working in senior positions in large organisations I have gained experience in working within the machinery of government and I have worked with and alongside elected boards. I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.I am currently working to the Chief Executive of Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand to support the transition of health services into the new entity as an interim while the Executive Leadership structures are formalised and recruited. I have the Lead for Mental Health and Addictions as well as Lead for the National Planned Care Taskforce.

With over 15 years of diverse international experience in executive management roles across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, I bring a broad set of skills to the Board of Epilepsy New Zealand.  I hold academic qualifications in Business Administration and Marketing, including a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Bedfordshire, an MBA from the University of Leicester, and a Master of Management from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. I am a collaboratively driven leader with core values of trust, integrity, and inclusivity. I am also a published author in the areas of diversity, inclusion, multiculturalism, and computer science education. Currently, I work with Idea Services, a service provider for individuals with intellectual disabilities, where I engage closely with those living with epilepsy. I have a profound understanding of the unique challenges and the resilience of individuals living with epilepsy.

I would like to contribute the strategy and governance skills gained over the course of my career in human resources and health and safety executive roles with large New Zealand and multinational companies across a range of sectors. I have also held governance roles with industry bodies, private companies, and sports clubs.

I am a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and have completed the Company Directors course. I have also served and held leadership roles on a number of industry, sports and industry boards in the past.

As a result of these roles, I have developed skills in strategy development, shaping organisational culture, leading change, risk management and improving organisational performance. I have the ability to think strategically, work collaboratively in team environments and find solutions to challenging business issues.