OUR PATRON
Tā Mark Wiremu Solomon KNZM
Tā Mark Solomon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kurī) is a distinguished Māori leader, known for his long-standing service to iwi, education, environment, and the wellbeing of whānau across Aotearoa.
From 1998 to 2016, he served as Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, leading during a time of significant growth, innovation, and Treaty settlement work. He is also a founding member of the Iwi Chairs Forum, established in 2005 to bring iwi leadership together nationally to address issues of shared interest.
Tā Mark was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for services to Māori and business and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Lincoln University for his contributions to natural resource stewardship. His leadership philosophy is grounded in service, humility, and strength — believing that a rangatira is a servant of their people.
Tā Mark is proud to serve as Patron of the Jade Speaks Up Educational Trust, standing alongside the organisation in its mission to strengthen emotional literacy and create safer futures for tamariki across Aotearoa.
OUR BOARD
Alison Bourn
Alison’s extensive leadership experience within not-for-profit organisations — spanning education, health, social services, family violence prevention, and children’s wellbeing — makes her a vital asset to the Board.
A passionate advocate for the wellbeing of whānau and pēpi, Alison spent 10 years as CEO of Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust, supporting initiatives and education programmes that strengthened outcomes for families and children.
Drawing on her experience working with central and local government, Alison supports the growth of Jade Speaks Up through initiatives that strengthen community engagement and ensure programmes reach those working with tamariki.
Libby Robins
With a 30-year career in social work, psychotherapy, and psychology, Libby brings extensive community sector experience to support the sustainability of Jade Speaks Up through programme development and service integrity.
Her passion for early intervention has guided three decades with the Family Help Trust — first as founding director and manager, and later focusing on research and development — where she now serves as patron.
Awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2011, Libby studied mothers and babies in prisons across the United States and the United Kingdom. In 2017, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s welfare.
Marguerite Vanderkolk
Marguerite brings a passion for alternative learning settings where learners’ wellbeing is valued over academic achievement. Her belief that “when a child feels safe, valued, and well supported, learning becomes naturally enjoyable and successful” aligns strongly with the Jade Speaks Up kaupapa.
Across her 30-year career in both professional and governance roles, Marguerite has been a committed change agent. Her future-focused approach supports the effective change processes needed for NGOs to remain sustainable and responsive to the needs of tamariki and their communities. Part of Jade Speaks Up since its inception, Marguerite regards it as a privilege to serve as a trustee, awhi te mahi o te hauora o tamariki.
OUR SUPPORTERS
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