Fond farewells and warm welcomes on our Board

We held our 2024 AGM on Saturday 16 November and have some exciting updates to share!

With Dennis Turton stepping down as Chair, Dan Walker was elected to take his place and accepted the role Chair with humility and optimism. Reremoana Hammond will serve as Deputy Chair.

Longstanding Board Member Dean Bradley announced he will be departing the Board, and we welcomed Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge as our newest Board Member.

It’s been a privilege to be served by each departing individual. Their depth of knowledge and expertise has provided so much to Child Cancer Foundation’s vision, mahi and successes during their time with us.  

To Dan, Rere and Colin, we extend our gratitude as you step forward to bring your skills and compassion to our Board and we look forward to doing great work together for Kiwi kids with cancer and their whānau.

Dennis Turton steps down as Chair

First, we farewell our dear colleague Dennis Turton from his role as Chair, though he will remain on our Board. 

Dennis became involved with Child Cancer Foundation after his son, Noah, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010.

He is the Chief Executive of Trust Waikato which is a Community Trust with an investment fund of $390 million that grants a portion of its investment dividends to the communities of the Waikato.

Dennis was a member of the Waikato Connect Group and has been a board member since 2014. He believes parents’ involvement with Child Cancer Foundation is fundamental to a strong support network as families face the trauma of a child with cancer. 

Dennis was elected Chair in June, 2021. At our 2024 AGM in November, he shared words of thanks.

“It has been a pleasure working with the Board and Monica [Child Cancer Foundation CEO] over the past three years and we are well on track to achieve our goals. Thank you to the Board for your time, effort, heart and mind over the past year. It has been a real privilege to be a part of this team.” — Dennis Turton

Thank you, Dennis, for your incredible three years of leadership! 

Welcome our new Chair, Dan Te Whenua Walker

Dan has served as a Child Cancer Foundation Board Member since 2021 and graciously accepted his new role as Chair at our AGM in November 2024. 

“I would like to take a moment to honour my wonderful wife Michelle, as I would not be where I am today without her; she enables me to do these roles. I’d also like to extend my appreciation to everyone at Child Cancer Foundation who works tirelessly alongside the tamariki and whānau facing the toughest challenges in their lives–this is the driving force behind my commitment to the organisation and is indeed the beating heart purpose of our Foundation.” — Dan Te Whenua Walker

Dan is a proud husband and dad, and his main whakapapa links are to Taranaki, while being born in Ōtautahi Christchurch and now living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with his whānau.

He knows intimately the journey of hardship when a child has their life threatened, as his son Joshie was diagnosed with bone cancer in January 2021 at ten years old. It turned his life upside down. However, through Joshie’s strength and with the support of his wife Michelle, whānau, friends, community and organisations like Child Cancer Foundation, they are on the other side of his treatments and Joshie is doing well.

Dan is an experienced leader in business development and relationship management with an extensive focus in the IT and tech sectors. He is on a variety of community, iwi and non-profit board roles in Tāmaki, Taranaki and across Aotearoa.

We are so fortunate to have him now in place as Chair where he will bring this wealth of knowledge, along with his inspiring level of empathy and passion for this mahi.

Reremoana Hammond elected as Deputy Chair

Reremoana (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Ruapani, Moriori) and her whānau began their childhood cancer journey in 2006 when her son, Eben, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at eight weeks old. The aroha and awhi that her whānau received from Child Cancer Foundation led to Reremoana wanting to pay it forward by becoming an active Child Cancer Foundation member in the Manawatū-Whanganui region for several years.

Now living in Whanganui-a-Tara with husband Andrew and the youngest of their five children, Reremoana is a stakeholder engagement practitioner with a strong interest in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Her passion to tautoko improved outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori led to her appointment as a director for Te Hononga o Ngā Awa, a post Tiriti o Waitangi settlement trust.

“I was introduced to Child Cancer Foundation 18 years ago when my youngest son was diagnosed with cancer. I have him to thank for my involvement with the Foundation. Thank you for this opportunity and challenge to step up and carry on the work that Dennis, Monica and the rest of the Board are doing.” — Reremoana Hammond

Reremoana brings a wide variety of experience to the organisation, having worked in emergency management for over 10 years. She has also worked in health, education and the regulatory environment.

Thank you, Reremoana, for your service as a member of our Board and now Deputy Chair!

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, joins the Board

We are thrilled to welcome Crusaders Chief Executive Officer Colin Mansbridge to our Board.

Personally moved by the stories and families he has met through Crusaders’ fundraising efforts for Child Cancer Foundation, Colin decided it was time to raise a hand and contribute his depth of skill and expertise to our cause within the governance context.

Of course we were delighted. Colin will be an incredible asset to our Board. We appreciate his extensive background in finance and management, and the fact that he’s truly passionate about easing the impact childhood cancer has on Kiwi children and their whānau. 

Colin has been with the Crusaders since 2018 after a 30-year career in banking & finance and held Executive & Director positions in banks in New Zealand, SE Asia & Australia.

“I believe in serving the Crusaders and the causes they Crusade for, including children with cancer and their families,” Colin says. “I am absolutely privileged to find myself serving Child Cancer Foundation on the Board and look forward to contributing in a meaningful way.” — Conlin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO

Dean Bradley steps down from the Board

Dean’s involvement with Child Cancer Foundation began in 2006 when his daughter Amber was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Sadly, Amber passed away in 2007.  

Since Amber’s passing, Dean has given a significant amount of time and energy to Child Cancer Foundation. He has held numerous roles within the Foundation, from his first role as part of the Wellington Branch, of which he was elected Chair, to being a member of the National Board since 2014.  

His leadership extended to overseeing the Personal Development Grant Committee, which provides opportunities for tamariki and families to move forward with new skills and passions that enrich and progress their lives, as well as serving on the Awards Committee. Dean also played a pivotal role in securing the Wellington Family Place, a cherished resource for families. 

In 2023, Dean’s outstanding 17 years of contributions were honoured with an Honorary Life Membership, presented by the Governor-General, The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro. Reflecting on his time with the Foundation, Dean expressed pride in working alongside others to advance the organisation’s vision of supporting children and their families throughout their cancer journey.  

Dean’s dedication has left an enduring legacy, and his efforts have profoundly impacted countless lives.

“Thank you, everyone, for your support. It was a privilege to serve the children and families, and serve on the Board. I’ve made some wonderful friends and know that the organisation and Board are in good stead.” — Dean Bradley

You can read more about Dean is in his own words in  our blog article about him here.