National TEAM

Heather Verry - Chief Executive

Heather has been at the helm of Diabetes NZ since 2017. She has a strong background in not-for-profit organisations. Prior to joining Diabetes NZ she has held Chief Executive roles with the NZ Police Association and the Manfeild Park Trust, a motor racing circuit and events centre in Manawatū.

Heather has also acted as Deputy Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups. She joined Victim Support at a time of significant development and restructure when 67 local committees were centralised to the national office. The aim was to provide a consistent level of service across the country and advocate for victims at all levels.

Since working at Diabetes NZ she has completed a full national unification of the organisation, driving positive change and engagement around the country. Heather has the experience to ensure Diabetes NZ continues to grow its reach into communities and through key stakeholders to improve diabetes awareness, education and advocacy.

Nicky Katsanos - Head of Corporate Services

Nicky is a Chartered Accountant who joined Diabetes NZ in 2015.  Her key responsibility is to work alongside the Chief Executive to provide essential support to internal and external stakeholders across three main areas: finance, management support and payroll.

Nicky leads and manages the Finance, Membership and Administration team to provide financial reporting, business and budget planning, forecasting, process reviews and management of all supply and procurement contracts. In addition Nicky has responsibility for all property matters and health and safety operations. As a member of the Senior Management team, Nicky interacts with the Board, the Finance Committee, the Advisory Council and Branches.

Jo Chapman - Head of Business Development

An extensive background in the not-for-profit and health & exercise industries allows Jo to blend her experience to lead the business development team; Fundraising, Communications and Marketing.

Jo is the key relationship contact for champion sponsors, partnerships and financial stakeholders. She is responsible for ensuring Diabetes NZ has adequate financial support so that people with diabetes can continue to receive free resources, help and advice and is able to advocate for improved health and medical opportunities for all.

Partnership and advertising enquiries

Nicky Steel - Corporate Services Coordinator

Through the 0800 DIABETES information line, Nicky has the privilege of a front-line role in supporting Diabetes NZ members and other people with pre-diabetes or diabetes.  Another key role is to support GP surgeries, PHOs, DHBs and other health sector organisations by providing them with our Diabetes NZ information resources.

After a career that has included policy and communications roles, Nicky loves the opportunity this role affords to help New Zealanders manage a health challenge so that they can reach a happy and healthy place in their lives.

Liz Dutton - Head of Clinical Services

Liz manages the Diabetes Community Coordinators around the country. Liz’s role is to establish partnerships, and with engage with, clinical teams in PHOs where Diabetes Community Coordinators are located or plan to be located. Liz has ensured the Diabetes Your Life Your Journey programme designed by Te Whatu Ora Capital Coast and Hutt Valley, Otago University, and Tū Ora Compass Health, is co-facilitated between the Diabetes Community Coordinators and clinicians in the Diabetes Community Coordinators regions. 

Liz was a former Clinical Nurse Specialist in Diabetes at Tū Ora Compass Health PHO, Wellington. She achieved a distinction in post-graduate diploma in Primary Health Care with a focus on Long Term Conditions and Diabetes. Her last role as Programme Lead: Long Term Conditions at Compass Health, involved the management and development of the multi-disciplinary Diabetes team and Long-Term Conditions services in the PHO.

Liz’s diabetes knowledge and skills are an asset to her role at Diabetes NZ, being a clinical advisor.

Marsha Mackie - Head of Youth and Type 1

As Head of Youth and Type 1, Marsha’s role is to support and manage Diabetes New Zealand’s Youth Coordinators and to focus on Type 1 advocacy, education, awareness and youth development in Aotearoa.   Marsha chairs the national youth forum which includes Diabetes New Zealand’s youth coordinators and volunteers who are also passionate about improving the lives of youth with diabetes in Aotearoa. 

Prior to taking on this role, Marsha managed multiple key projects for Diabetes New Zealand including production of the Eat Well, Live Well cookbook, the review and creation of our policy suite, as well as the Annual Reports and Conferences.

Stephen Jarvis - Data & Donor Coordinator

Stephen has several years’ experience of working as a database administrator in the not-for-profit sector & joined Diabetes New Zealand in 2019.

Stephen’s role focuses on processing, banking and receipting membership payments and donations, sending out new membership packs, and producing financial and membership reports.  Stephen also looks after the donor database, ensuring that all changes relating to members or donations are recorded promptly and accurately thereby providing Diabetes NZ with high quality information which will help with future planning and development.

Claire Meirelles, Communications and Marketing Manager

With a background in the not-for-profit industry and digital marketing, Claire brings a range of marketing, fundraising and communications experience to Diabetes New Zealand.

Claire is responsible for our digital and social media presence which includes the website, Facebook and our monthly electronic newsletter Connect. Her role includes communications and marketing strategies, policy development and brand management.

Media enquiries