Diabetes NZ Board Members

Lyndal Ludlow - Chair of Advisory Council

Lyndal was appointed Chair of the Advisory Council earlier in 2020. Although her involvement with Diabetes New Zealand began in 2014 as a member of Diabetes Youth NZ after her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Lyndal’s husband also has Type 1 diabetes.

Lyndal is also a second term Councillor on Environment Southland, an educator and chair of the Southland Art Foundation.

Rod Slater - Independent Board Member

Rod was a driving force behind the original Mad Butcher stores. He has been CEO of Beef + Lamb New Zealand for almost 25 years, leading the organisation through a time of considerable change. He was manager of the NZ Olympic Sailing team at the 1996 Olympics and Chair of the Yes Disability Achievement Centre. Rod has successfully managed his diabetes for many years and is passionate about helping others with the illness to live healthy active lives.

Bev Gibson (Te Atiawa, Ngaruahine, Te Arawa) - Independent Board Member

Bev has expertise in governance and management, in a range of corporate, and not-for-profit organisations including health, agribusiness, education, business development, environment, biodiversity, Māori land ownership, Iwi, and hapū.  Bev is a health auditor for Whatu Ora HealthShare, a fellow of the Institute of Directors, and currently, the Chair of several Community Trusts such as Wild for Taranaki, Mahia Mai A Whai Tara Kaumatua service, and Ngati Tawhirikura Hapū.  

Dee Lodhia - - Independent Board Member

Kia Ora, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Namaste, Hello

Ko Rangitoto te maunga

Ko Pacific Ocean te awa

Nō Fiji ahau.

Ko Lodhia te whānau

Ko Dee (Deepika) tōku ingoa

Dee is deeply committed to empowering Ethnic and Pacific communities in managing Type 2 diabetes more effectively. Her dedication stems from personal experiences spanning three generations of supporting her own whānau, including her grandfather, mother, aunty, and cousin, through their journeys with Type 2 diabetes.

In addition to her extensive community and volunteer service background, Dee currently holds positions on the boards of two not-for-profit organisations, Mangere Budgeting Services Trust and SAFE. Her professional qualifications include being a Chartered Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and a member of the Institute of Directors (NZ). She actively contributes to her community as a committed Rotarian.
Dee specialises in Risk Management, Assurance, and Compliance within the Finance sector, bringing a wealth of expertise to her advocacy and service roles.

Nicola Riordan - Independent Board Member

Nicola brings a wealth of governance experience and a deeply personal connection to the mission of Diabetes NZ. With her daughter living with Type 1 diabetes, Nicola is intimately familiar with the challenges and needs of individuals and families affected by this condition.

As a chartered member of the Institute of Directors and serving on the boards of Kordia, REINZ, Realestate.co.nz and NZFSG, Nicola’s expertise in governance spans various sectors. Her background in technology adds a unique perspective to her governance approach, particularly in navigating the digital landscape to enhance the services and support offered by Diabetes NZ.

Hetty Van Hale - Independent Board Member

Hetty has a background in corporate communications and marketing, and also brings with her 25 years governance experience covering a broad industry range, including experience on audit and risk committees. She also has a strong history of volunteering for community organisations and events.

Hetty is a current board member of High-Performance Sport New Zealand, a Trustee of Central Lakes Trust, a trustee of Northland Events Centre (2021) Trust, and a member of the Sport New Zealand finance, audit and risk committee.

Tio Taiaki (Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Āti Hau Nui-ā-Pāpārangi) - Advisor

Ko Tokomaru te waka

Ko Kapakapanui te maunga

Ko Waikanae te awa

Ko Te Ātiawa te iwi

Ko Whakarongotai te marae

Ko Tio Taiaki e mihi ake ana.

Tio brings lived experiences of supporting whānau with Type 1 and 2 diabetes. 

He has extensive leadership and governance experience in Māori health, education, change management, communications and engaging with vulnerable communities. Tio is passionate about empowering people to live healthy active lives and is currently an Associate Director with Deloitte.

Eparama Tuibenau - Independent Board Member

Eparama (Eps) joins the board with a solid background in technology and management. He is a shareholder at HealthSafe NZ Ltd, Trustee for Good Shepherd School, and also the founder of VirtualTAG which he led to two successful exits. Eparama has a personal connection to diabetes, having been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, with a mother who has type 2 diabetes, and a close friend with type 1 diabetes. He is committed to leveraging his skills and experiences to contribute and support Diabetes New Zealand's mission.