About Us
Waihi Community Resource Centre has been part of the Waihi Community since 1987. We are committed to contributing to a community that supports each other, values and cares for all people, especially those most vulnerable, and which has a zero-tolerance to violence.
OUR VISION
A healthy and thriving community.
OUR MISSION
People in Waihi and neighbouring communities are empowered and enriched by accessing and participating in our community services and activities.
Helen Riesen
Manager
Helen joined Waihi Community Resource Centre in March 2025. Originally from Switzerland, Helen moved to New Zealand in 2015 and has lived in Waihi since 2017. Helen was trained as a Social Worker while living in the US and has worked within a variety of settings, including social services, home care and case management.
In her spare time, she loves spending time outdoors in her garden or taking a course exploring one of her many interests.
Kaye Gadsden
Reception
Kaye is our friendly face that will meet and greet you when visiting us. She manages our bookings and room hire and just about everything else so if there is anything you need to know – just ask Kaye. Kaye is available Monday - Thursday 08.30am - 4.00pm.
Leanne McCurry
Strengthening Families Coordinator/Heartlands Coordinator
Leanne moved to Waihi two years ago from Australia, joining the team in 2023.
Leanne enjoys the challenges of both the Strengthening Families and Heartlands Coordinator roles, bringing whanau and support services together to create positive outcomes for the individual and the wider community.
Leanne's background in Early Childhood Education, Community Services and management provides extensive knowledge and experience.
Leanne and her partner reside in Waihi with frequent visits to Australia to visit her adult children and family.
Linley Carpenter
Social Services Coordinator
Linley has a passion for working within community settings and her knowledge and experience enable her to work for the Waihi Community Resource Centre in a diverse range of roles
Having lived and worked within our community for over 15 years, Linley loves working with people - supporting and encouraging them on their journey of discovery, toward living the life they were born for.
Tina Phillips
Counsellor
Hello, I am Tina, a Narrative Therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples and whanau rewrite the stories they live by and reclaim their experience of agency and purpose. I have been working at the Waihi Community Resource Centre since 2021. I grew up in the Hauraki and have served my community in a variety of ways.
In our work together, I support you in exploring the narratives that shape your life - whether they're stories of struggle, self doubt, limiting beliefs or more - and support you to discover new, empowering narratives that reflect your skills, abilities, values, and aspirations.
I believe we are not defined by our challenges, rather, how we respond to them. Through the process of narrative therapy, we'll work together to separate you from your problems, allowing you to see your situation from fresh perspectives. By identifying and re-authoring the stories that hold you back, you'll discover new possibilities and pathways for healing, growth and change.
With a collaborative approach, I create a safe space where you can express yourself openly, explore your lived experiences, and reconnect with your hopes and dreams. If you're ready to begin reshaping your story and creating a future filled with hope and possibility, I'm here to support you in taking steps towards this. Let's start the collaborative and transformative journey together.
Matt Wallace
Social Services & Community Services Caseworker
Matt joined our organisation in 2021. He brings a great desire, enthusiasm, and commitment to working with both youth and adults. Matt’s role is diverse and varied. He works as a Youth Worker/Mentor and is also a Whanau Support Worker within our ISR & Strengthening Families teams.
Matt is integral member of the Community Service team providing support through our Heartlands Hub.
Matt lives in the Waihi community with his young family and outside of work he enjoys outdoor activities, sports, cooking, animals and spending time with whanau and friends.
Marina Williams
Social Services Case Worker
Marina is a Kaimahi Support Worker for ISR, where she enjoys working with people individually as well as with the whanau in supporting them making their life and home free from violence. Marina has an extensive background in addiction and mental health.
She is a lovely mother of four children, four stepchildren and a grandmother of 14. Her family, little lifestyle block and animals are her safe haven outside of work.
Carol Cullen
Social Services & Community Services Case Worker
Carol joined our organisation in 2022. Originally from Scotland, Carol has been working with Rangatahi for over 29 years that have displayed a wide range of complex needs, trauma and behavioral issues.
Carol has been in New Zealand since 2020. With an extensive range of qualifications, having studied child protection, child development and behavioral management, Carol has a great passion for supporting our Whanau and Rangatahi.
Carol is a mum to one, and is married to her husband of 37 years.
Julz Marriner
Social Worker
Julz (Ngapuhi/Ngati Whatua/Ngati Ruanui) originally from Whangarei, joined WCRC in 2025, relocating from Tauranga Moana. Julz studied Social Work through Bethlehem Teritiary Institute and is guided by her faith, te ao Māori perspectives, a connection to taiao and most importantly to people and social justice. Julz has an extensive background in Education, youth advocacy, coaching, and mentoring. Her passion is working with tamariki, and rangatahi alongside whanau. Julz has worked across the health, sport and events sector as well as being a volunteer for many years in Athletics. You'll find Julz spending time outside with her dogs, travelling across the motu in a house bus or spending time with family and friends.
Kate Fosbeary
Administrator
Kate emigrated to New Zealand in 2004 from the UK and has 3 adult children. Formerly a registered Nurse, Kate has spent many years working as an administrator in Healthcare and following the pandemic returning to the UK to help support her elderly parents also working in the community as a carer.
Now back in her old miners’ cottage in Waikino Kate is enjoying renovating and nurturing her garden. Kate is a keen cyclist and walker and very happy to regularly visit the local trails.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of Waihi Community Resource Centre, volunteering their time as Drivers, relief receptionists, Heartlands workers - just to name a few!
The centre is always keen to recruit new volunteers. If you would like to volunteer a few hours once a week or once a month we would love to hear from you.
Call 07 863 7555 and speak to one of our friendly team members or drop in and see us at the centre.
Governance
Pamela Keall
Pamela is the Secretary Treasurer at Waihi Community Resource Centre. The now retired Deputy Principal of Waihi College, is interested in expanding the services offered at WCRC. Her ongoing commitment and dedication to community is evident by her active participation in various organisations. Pamela is the President of Waihi Museum, Chairman Vestry St John’s Anglican Church, Member of Agewise Thames and the Age Concern Board, as well as a Committee Member of COGS.
Margaret Harrison
Margaret is the Service Centre Manager for Work and Income Waihi/Paeroa. Her extensive background in Ministerial Agencies and community involvement adds a wealth of information and experience to WCRC. Her drive and passion to create a collaborative approach with agencies and community organisations has an immense benefit for our centre, as well as the people within our community.
Vanessa McHardy
Vanessa has worked as a self-employed psycho therapist for over 20 years, having an MA in Integrative Child Psychology. She has volunteered for and chaired various Trusts and Associations. Vanessa has a passion for developing community through therapeutic work, enhancing life skills and confidence in individual's.
Ross Vickery
Ross is a Barrister/Solicitor currently in private practice. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to WCRC. Ross served on various Trusts in Wairarapa district, and brings to Waihi with him experience in governance and administration.
Logan Phillips
Logan has previously been the Principal at Waimata Primary School for 10 years. He is currently the Waihi Central Principal as of 2025 and has a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching). He also serves on the Waihi College Board of Trustees. Logan is an avid basketball coach and organisor. His leadership, strategic planning and project management skills are invaluable to ongoing work at WCRC.
Duncan Smeaton
Duncan is a local dairy farmer with a background in Agricultural Science and as a Farm Consultant. His passion for the Waihi community is evident by his involvement with Lions, Waihi College Board of Trustees and other various local community committees. Duncan has serves as Hauraki District Council Councilor and knows our community well, and cares deeply about it.
Glenis Bell
Bio pending.
Dita Donaldson
Bio pending.
Acknowledging Our Supporters
Special thanks to the people who help support us. Without their assistance our services would not be possible.
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Ministry of Social Development
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Oranga Tamariki
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COGS
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NZ Lotteries
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Hauraki District Council
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Tindall Foundation
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OceanaGold
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Len Reynolds Trust
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Trust Waikato
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The Lion Foundation
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Valder Ohinemuri Charitable Trust
... and all of our wonderful supporters from the local Waihi Community!
Help us continue to deliver vital services to Waihi and surrounds by becoming a supporter of WCRC. Contact centre manager on 07 863 7555.