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About us

Reducing concerning, problematic and harmful sexual behaviour

About Us - Reducing the incidence and effects of concerning, problematic and harmful sexual behaviour in New Zealand

The best evidence-based clinical services that build confidence, create hope and develop trust

We are a charitable trust providing specialist services for concerning and harmful sexual behaviour towards or involving children and minors. Primarily funded by our Government partners, Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Disabled People and the Department of Corrections, we are one of three community-based specialist services that cover New Zealand. We have been successfully providing therapeutic, prevention and education services throughout the upper North Island since 1993.

Our goal is to work with our clients to address the factors that led to this behaviour, creating positive outcomes that lead to a safer environment for our client, their family and friends, and the wider community.

We focus on delivering the best evidence-based clinical services - services that build confidence, create hope and develop trust - so that everyone involved can lead better balanced and healthy lives.

Our vision, mission and values

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holding hope for change... is where our work starts

Our commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi

Safe Network acknowledges the Treaty of Waitangi as an agreement which establishes a partnership relationship between Tangata Whenua and the Crown in Aotearoa New Zealand. The policies and practices of our clinical treatment services seek to reflect this. At Safe Network, this means that:


  • tick Maori clients and staff are treated in ways which are culturally inclusive, safe and respectful
  • tick we are committed to try, wherever possible, to have Maori clients and families seen by Maori staff
  • tick our programmes are based on Te Ao Maori and staff trained in delivering models of practice reflecting tikanga Maori
  • tick in all of our relationships with Maori people and organisations we will seek to preserve their self-determination and autonomy.

Our commitment to confidentiality

At Safe Network the nature of our work requires us to discuss sensitive issues. We have a commitment to confidentiality and we value your privacy.

We have rules and procedures to protect sensitive information about you, your family/whanau or your child being given to anyone who does not have a right to such information.

When we need to contact anyone to give or receive information about you, we will explain this to you and gain your permission in writing before we proceed.

We will not disclose or release any client's personal health information unless it is with their permission, we are required to do so by law or we have concerns that there is a serious and imminent risk to a child or young person. Further detail is set out in Safe Network's Child Protection Policy here.

We also offer training and education, professional consultations and a range of other related fee-for-service work.

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At Safe Network the nature of our work requires us to discuss sensitive issues. We have a commitment to confidentiality and we value your privacy.

Should you have any concerns regarding this policy you are welcome to discuss them with us confidentially by emailing info@safenetwork.org.nz

Contact

Safe Network has sites in

  • Regent, Whangarei, Northland
  • Grafton, Auckland
  • Manukau, Auckland
  • Hamilton Central, Waikato
  • Greerton, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
  • Rotorua Central, Bay of Plenty

PO Box 8726, Newmarket, Auckland 1149
E: info@safenetwork.org.nz

Work with us: A challenging and unique area of work that you could be a part of. Help people to make positive changes and create a healthy and safe community.

Our Board

Wayne Schache
Wayne Schache
Board Chair
Michael Bravenboer
Michael Bravenboer
Board Deputy Chair
Dean Ogilvie
Dean Ogilvie
Board Member
Ngati Paoa, Te Rarawa
Maree McLeay
Maree McLeay
Board Member
Jenny Manson
Jenny Manson
Board Member
Dr Meiapo Schmidt-Uili
Dr Meiapo Schmidt-Uili
Board Member

Our Management Team

John Woodward
John Woodward
Chief Executive
Janine Roberts
Janine Roberts
Director of Operations
Rokeni Tofaeono
Rokeni Tofaeono
Director Service Development
Christine Scott
Christine Scott
Regional Director (Auckland/Northland) / Director Human Resources
Leanne Thompson-Rapira
Leanne Thompson-Rapira
Kairaranga
Ngapuhi, Ngati Rangiwewehi
Wayne Brown
Wayne Brown
Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Yorston
Michelle Yorston
Regional Director (Waikato/Bay of Plenty) / Clinical Practice Advisor
Laura Ines
Laura Ines
Clinical Director

Jobs at Safe

Supporting healthy communities

At Safe Network, we work together to address the factors that led to the problematic behaviour and its impact on others, creating positive outcomes that lead to a safer environment for the person in our service, their family, whanau, and the wider community.

Our focus is on delivering the best evidence-based clinical services that build confidence, create hope and develop trust, resulting in better balanced, healthy lives for all.

current vacancies

Safe Network staff benefits

  • Employer-funded health, trauma or critical care, and income protection insurance through nib (download details)
  • Support through professional supervision and EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
  • Competitive remuneration package, including professional registration
  • Generous professional development opportunities to expand your specialist knowledge and experience in HSB
  • Free on-site carparking.
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Wayne Schache

As Board Chair my role is to lead and coordinate the strategic and governance activities of Safe Network, working closely with the Chief Executive to support the vision of a safer community.

I am a chartered accountant, an experienced Manager and Board Member with over 30 years of demonstrated history of working in strategic change management within industry, professional services, and the not-for-profit sector. I have held a number of governance roles over the years, and currently serve on various governance boards. I joined the Safe Network board in 2017, becoming Chair in 2020.

Michael Bravenboer

I have a background in property development and management and have held a number of governance roles in charitable and social service agencies. I joined the Safe Network board in 2019 and have enjoyed contributing to the Agency's strategy around how it uses its properties to support and enhance the services it provides our clients.

Dean Ogilvie

My background is in science and statistics, and in my current role as Kaiwhakahaere Te Ao Maori for Statistics NZ I focus on drawing insights from data relating to Maori to inform decision making for Government and the private sector. I have held a number of governance roles in various mana whenua forums and social service organisations. I joined the board of Safe Network in 2020 with a particular focus on supporting the Agency's Kaupapa Maori journey and how it uses data to inform its strategic direction.

Maree McLeay

I am an experienced social worker with a background in health and wellbeing services, including the provision of supervision to professionals. I have experience in developing and delivering services to communities with needs, and have worked in child protection and community integration. With a particular interest in supporting the wellbeing of staff and a holistic approach to clinical services, I joined the Safe Network Board in 2021.

Jenny Manson

I am an organisational psychologist who has supported organisations in recruitment, training and leadership development. I have considerable experience working in cross-cultural environments and supporting others in doing this joining the Safe Network board in 2022.

Dr Meiapo Schmidt-Uili

I am a consultant paediatrician, having been lead of child protection and clinical lead for paediatrics at a large DHB. I have considerable experience in clinical governance and management, and joined the Safe Network Board in 2022.

John Woodward

With over 20 years of leadership in healthcare and other sectors, I now lead Safe Network's commitment to the very best services for our clients, families and whanau. As Chief Executive, I am responsible for delivering on our vision for safer and healthier communities, through effective strategic planning, supporting our team of 40 dedicated staff and working in partnership with all our stakeholders.

Joining Safe Network in 2014, I am a chartered accountant and a member of the Institute of Directors in NZ and the Human Resources Institute of NZ.

Janine Roberts

As Safe Network's Director of Operations, I lead the administration team in its support of our clients and our clinical staff, including maintaining our client records, reporting to stakeholders, providing both back-office support and front-of-house services, and coordinating each client's journey through their time with our Agency from referral through to completion of therapy.

Having trained as a specialist medical technician, I have worked in various healthcare organisations in a variety of clinical and practice management roles. I joined Safe Network in 2018 and am driven by a passion for responsive and client-centred service.

Rokeni Tofaeono

As the Director of Service Development, I am responsible for our training and education services to external agencies and stakeholders, oversight of Safe Network's group work with clients and the development and delivery of services to our Pasifika clients and communities.

Having trained as a social worker, I have been with Safe Network since 2007, holding a number of roles and working across different client groups and services. I am a registered counsellor with NZ Association of Counsellors.

Wayne Brown

As Chief Financial Officer, I am responsible for ensuring the financial, IT and property resources of Safe Network are successfully managed and optimised to contribute to the successful delivery of clinical services for our clients. As a member of Safe's leadership team, I contribute to the strategic direction and ongoing development of the Agency.

I am a chartered accountant with extensive senior management experience across multiple industries including healthcare, professional services, the primary sector, manufacturing, project management and international trade. I joined Safe Network in 2016.

Christine Scott

In my role as Regional Director (Auckland/Northland), I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of services in the region, including client service and regional stakeholder engagement. In my joint role as Director Human Resources, I am responsible for implementing strategies to attract a nd recruit the best people, ensure they are developed and supported, and keep them safe and well, so they can deliver outstanding service to our clients, their whanau and the wider community.

I have extensive leadership experience, specialising in the health and social sectors, working across disability, mental health, palliative care and sexual harm services. My focus is always on supporting people to live their best lives, whatever that may look like for them.

I hold a Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and am a chartered member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ).

Leanne Thompson-Rapira

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
From your basket, from my basket, the people will thrive

Driven to improve Maori wellbeing outcomes, as Kairaranga I am responsible for Maori cultural support, advice and supervision within Safe Network. I lead the practice of kaupapa Maori protocols and provide a cultural perspective that enhances the organisation's vision and clinical practice. I am a registered counsellor (NZ Association of Counsellors) and have worked in the therapeutic space since 2010 including over nine years with Safe Network.

Michelle Yorston

In my role as Regional Director (Waikato/Bay of Plenty), I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of services in the region, including client service and regional stakeholder engagement. In my joint role as Clinical Practice Advisor, I support the Clinical Director and oversee Safe Network's engagement with other agencies and our funders on clinical practice. I also coordinate Safe Network's research activities, clinical audits and reviews.

I enjoy staying current with international developments and drawing on our experiences gained within a New Zealand context to strengthen and enhance the services we provide. My passion is combining the best clinical models with pragmatic approaches that give clients hope and confidence for a positive future.

I am a registered counsellor (NZ Association of Counsellors) and worked in healthcare and social services before joining Safe Network in 2010.

Laura Ines

As Clinical Director, I am responsible for the ongoing development and quality of Safe Network's clinical services, overseeing programme development, clinical support for our team and oversight of clinical projects and initiatives. My vision is for innovative and evidence-based approaches to working with clients that are tailored to meet their unique needs.

I am always energised and challenged by the way our team strives for positive therapeutic outcomes in a way that reflects cultural and spiritual considerations, differing values and strengths and collaboration with the client, whanau and their support systems.

I am a registered Counselling Psychologist and joined Safe Network in 2015.