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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 Health 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 for 30 years.

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

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


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
Operations Manager
Rokeni Tofaeono
Rokeni Tofaeono
Director Clinical Services
Christine Scott
Christine Scott
Director Human Resources
Leanne Thompson-Rapira
Leanne Thompson-Rapira
Kairaranga
Ngapuhi, Ngati Rangiwewehi
Wayne Brown
Wayne Brown
Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Yorston
Michelle Yorston
Director Clinical Practice

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 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 Operations Manager, I lead the administration team in its support of 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 Clinical Services, I provide leadership to Safe Network's clinical staff across all locations and services. I am responsible for ensuring that our client work is of a consistently high standard that reflects our values and policies, and is tailored to the needs and goals of each client.

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

As the Director of 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 senior HR management 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 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

As Director Clinical Practice, I oversee our clinical programmes, supporting staff in their clinical practice and collaborating with clinical managers on training and development.

I enjoy leading the on-going development of our clinical services, engaging in research, staying current with international developments and drawing on our experiences gained within a New Zealand context. My passion is combining the best 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.

Susie Murray

In my role as Clinical Manager for Safe Network's Youth Service, I lead Safe Network's youth team, implementing new strategies, working alongside our stakeholders, and supporting the team in their clinical work with youth age clients. As an Arts Therapist I am passionate about finding creative ways to engage with the families and young people we work with.

I joined Safe Network in 2015 and have a master's degree in arts therapy and a bachelor's degree in youth work.