Our People

Lichelle Guyan

Steering Group Chair

Lichelle Guyan has been involved with Stronger Waitaki since 2017, initially through her role at Waitaki District Council and, since 2021, in a voluntary capacity.

She is committed to the collective work of strengthening outcomes for whānau in the Waitaki community. Her involvement is shaped by lived experience, particularly in navigating complex medical and mental health needs in a rural setting. She understands the challenges of distance, access to services, and isolation, and the impact these can have on wellbeing and recovery.

Lichelle values the collaborative approach of the Stronger Waitaki network and is proud of the outcomes achieved through working together. She is motivated to continue building on this momentum for the benefit of the community.

Mayor Melanie Tavendale

Elected Member Representative

Melanie Tavendale is the Mayor of Waitaki District and brings extensive experience in local government, business, and community leadership.

Before being elected Mayor, Melanie served for nine years as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor, where she developed a strong reputation for strategic thinking, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to the future of the Waitaki district.

Alongside her governance experience, Melanie is the owner of Hub and Sprocket Cycles and has been actively involved in a range of local organisations and trusts over many years. She is passionate about supporting strong, connected communities and creating positive outcomes for people across Waitaki.

Nola Tipa

Mana Whenua Representative

Tēnā koutou katoa 

Ko Tekohurau tōku mauka 

Ko Kakaunui tōku awa 

No Moeraki ahau 

He uri ahau o te whānau Tipa 

Ko Nola Tipa tōku ikoa  

Nola has been a member of Stronger Waitaki for many years as the mana whenua representative. She brings to this rōpū knowledge and understanding of cultural constructs alongside mātauraka Māori, being a teacher by profession. Stronger Waitaki Steering Committee is an inclusive, well recognised and respected entity that Nola is proud to be a member of.  

Hana Fanene-Taiti

Pacific Peoples Community Representative

Mata’aga Hana Fanene-Taiti is a respected community leader, advocate, and elected representative with a longstanding commitment to equity, wellbeing, and community development across Waitaki.

She currently serves as a third-term Councillor for Waitaki District Council and was the district’s first Pasifika Deputy Mayor. Hana brings extensive experience across governance, leadership, social services, and community development, with a strong focus on culturally responsive and inclusive practice.

As the Pacific Peoples Representative on the Stronger Waitaki Steering Group, Hana is passionate about strengthening opportunities and outcomes for Pacific communities, whānau, and the wider Waitaki district through collaboration, advocacy, and community-led approaches.

Hana is also Chief Executive of the Oamaru Pacific Island Trust and has held leadership and governance roles across health, education, church, and community sectors at local and national levels. Her service to community has been widely recognised, including receiving the Queen’s Service Medal in 2023.

Mark Townsend

Business Representative

Mark Townsend is a business owner, mentor, and community advocate with more than 40 years of experience across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. As the Business Representative on the Stronger Waitaki Steering Group, he brings practical business expertise, operational leadership, systems thinking, and strong community relationships to support initiatives that strengthen opportunities and outcomes across the Waitaki district.

Through his mentoring and advisory work, Mark supports organisations and community initiatives to build capability, strengthen systems, and create sustainable change. Known locally to many as “The Food Guy”, his long career in hospitality has shaped his belief that strong communities are built through shared purpose, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to improving outcomes for people, whānau, and the wider community.

Joanne O’Neill

Council Executive Representative

BN, BA(Psy), PGDip(HSM), MMgt, MHSc 

Joanne O’Neill is the Director of Strategy, Performance and Design at Waitaki District Council. She brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across health, social services, and local government.

Joanne is a passionate and strategic leader who focuses on helping organisations navigate complexity, unlock potential, and create meaningful and lasting impact for communities. She is committed to developing future-focused strategies, building strong partnerships with mana whenua, and supporting the growth of emerging leaders.

Outside of her professional role, Joanne enjoys spending time on the coast, contributing to causes she cares about, and continuing her own leadership development.

Ceri Davies

Community Representative

Ceri Davies brings extensive governance experience and a practical, community-focused perspective. Since moving to Oamaru in 2017, he has been actively involved in local decision-making and community service.

He is a long-standing Justice of the Peace and has served as President of the North Otago JP Association. In his role as an Issuing Officer, he provides independent oversight of Police search warrant applications, ensuring decisions are appropriate and well founded.

Ceri is currently serving his second term as a community representative on the Benefits Review Committee, supporting fair and consistent decision-making. He has also contributed to the Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) committee for Coastal Otago and Waitaki, helping guide funding for local community initiatives.

His experience provides a strong understanding of governance, accountability, and the needs of the Waitaki district.

Julie Craig

Community Representative

Julie Craig has served as General Manager of the Ōamaru Free Kindergarten Association for the past 18 years and has been involved with the Stronger Waitaki network since its early establishment.

She is deeply committed to the North Otago community and values the opportunity to work alongside whānau, tamariki, and kaiako every day. Julie is passionate about ensuring families feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

Julie also serves on the New Zealand Kindergarten Board, a role she has held for the past seven years, where she contributes to national advocacy and positive outcomes for children and families. Through both her professional and community roles, she brings strong leadership, sector knowledge, and a collaborative approach to supporting wellbeing across the Waitaki district.

Ali Mcintyre

Community and Stronger Waitaki Lead

Ali McIntyre is the Community & Stronger Waitaki Lead at Waitaki District Council, providing operational leadership and coordination across community wellbeing initiatives, partnerships, and collaborative networks. She is passionate about strengthening connections across the sector, supporting collective action, and helping create positive outcomes for whānau and communities across the Waitaki district. With a background in community development and partnership facilitation, Ali brings a practical, people-focused approach to supporting stronger communities.

Dr Kayla Stewart

Housing Policy and Strategy Specialist

Dr Kayla Stewart is the Housing Policy and Strategy Specialist at Waitaki District Council, providing strategic leadership and coordination across housing initiatives, cross-sector partnerships, and policy development. Recognising the strong links between housing and wellbeing, her work supports broader community outcomes across the district.

A socio legal scholar by training, she brings a social justice lens along with experience in research, evaluation, and impact assessment, contributing to a better understanding of what works and why. Kayla is committed to using robust evidence and partner insight to inform decision-making and support locally grounded solutions for Waitaki.

Dr Rachel Fleener

Partnerships Advisor

Dr Rachel Fleener is the Partnerships Advisor at Waitaki District Council, where she supports the coordination and delivery of network initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and community-informed projects across the district. She brings experience in research, evaluation, and project management, with a strong focus on collaboration, community voice, and evidence-based approaches to strengthening outcomes for whānau and communities. Rachel is passionate about building effective partnerships and supporting collective action that creates meaningful local impact.