Our Facilitators

Sue Lindsay (Wellington)

Hello! I am excited to be working with NZNF to facilitate the delivery of the Just Cook Healthy Ageing and Just Cook Tika Tunu programmes in the Wellington Region. I have trained as a Dietitian and have a special interest in how we can nourish our communities well, especially in challenging times. I live in Wellington, having recently returned from living in Canberra where I raised my three children and spent twenty years working, teaching and studying. It feels wonderful to have returned home and to be working in an area I am passionate about.

Gillian Brock (Southland)

Hi, I am Gillian from Rural Southland! Anna twisted my arm and lured me away from work on the farm to work with amazing older people in our community! When I am not delivering these programmes, I organise Safer Driving classes for older people, and work part time for Age Concern Southland on Health Promotion! At home we own a 600 cow dairy farm in the notorious Hokonui Hills, where I also breed a small number of ponies!

Lenora Winiata (Rotorua)

Ko Lenora Winiata née Turner ahau
No Kirikiriroa ahau
E noho ana au i Rotorua

Ko Tainui te Iwi
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Taupiri te Maunga
Ko Purekireki raua ko Hiiona taku marae
Ko Allen Turner taku Papa
Ko Shirley Matenga taku Mama
Ko Wiremu taku hoa tāne
E ono a mātau tamariki

My name is Lenora Winiata, I am a wife and mother of six children, four boys and two girls. We live in Rotorua, where my husband was raised. My paternal grand mother is of Te Arawa, Ngati Pikiao. As a whānau we feel connected to our whenua and community.
I have been in the food industry for over 20 years, later on completing my level 4 Culinary Arts certificate, and running my food business from home. While I have a deep passion for food, I continue to look forward to learning from others, and sharing what I know with those who may benefit.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a project manager/facilitator for NZ Nutrition Foundation, and look forward to connecting with my community, learning together to create nutritious kai and manaakitanga.

Priscilla Collins (Auckland)

I have loved being involved with the Nutrition Foundation for over 5 years now, first as a volunteer then as a facilitator. With a nursing background, particularly in community health, I’m passionate about inspiring older folk to stay healthy and active, especially through eating well. I love cooking and entertaining and have seen how our courses help isolated people to find community connection, bringing joy and friendship. I have also facilitated healthy eating classes for young mums with mental health challenges as well as two courses for families who are new to New Zealand. Partnering with nonprofit organisations to help support families adjust to a new culture has been exciting and rewarding.

Maria Bernard (Auckland)

My name is Maria Bernard aka Maria Marvellous Mind. I was born in New Zealand of Samoan descent. My connection to the health sector began through teaching and practicing yoga for more than twenty years. I have always had a passion for physical activity and eating well, which led me to study Human Nutrition at Massey University. My aspiration is to empower people with nutritional knowledge to improve their health and wellbeing combined with mindset change. Eating well and having good health affects all areas of your life and creates opportunities to provide for your family and fulfil your dreams and potential.

Jo Tahuri (Whakatane)

Ko Mataaua tōku Waka
Ko Pūtauaki tōku Maunga
Ko Rangitaiki tōku Awa
Ko Ngāti Awa tōku Iwi
Ko Ngāi Tamawera tōku Hapū
Ko Uiraroa tōku Marae
Ko Jo Ramanui-Tahuri Ahau

My name is Jo Ramanui-Tahuri. I was born and raised in Whakatane. I work for an organisation in Whakatane called Virtual Eastern Bay Villages. Our mission is to foster well-being for seniors / pakeke in our communities, families and extended families/ whānau/hapū/iwi by promoting mutual support and reciprocal relationships. I have been in my role as Pou Arahi with Virtual Eastern Bay Villages since 2019.
We are very grateful to be able to offer the Just Cook / Oranga Kai programme to our members and surrounding rural communities.
Bringing isolated elderly people together to cook, to chat and sit together for a meal has been amazing.

Kathy Lambert (Auckland)

Hi I am Kathy, I live in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland. I have 2 grown boys and 1 granddaughter. I trained as a special needs teacher in the UK and moved to NZ in my 30’s. I have always had an interested in food and since moving here I have had a catering business, run a café and started an artisan preserve company.

I have been involved with the Nutrition Foundation for quite a few years, running a variety of courses. I have facilitated a number of course provided by NZNF, one being Just Cook Healthy Ageing, it is great to see people becoming interested in food and nutrition again, socialising and learning about newer food trends. Along with Anna I have been involved in developing courses with families receiving food parcels.  It is wonderful to see the sharing of knowledge along with shared lunches. We have partnered with Auckland City Mission, to provide healthy eating recipes to the residents, that may be limited by budget and working with food parcels. The classes are filled with joy and a shared love of food.

Carrie-Anne Bennett (Nelson Tasman)

Hello, my name is Carrie and I’m excited to be joining NZNF as a Just Cook Facilitator for the Tasman region. Originally from the UK, I have been here 13 years and love calling Nelson/Tasman home. I have always had a passion for food and I am very lucky to have studied Culinary Arts and Functional Nutrition. With the cost of living only increasing, I feel that it is even more important for people to learn how to cook delicious, nutritious food, to support both their health and their bank balance.

With a 7 year old son in tow, I enjoy growing my own food, hiking, biking and generally being out in nature. I am looking forward to supporting the local community, families and individuals with their nutritional knowledge and cooking skills.

Birte Becker-Steel (Marlborough)

Tēnā koutou katoa

I am excited to join the Nutrition Foundation team and offer cooking classes in Te Tauihu, the beautiful top of the South Island. Having been a ‘foodie’ all my life, I am passionate about wellbeing, a healthy lifestyle and eating a ‘rainbow’. I bring many years of facilitation experience and settlement support work to the table. My special interest cover food intolerances, longevity lifestyle and nutritional diversity. I look forward to connecting with our local community members and sharing tips and tricks around healthy eating on a budget to achieve healthier and more resilient communities in our region.

“What we nourish will flourish”.