Chief Executive
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Sue Wood
It has been an incredible journey leading this organisation for the past 3.5 years. My time has been driven by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change and ensuring we deliver exceptional services that truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
With over 30 years of experience in the health sector, including 10 years working in mental health, I’ve been privileged to work closely with individuals, families, and communities to support their health and well-being. Prior to joining this organisation, I managed a large retirement village in Lower Hutt, bringing together my passion for caring for people with my expertise in leadership. My time at IHC in a management role, along with voluntary work as a community counsellor, has further shaped my understanding of the importance of compassion, connection, and innovation in service delivery.
I live in the Hutt Valley and enjoy spending time in my garden, attending concerts, and making the most of our vibrant culture in the region.
As Chief Executive, I am proud of the progress we’ve made together—transforming challenges into opportunities, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture, and delivering services that set a benchmark in our sector. I look forward to continuing this journey with our dedicated team, community partners, and the people we support. Our team is extremely committed and professional, working closely with our clients while they navigate their trauma.
I know 2025 will be a year of growth for us at Wellington HELP, for both staff and those we serve.
Board Members
Sara Passmore: Board Chair
Sara has 15+ year's experience in project and programme management and 10+ years experience in Senior Management in the charity and NFP sector.
In 2018 she completed a Masters of Business Administration from Victoria University of Wellington. Her research area focused on how to support Māori to maintain their legal connection to the whenua across generations. Sara also has a Bachelor’s of Education and a Bachelor’s of English Literature.
Sara is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. a member of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and member of the Community Governance Steering Group.
Sara's current governance roles include treasurer of Humanists NZ, board member for Wellington Women’s House, the Guild of Agriculture Journalists and Communicators, and vice-president of the Rationalist and Humanist Association of New Zealand.
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Kathy Mansell: Board Member
Kathy has been a public servant for just over 40 years working in a variety of areas including housing, primary industries and vulnerable children.
Kathy is currently a Deputy Chief Executive at Land Information New Zealand where she leads the Property Rights Group who are responsible for processing all property transactions in New Zealand.
Kathy has tribal affiliation to Tuhoe. Kathy is a former client of HELP and has a strong desire as a Board Member to be a part of realising the organisation's mission.
Rachel Craig: Board Member
Rachel is a passionate change professional whose change career spans local government, central government and the private sector. An early career in learning and development and business improvement arms Rachel with a variety of skills that she is humbled and honoured to use to support HELP in our efforts to support survivors of sexual violence. She is currently a change consultant in central government, supporting organisations to transform their ways of working to better achieve the outcomes they seek.
Her family are avid volunteers with herself having been an active volunteer across a number of charities and NGOs for the past 20+years. She is a recent member of the Wellington community and is enjoying getting to explore the beauty of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Zoe Griffiths: Board Member/Treasurer
Zoe Griffiths is an experienced senior public servant with over 30 years working in the social sector. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, completed in 1986, and has held various legal and senior management positions, including Chief Legal Advisor in Child, Youth and Family, Deputy Secretary Corporate with the Ministry of Education, and the Auckland Regional Public Service Commissioner. Her career has been dedicated to the care and support of vulnerable New Zealanders. Zoe is an experienced leader and is skilled in governance and change. She retired from the Public Service in July 2024 and resides in Tamaki Makaurau with her family.
Rebecca Cotton: Board Member
Rebecca is a Detective Inspector with NZ Police. She has 20 years of experience leading the response to and investigating a wide range of crime types.
She is currently the NZ Police National Manager of Sexual Violence and Child Protection and is passionate about improving outcomes for victims of sexual violence.
Prior to joining Police Rebecca played professional basketball in Europe and Australia and for the New Zealand Tall Ferns.
She attended the University of East Central Oklahoma where she obtained a Bachelor of Advertising and Public Relations and later a Post grad diploma in Management from Massey University.
She joined the HELP board in April 2025 and feels privileged to support an organisation advocating for sexual harm survivors.