Michael Edmunds
Chairman
Having arrived in New Zealand with my wife Kerry and two boys, in March 2004, from the UK, I began working with Bob Smedley in 2008.
Almost from the start of my acquintance with Bob, his passion and drive to help others was apparent and, I must say, very contagious.
The ethics and style of operation of Mphatikizo instantly appealed to me and I felt honoured to be asked to be a part of a fledging charity which, I feel, can only move from strength to strength, due to the integrity of all the members involved with it.
It is inspiring to see the projects like the orphanage taking shape and growing in a short amount of time, and amazing to see so many of the local people wanting to get involved to develop their communities, supporting and improving the lives of everyone and in a way which is sustainable for their long term future.
Jarrah and Jen Cooke
Trustees
We have chosen to be part of Mphatikizo with the knowledge that we as people from the developed world are able to offer support to people in less fortunate circumstances. We realise that being part a project like this not only allows us to help people in their life journey but also provides us with an equal opportunity to be helped and our eyes opened to different ways of living and viewing the world.
After travelling for three years through South East Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Europe, Cuba and Central America we were struck by how difficult some people’s daily lives are and how fortunate we are to be born into a developed nation. With this knowledge we could not ignore the opportunity to do what we can to make a difference for people who struggle to survive.
Presently we are both working as Occupational Therapists in Nelson, Jarrah advocating for the health needs of migrants and former refugees, and Jen working in the field of paediatrics at a special needs school. In our free time we can be found outside on adventures or creating things with the sewing machine and recycled wood. We are both honoured and pleased to be part of this organisation and look forward to the challenges and progress to come.
Trustees
Kerry Edmunds
Web Administrator
I joined the other trustees of Mphatikizo charity because I was so inspired by Bob and Regina’s heartfelt commitment to this long term project. Their passion and dedication is obvious to anyone who meets them. As a mum of 2 boys, all of us privileged enough to be raised in countries where the provision of the basics for life, clean water, shelter, plentiful food and medical aid are very much taken for granted, we all want to be involved in Mphatikizo’s cooperative venture.
This project is led by two people with a fresh approach and powerful vision for how to bring about lasting and sustainable change to the nation of Malawi and they also bring much needed love, support, ideas, and energy to vulnerable people who just need a helping hand to create new lives for themselves. I hope if you’re reading this you’ll be inspired by our website and project, and help in whatever way you can, big or small, so that we can all ‘join together’ to create a world fit for us all to live in.
(I’m a dual British/Australian citizen, living in Christchurch, NZ, mum of sons, 17yrs and 11yrs, the youngest being homeschooled - we hope to travel to Malawi in 2014 to meet everyone in Regina’s village, help out where we can and see the fantastic progress of Bob and Regina’s initiative.)
Clinton Paintin
Treasurer
I chose to be a part of this organisation after previously donating on a long term regular basis to other recognised charities but becoming disillusioned with where my donations were going. All trustees and volunteers involved with this organisation get zero financial reward but copius amounts of emotional reward relating to what we're achieving as a group for the less fortunate in Malawi.
I'm originally a central North Island boy but after spending many years living in various countries overseas decided to settle down with a Perth girl that I'd met on my travels, put down some roots in Christchurch and get a family underway which we have done.
I am currently working as an Aircraft Engineer and my interests outside of my working life include snowboarding, surfing and hiking among other things.