Meet the people behind Workplace Wellbeing Professionals Aotearoa.
Our team
Terry Buckingham
Terry holds a master’s degree in workplace health promotion and has held positions in both generalist Health and Safety roles and Wellbeing leadership roles. As a strong advocate for improving wellbeing in workplaces Terry brings to us his experience from senior roles in Consulting, Manufacturing, Tertiary Education and the Finance sector. Terry heads up ASB Banks Wellbeing across its 6000 people in New Zealand.
Vanessa Cooper
Vanessa Cooper is a leading voice for healthier workplaces in Aotearoa, with nearly 20 years' experience across work-related health, mental health, and wellbeing. She is currently the principal advisor on psychosocial risk management at the health and safety regulator. Vanessa holds a Master’s in Health Sciences from Auckland University and brings expertise in mental health intervention, public policy, and systems thinking.
Sarah Ratima-Nolan
Sarah is an award-winning international leader in Workplace Wellbeing, experienced in developing solutions to manage psychosocial risk and drive wellbeing of workforces for long-term change. Sarah is passionate about developing and supporting the Workplace Wellbeing professional community to thrive. She is particularly interested in supporting professional development, building ethical practices and driving business understanding of our profession.
Chris Hewitt
Chris is currently a Senior Customer Success Manager at TELUS Health. He has worked in the health, safety and wellbeing sector for 10 years, including previously working for Thomson Reuters and Revolutionaries of Wellbeing. He also organises an Auckland-based networking group for workplace wellbeing professionals. A passionate advocate for workplace wellbeing, he believes that getting wellbeing right doesn’t just benefit individuals, but businesses and the broader community as well.
Nadene Winchester
Nadene Winchester is an experienced People & Capability and HR professional, with a strong focus on workplace wellbeing and employee belonging. Throughout her career, Nadene has contributed to a range of operational HR and wellbeing functions, developing a deep understanding of the importance of a positive work culture in driving the best employee experience. Passionate about making a difference, Nadene is committed to prioritising wellbeing, belonging, and personal growth, both inside and outside the workplace, with the goal of fostering environments that empower people to reach their full potential.
Dannielle Hemelryk
Dannielle works at a systems level to drive sustainable change in health, safety and wellbeing across Aotearoa. Her background spans strategic design, communications, and sector engagement, with projects helping secure over $25 million in funding to tackle workplace harm. She currently leads the rollout of HeyPenny’s leader-led wellbeing platform and is studying organisational psychology to deepen her impact.
Sheree Knight
Sheree is a senior HR leader with 15 years’ experience across retail, FMCG, and insurance, including Head of HR and Health, Safety & Wellbeing roles. She’s known for integrating wellbeing into everyday HR practice and creating psychologically safe, high-performing teams. Her work has earned national recognition, including finalist nominations across HR, wellbeing, and marketing awards.