Meet Life A Plenty

Our Team

"Offering you a caring and comprehensive therapeutic service."

Jeanette Jones

Facilitator

Jeanette has been practising counselling in private practice since 2016 and has been working with Grief Support Services since 2020. Her role there has included individual grief counselling, co-facilitating psycho-educational programmes and coordinating support for those bereaved by suicide. She is also committed to supporting women through the challenges that come with parenthood and finding their way to living their best lives.

Michelle Burling

Facilitator

Michelle began counselling at Grief Support Services as a student counsellor in 2012 and has been connected there since then, providing individual counselling and co-facilitating psycho-educational group work with whānau bereaved by suicide. She also provided counselling through Breast Cancer Support Service for a time before spending six years counselling in schools at Intermediate and High School levels, and circled back to counselling at Grief Support Services in 2023. Michelle is drawn to the sacred richness within group work, and delights in witnessing the empowerment of women as they step more fully into their inherent worth and begin identifying their strengths and preferences for how they choose to live their lives.

Robyn Kerr

Facilitator

Robyn has worked for many years as a Registered Nurse and as an Educator for 'Relationships Aotearoa' facilitating courses in self-esteem, communication, parenting and new migrants. She has also facilitated support groups; working alongside women in the areas of infertility, adoption, family planning, grandparents raising grandchildren and women newly diagnosed with breast and bowel cancer. Robyn has also worked in Vietnam educating and supporting care-workers of patients with Leprosy.

Barbara Hill

Facilitator

Barbara has over 35 years’ experience facilitating groups, with a particular focus on psycho-social education. She is passionate about working in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, communication, self-esteem, couple work, marriage preparation, and blended families. Barbara also works with and supports women who have experienced the associated impacts of post-abortion.

Jennifer Murray

Events Coordinator / Fund writer

Jennifer joined Life A Plenty in April 2023 as our Funding Coordinator and stepped into the role of Professional Development Coordinator in September 2025. She brings with her a rich background working alongside many of Tauranga’s local non-profit organisations in a range of roles. Jennifer has a genuine passion for the social sector and loves being part of initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. She’s inspired by the strength of community and the positive change that happens when people come together with purpose and heart.

Rachael Watson

Trust Coordinator

Rachael is passionate about health and wellbeing, as well as building genuine relationships that create a welcoming environment to help others feel heard and valued. Alongside this, she is also a qualified Health Coach and Reiki Practitioner, giving her a strong understanding of wellbeing and the importance of helping people feel supported and connected. Rachael has experience in administration and coordination roles and enjoys being part of work that makes a positive difference in the community.

Our Board

"Each member is committed to combining their unique set of skills and expertise to offer you the service that bests fits your needs."

Barbara Hill

Facilitator

Unless there is a strong organisation behind the groundwork we do at Life A Plenty, then it may fail. All parts of a body need to work collaboratively to ensure we provide good quality service and outcomes. I am still learning, but believe firmly that the leadership of an organisation provides the framework and responses that trickle down to our whai ora and fellow professionals.

Neil Murray

A long term resident of the Bay of Plenty, Neil is passionate not only about improving access to care for those most in need, but also providing the governance to make the most impact with the resources available. In 2015, he was a recipient of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Award for Outstanding Service in Prevention of Blindness. Neil is active in Governance, aware of its importance in stewarding resources to achieve purpose. He is a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. His experiences in health have led him to understand that growing healthy communities starts with enabling women.

Vicki Roberts

Previous experience with governance has taught her that a focus on vision and aligning governance processes to the goal are the best ways forward to serve our wāhine (and therefore all in their whānau) in Tauranga Moana. Vicki brings a background in pastoral work, community development, teaching, and board work, which equips her to resonate with any approach of nurture, care and equipping, and sound processes. Adding value and seeing people, organisations and systems grow and develop is success for her. & "Leading up" is the approach.

Robyn Kerr

Facilitator

I am passionate about the work of this Trust and the need for effective governance that will enable us to deliver on our mission statement. Previous governance experience with voluntary organisations, including Chair of Tauranga's Breast Cancer Support Services, and a career in both nursing and adult community education has given me a clear understanding of the importance of empowering women to make meaningful changes to their challenging lives that will positively impact both themselves and their families lives.

Alex Johnson

Alex brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and a deep care for community development to the Trust. Currently leading a major renewable energy project for an ASX listed company, she combines her governance and project management skills with a history of guiding small community non profits. Alex is passionate about sustainability, regional growth, and uplifting those around her. "It is a privilege to serve as a Trustee for Life a Plenty. I am committed to the empowerment of women to uplift our community, and I look forward to adding my experience and energy to contribute to the Trust’s continued success."

Lynda Frew

Graduating from the University of Waikato (LLB Hons) and University of Strathclyde (LLM) Law Schools, Lynda has over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. She has been based in the Bay of Plenty since 2011, working primarily as an in-house commercial lawyer and team leader, contributing to governance in various local organisations as a member of the Institute of Directors. She is an active member of her community, including supporting her three (now young adult) children in their activities and serving as a puppy raiser for two now-qualified guide dogs. Through her earlier work in family law and her own lived experience, Lynda has a strong appreciation for the role women play in supporting and enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of their tamariki, whānau and communities.

Christine McKinlay

Christine is committed to strengthening support for women and whānau in ways that uphold dignity and restore choice and control. She brings extensive public sector experience, including strategic governance oversight of a large infrastructure investment and delivery portfolio. Christine adds value through strong stewardship—helping boards stay anchored to purpose, set clear priorities, and make timely, well-tested decisions. Christine leads with a calm, people-centred style and a practical focus on outcomes. For Christine, this work matters because she wants women in our community to feel supported, heard, and able to take the next step with confidence.

Jo Matthews

Jo is driven by opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that creates positive outcomes for people in Aotearoa. She brings a strong background in the not-for-profit sector, with experience managing frontline services grounded in empathy, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our communities. Jo is passionate about supporting women to thrive, build resilience, and stand strong in their mana. Through her work with survivors of family violence, she has developed a valuable kete of knowledge and practical tools that deepen our team’s understanding of the impact our work has on those who participate in our workshops.

Whakapapa

The original ‘Life A Plenty’ concept arose out of a strong desire and commitment to offer a range of psycho-therapeutic programmes within the local community. During this formative stage of development, the concept of Women’s Retreats was being explored. These retreats would offer women who were feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, the opportunity to take a break from their stressful lives in order to replenish their mind, body and spirit, and receive support to make positive change in their lives. It was envisaged the retreats would be free, and offer a safe and secure environment for the women to experience complete rest in a quiet, reflective atmosphere.

From pilot to six retreats a year

From its inception, LAPCT trustee numbers have continued to expand, with a current board of five Trustees (including a Chairperson), and a remunerated Trust Coordinator. The Trust profile and credibility has grown significantly within the wider Bay of Plenty communities. From 2017 to 2023, the Trust supported 174 wāhine to participate in free therapeutic retreats, which are generously funded and continually endorsed by a wide range of local community agencies.

Life A Plenty Charitable Trust continues to offer many women in need within the wider BOP a safe and nurturing environment to take vital and essential time to rest, reflect and have time out in order to experience the benefits of replenishment and recuperation. Two professional facilitators offer invaluable therapeutic expertise and support during the retreats in order to create a life-changing experience for the women, their tamariki, whānau and wider community.

Our Vision

"Providing the highest quality service to people seeking freedom from emotional, psychological and spiritual distress"

Our Mission

"To walk with people finding meaning, hope and fulfilment in their lives."

Our Values

Respecting people of all religious, non-religious and spiritual perspectives.

Embracing hope and meaning.

Supporting change and the development of hope.

Providing high quality therapeutic interventions.

Embracing and creating evidence-based practice.

Creating a safe and secure therapeutic context.

Targeting change through effective planning, goal-setting and appropriate support.