Our committee

The DSRHB Committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who bring a diverse range of skills, experiences and perspectives to the organisation. United by a shared commitment to inclusion, the committee provides governance, strategic direction and support to help DSRHB create meaningful sport, play and recreation opportunities for disabled people and their whānau across Hawke's Bay.

Marcia Leslie

Chair

Marcia is a qualified physiotherapist working in the vocational and injury prevention sector. She first became involved with DSRHB to support her daughter, who has Cerebral Palsy, to participate in sport. Having seen the positive impact these opportunities have on disabled people and their whānau, she is passionate about helping ensure they remain accessible and sustainable for future generations. Claim to fame: Marcia was featured on a Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal box as a 16-year-old surf lifesaver.

Laura Jeffares

Secretary

Laura works as a Mortgage Manager with ANZ and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Level 5 Certificate in Financial Services. She joined DSRHB after seeing the positive difference the organisation has made in the life of her daughter and other disabled people in the community. Laura is passionate about creating opportunities that enable people to thrive and enjoy the same experiences as others. In her spare time, she enjoys musical theatre and has performed in a number of local productions.

Fi Nelson

Committee Member

Fi has called Hawke's Bay home for the past 16 years and has worked in vocational education for more than 20 years. Her background includes supporting apprentices, local businesses and, more recently, working in quality assurance. She joined DSRHB to help create opportunities for disabled people and their whānau, drawing on her previous volunteer experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Outside of work, Fi enjoys performing with the Hawke's Bay Soul Choir and tackling home renovation projects.

Sarah Powell

Committee Member

Sarah was born with Larsen Syndrome. A former Paralympian, she represented New Zealand at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games in swimming and held the S9 400m freestyle New Zealand record for almost 18 years. Sarah has a computing degree from EIT and now works as a medical receptionist in a local radiology department. She has served on a number of community committees over the years. She is truly passionate about the opportunities sport creates for disabled people.

Nathan Campbell

Committee Member

Nathan is a Policy Analyst working in local government, with a focus on planning and strategy. He joined DSRHB because he has seen the isolation and barriers that disabled people can experience and wanted to contribute to making sport and recreation more accessible. Nathan also volunteers with IHC and is a member of the Hastings Disability Advisory Group. Outside of work, he enjoys improvisation and has taught community improv classes for the past three years.