Our Team

The Wilson Home Trust Team

Gale Wieland

Trust Manager

I was born in the UK, spent my high school years in South Africa and spent some time in the Caribbean before moving to New Zealand with my family in 1998.

My career has taken two paths, retail and commercial property development and management, and health care management.

My role as Trust Manager of the Wilson Home Trust is to guide the team to support the wonderful families that we work with, and to connect with other agencies and organisations, to explore opportunities to grow and enhance our services. We come to work every day in the beautiful gardens of the Wilson Home Trust in Takapuna to make the lives of children and young adults living with a physical disability easier, and we go home proud to know that we achieve this in so many ways.

In my other life, I have a gorgeous Huntaway Beardie X, a husband, daughter and grand-daughter, so life is full of love and fun.

Chris Jones

Grants and Accounts Lead

I arrived in New Zealand at the end of 1989 from the UK and since then have enjoyed a range positions within the Not for Profit, Mental Health and Disability sector.

I am very excited to be working for the Wilson Home Trust and being able to offer children and young people with disabilities and their families the range of support that is available here at the Wilson Home Trust.

The highlight of working at the Trust for me is seeing and hearing about the difference that we make to our families and I love getting to know the children, young people and families.

I love New Zealand and all that it has to offer, walks, beaches and the amazing scenery. When I’m not working I enjoy being with my family, walking the dog, swimming and playing the bagpipes

Lucinda Searchfield

Family Services and Programmes Lead

I grew up on the North Shore and enjoyed the beautiful beaches and lifestyle throughout my youth. In my spare time I still love the beach and enjoy travelling around Aotearoa and overseas, seeing friends, and spending time with my family.

I’ve also spent time in the UK where I completed a degree in psychology and started working in the disability sector. Since returning to NZ, I’ve worked in various roles including NASC, ACC, and have recently come from five years with the Halberg Foundation.

My background has given me the opportunity to gain an extensive understanding of the disability sector in New Zealand and I’m passionate about equity, inclusion and ensuring whānau can access the supports and opportunities they need to make the best life for their young ones.

I’m delighted to be working at the Wilson Home Trust as Family Services & Programmes Lead where I can use my experience to support family/whānau to access our services and grants and make connections with community and other disability support organisations.

Steve Clegg

Site Manager

I have worked at the Wilson Home Trust for 20 years and am responsible for looking after the buildings and grounds and keeping the site looking amazing.

I enjoy working at such a beautiful place as the site is set in bush with sea views and I love the opportunity to work alongside the amazing teams that work with the disabled children and young people here on site.

I bring a breadth of experience to this role having worked on a range of building and property management projects.

In my spare time I love to go fishing and spend time with my family and especially my gorgeous grandchildren.