Board of Directors

Chérie Harris (Co-Chairperson)

Nicki Turner (Co-Chairperson)

Blair Gilbert

Thomas Coysh

Stephanie Rigter

Phil Warin

Jessica Parkin

Kerrin Wheeler

Team

HELEN JOHNSON
GENERAL MANAGER

Helen’s role as General Manager is focused on the growth and development of blind and low vision sport opportunities throughout Aotearoa. This includes supporting national, regional and club level sport organisations to ensure their sport is accessible to participants with a vision impairment. Helen also connects with a range of organisations to support their members to engage in quality sport opportunities.

Helen has been involved in sport as an active sports person and in sport management roles for the majority of her career since graduating. Helen brings experience from her roles at the International Paralympic Committee, Paralympics New Zealand and as a sport consultant working with various National Sport Organisations. To get in touch with Helen, you can email her on helen@blindsport.kiwi

CHELSEA OTTO

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROJECT LEAD

Chelsea joins the team in March 2025.  She brings years of advocacy experience, representing diverse groups to increase public awareness and drive long-term change.  She has tackled health and wellbeing inequalities through a community-based initiative of Public Health UK, facilitated motivational workshops to reintegrate people into their communities, and worked with social enterprises to help make community assets, sport facilities, and health services accessible to all.

Listening to people's knowledge and understanding what is important to them is a key driver for her, ensuring that those she works with feel empowered, connected, and heard.

A Kiwi at heart, Chelsea has recently returned home from the UK with her family, ready to get tramping, swimming and camping. She looks forward to meeting everyone and getting stuck into the role! You can email Chelsea at community@blindsport.kiwi