Our Board and Patron

Our Board meets monthly to develop strategies and oversee operational matters.

Simon Gutschlag

President

Herman van Gessel

Treasurer

I have a background in management accounting and experience working in not-for-profit organizations both in New Zealand and overseas.

Jackie Clemmer

Board Member

I have been an audiologist for nearly 20 years, and have experience on various professional boards, clinician training, philanthropic audiology and management in the public health service. After sensing an increasing need for high-quality and ethical private options, I opened my own successful practice in 2019. This small business has grown sustainably, and now employs two more fantastic people. Committed to both improving hearing and preventing hearing loss, I joined the board in 2023.

Ann Wheatley

Board Member

I've used hearing hearing aids for more than 30 years. The remarkable technological advances of the past 20 years enabled me to continue my professional practice despite a severe level of loss. I joined the board in 2024 to help strengthen governance, contribute technical skills, and to bring my perspectives on living with hearing loss to our communications and advocacy.

Wendy Brydon

Board Member

I am Deaf using two hearing aids and sign language and help in the Nelson Deaf Community on the Committee. I love helping people and baking cakes and biscuits. I'm divorced, with one adult child and two grand children.

Phillip Woollaston

Patron

I'm a former mayor of Nelson, MP and cabinet minister, and ave over 20 years of experience as a local vineyard and winery proprietor. I'm married to former Hearing Nelson board member Chan, have moderate hearing loss and wear hearing aids.