EXECUTIVES and BOARD

OUR CO-CEO – ANDREW

Meet our compassionate co-CEO. For the last 15 years he has spent most of his career working within the disability community.

Who are you?
I am a family man who enjoys spending time with my children and wife. I was born and raised in South Auckland Otara, and I am a proud Samoan. I was raised in a family that have strong values and included a strong religious background implemented by my parents. Staying connected to my roots and having a humble upbringing has made my life more meaningful. In the last 15 years I have spent most of my career working within the disability community and I have a deep respect for those involved. I’ve always wanted to make a difference and especially with those who have had their lives impacted by a lifelong injury. I hope to make changes that will future benefit those in the disability healthcare industry and to leave it better than how I found it. I would like for the people I know and those I have yet to meet to achieve a better version of themselves and I hope we make this journey a lifelong friendship. 

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Island food and my mum’s homemade pineapple pie. 

OUR CO-CEO – LEE

Meet our extraordinary co-CEO, a compassionate and dedicated Maori leader who is devoted to caring for individuals with spinal injuries. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those affected, our CEO brings a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and expertise to ensure the well-being and empowerment of each person under our care.

Who are you?
I am a proud South Auckland boy with my bloodlines leading back up Waikato and Waipa awa. I had my accident at the age of 13 and it shaped my world in a massive way. Thankfully my family and friends held space for me to be able to grow and learn more. I have had and have many struggles to contend with in day to day life and as frustrating as it is I try to find some lesson from it in some way in the hopes that the lesson could give insight to help one of my peers in the future.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
A roast lamb with mint sauce and loads of roasted veges would be my go!

OUR DIRECTOR – SIMON

Meet Simon, one of our Directors at Care Upfront. With a great sense of humor and down to earth attitude, he embodies what we are all about here at Care Upfront.

Who are you?
I’m someone who needs to be around people as people give me energy and my family and friends give me a real purpose.

My background is Chinese, born in Vietnam, raised in Taupo, and then moved to Auckland in my teenage years. Coming to NZ as a refugee with absolutely nothing, I have experienced firsthand how a community can come together and make a positive difference to people’s lives.

In my professional life, I have held several Executive and Board roles, including as the Group CFO of the largest home and community service provider in New Zealand. I am passionate about being part of Care Upfront, we are driven to make a meaningful difference to our community, the disability sector, and, in time, the wider health sector.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
Easy. If bought – KFC. If homemade – my mum’s Vietnamese Stewed Pork Belly or Beef Pho. I bet that mum could figure out the Colonel’s recipe and make it even better!

OUR DIRECTOR – MARLON

Meet Marlon, one of our charismatic leaders focused on building culture and delivering results.

Who are you?
I’m of Pākehā, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua descent.

I am very fortunate to be involved with Care Upfront Limited. While continuing a successful business career, my ‘why’ for being involved in Care Upfront is a little deep and philosophical.

We are defined as a society or community by how we thrive within it. There are no disparities, or weak links and the strengths shine through. Those that do well, share their knowledge and resources. Those less fortunate are helped in times of need: whether it is ensuring safe, reliable water or safe, reliable care. We do it to protect the basic needs of everyone in that community. The trick is doing it as efficiently and effectively as we can whilst maximising the benefits to that community.  We are a niche provider of home-based care. The CE is a friend that has a vision and we have utilised the best resources we have available to achieve that vision. Knowledge and expertise will help Care Upfront get there but passion will help the community thrive. My passion is knowing that we can achieve that. I bring 30 years of commercial experience to Care Upfront in senior private and public sector roles. My business understanding will not only ensure Care Upfront is successful, but maximise benefits to clients. A key part of this for me is supporting the CE, and his team, as we help our community to thrive and continuously improve as we enable individuals and connect communities.

I look forward to enjoying the journey!

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
My last meal would be something savoury like a Cottage Pie with maybe some poached eggs.