TEAM WELLINGTON

GENERAL MANAGER – GAVIN ROLTON

Meet Gavin, our General Manager for both the Wellington and Palmerston North Care Upfront teams.

Who are you?
The stunning Kapiti Coast is where I call home—a place that offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty and outdoor adventure. With easy access to beaches and rivers, I embrace an active lifestyle, enjoying the outdoors with my family and my ever-loyal border terrier, PJ who loves long walks.

I enjoy surf casting off the beach and hand cycling keeps me moving and connected to my surroundings, while time spent with friends and family is something I truly cherish.

Wheelchair rugby has been a significant part of my life. It has taken me across the country, at both regional and national levels. These days, I’m embracing a new challenge in a coaching role.

Professionally, I am stepping into an exciting role with Care Upfront, where I am eager to contribute to the growth of a business built on strong values and a deep commitment to empowering individuals. For the past few years, Care Upfront has been making a difference in Auckland by providing people with life-changing disabilities the autonomy and flexibility to lead independent lives. I look forward to expanding this mission, building lasting connections, and advocating for a future where people have the freedom to shape their own journeys.

The driving force behind my every day is that I love to contribute to the community and family in any way possible. I am a people person, empathetic, and get great satisfaction in being a team player to achieve positive outcomes, most times I would go an extra mile. As much as I love keeping myself busy, I value family- work balance and a healthy lifestyle.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
A spicy prawn seafood starter
A classic lamb roast with all the trimmings (extra gravy, of course!)
A rich and zesty lemon cheesecake to finish.

BRANCH MANAGER – JESS MEYER

Meet Jess, our Branch Manager for both the Wellington and Palmerston North Care Upfront teams.

Who are you?
I was born and raised in sunny South Africa with the beautiful Cape Town being home. I am a qualified Chef by trade and food is one of my greatest passions.
I spent 10 years in the U.K where both my amazing kids were born. We have had the privilege of calling Aotearoa our home for the past 7 years.
Cooking for family and friends, being on the beach and spending time with my family is what I love to do.

I have over 10 years’ experience in recruitment within various industries including 4 years within the disability community.

I look forward to what I can offer my Care Upfront family and building lasting relationships within the community.

If you had your last meal, what would it be?
It’s difficult to just choose one meal, but my Gran’s famous crumbed pork chops with creamy mash, gravy, and veg will be option one.

Option two will be a traditional homemade spaghetti Bolognese with homemade cheesy garlic bread.

Option 3 will be a medium rare steak, with mushroom sauce, chunky chips, and salad.

Last drink:
Carl’s junior salted caramel thick shake (large) or an ice-cold ginger beer.

Last dessert:
Lemon meringue pie (must be lemony and a large slice).

CLINICAL COORDINATOR – KATE GREENSLADE

Meet Kate, our Clinical Coordinator and Registered Nurse for Lower North Island (Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu/Wairarapa/Wellington) Care Upfront teams. 

Who are you?

I was born in Auckland and raised for the first 8 years of my life on the North Shore (Birkenhead) in Auckland.  On my 8th birthday, my parents and I moved to the Hutt Valley in Wellington, where I lived until I was 34. I am a qualified Registered Nurse and client-centred care one of my greatest passions.  I have 3 children (currently 30, 25, and 15).

I have my own lived experience with disability and am passionate about client autonomy and making sure that clients have what they need to live their life in their own way.
I love to cook (but nowhere near like Jess does) for my family and friends (cooking for one is a chore), and I love to sew (I often sew clothes for myself as well as friends and family).  I am generally always happy and like to insert a wee bit of crazy in every day.  I love rainbows (this was my 50th birthday theme, and I had rainbow coloured hair), and I have tattoos. 

I obtained my nursing degree in 2022, after a lifetime experience of lived disability and caring for others, and my role as Clinical Coordinator is my dream role. 

If you had your last meal, what would it be?

Oh gosh, I love so many foods that this is hard to choose.  I am not the biggest fan of rice or pasta.  I love crispy-skin pan-fried salmon, roast lamb (with super crunchy roast potatoes), medium rare steak, and green/garden salads.  Potato is my favourite vegetable.  I also love antipasto/charcuterie boards… 

Last drink:
Ice cold pink gin with sugar-free lemonade, or a Dolly Parton cocktail (Lonestar). Or a good coffee with cream.  

Last dessert:
Cheesecake (baked or unbaked) or cheese platter.