Our friendly team are here to help get you on the right track
Tui Edwards
PGDip PH, MPH (1st Class Hons)
Service Manager
Iwi: Whakatohea, Ngai Tai, Ngati Awa
I commenced with Budget Advisory Service June 2018. I am very excited about this role, working with some very experienced and dynamic Financial Mentors. Over the past 30 years I have worked for Government, Non Government Organisations and Iwi Providers. I have worked in many different roles, managed and helped organise and implement some awesome community projects. I look forward to utilising my skills to help the team to deliver a services that is needed in our community.
Janie Waldon
Iwi: Ngai Tuhoe
Coordinator/Financial Mentor
Certificated Budget Advisor , Certificated Total Money Management and Certified to Supervise Financial Mentors
It has been over 27 years since I joined the Budget Advisory Service and watched it grow from a “Cottage Industry” to the present professional service in which major changes were implemented by the Ministry of Social Development in November 2016. During those years I have been a chairperson, budget adviser, secretary/treasurer, Rotorua/BOP District Representative & tutor for the NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services, which was wound up in July 2016. I have been very fortunate to have had talented and supportive colleagues working with me in the past and today. By sharing my knowledge with people facing financial problems I am giving them a “Hand-up” and now and then I meet these people who have succeeded in their endeavours to live within their income.
Susan Anderson
B.Soc Sc. (Hons) (Psych) – B.Ed. – Qualified Financial Mentor
Total Money Management Specialist.
I grew up in TeTeko, went to Whakatane High School, then Waikato University. I have designed & delivered Return to Work & Work Ready courses under contract to ACC; been a Literacy/Numeracy life skills tutor at Te Omeka Marae & introduced senior students to Academic English at Te Kura Kaupapa O Te Rau Aroha. I came back to Whakatane (as you do) & am thoroughly enjoying life here.
Alicia Carter
Diploma in Adult Education & Training.
Certificated Financial Mentor
20+ years of experience in Counselling and Education overseas.
Financial Mentor and Money Mates Program Coordinator.
I have been working at BAS since 2016, initially as a Budget Advisor and now as a Financial Mentor. I am a firm believer in Education to create better opportunities for all. As such, I find that the Money Mates program is an excellent option for our clients to learn and grow in their financial knowledge. In a small group format, clients feel comfortable to share and learn from each other.
Michael Mock
Qualified Financial Mentor
I have been working for BAS since 2012, first as a volunteer and then in 2016 paid Financial Mentor (part-time) with 2 days a week as a volunteer still. My wife June and I enjoy our shell hobby, you will see us at the Ohope Craft Market selling our tropical shells. I am a committed member of the Presbyterian Church and do voluntary work and the paid cleaner for their Day Care Centre. I am a past member of the Whakatane Brass Band, member for 30 years. Joined my first Brass Band in Mount Eden when I was 11 years old, playing the E flat bass.
Ann Dennis
Qualified Financial Mentor
I live in Matata and have been a volunteer Financial Mentor since May 2015. I am an accountant and work 3 days a week for William Buck (Tauranga) as an auditor. I love to see people learning to be in control of their money rather than it controlling their lives.
Mary Hermanson
PGDMS(Waikato) NCB
Qualified Financial Mentor
I have been working as a financial mentor since 2017 and am enjoying being part of the friendly team at the Whakatane Budget Advisory Service. I find community development work really rewarding having previously spent three and a half years with the Kawerau Healthy Homes project. I have also been involved for a number of years with business mentoring, Enterprise Training and the BIZ service. The information provided to clients by the budget service is excellent and so useful to people wanting to improve their circumstances.
Pieter de Feijter
Qualified Financial Mentor
I have worked in the medical profession for 20 years as a qualified medical practitioner, I have been working as a Financial Mentor since 2010 as a volunteer, 1 morning a week. I moved from Holland to New Zealand in 2004. I have a lot of general knowledge and wanted to contribute to the community, so took the opportunity to become a qualified budget advisor and I am more than happy to give my time to help people who could use some support.
Catherine Brown – Receptionist/Administrator
I have worked over 29 years in reception and administration and have been with the Budget Advisory Service since 2007. I enjoy working with my colleagues together with welcoming clients into the office.