Who we are



Parent Help is a Wellington based charity (CC10475) that has been offering services to families since 1989.
We provide help with all parenting issues from the smallest to the most serious issue of child abuse.
At the heart of Parent Help are the people who work, volunteer and support the organisation.

Our staff

The day-to-day management of Parent Help is undertaken by an amazing team dedicated to the well-being of children and families:

Sascha – Chief Executive
Sara – Coordinator
Gabrielle – Counsellor
Tabitha – Counsellor
Natasha – Counsellor
Ali – Finance Officer
Olivia – Volunteer Coordinator

Our board

Phillipa Townsend (Chair)

Phillipa has been on the board of Parent Help since December 2022. She lives in Wellington, with her family – her husband, young child and two cats.

She brings with her 20 years of experience in publishing and communications, both in government and not-for-profit environments, as well as experience in strategic communications and reporting.

In her current work, Phillipa is Communications and Engagement Manager for Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA). DPA is a pan-impairment disability organisation that advocates for the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of society through systemic change.

In joining the Board, Phillipa is committed to growing Parent Help’s services so that families throughout Aotearoa can get quality advice and support when it is most needed.



Marty Waring (Treasurer & Secretary)

Born in Christchurch Marty grew up in Wellington where he met his beautiful wife Vivienne. He has four married children and seven amazing grandchildren.

Coming from a commercial banking background Marty started his first company in 1992 and has successfully launched and directed an additional four businesses since then that still operate today.

As much as he enjoys the business world his passion in life has always been changing lives and leaving a legacy of positive change. Marty has helped his brother Steve run Kiwifirst NZ Ltd, a business that works alongside NZ charities raising funds and support, for the past 20 years. He was also instrumental back in 2012 in re-establishing the nationwide Parent Helpline service that Parent Help provides.

He brings his passion, skills and talents to the board and believes that Parent Help has a vital role to play in helping parents navigate today’s challenges.




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