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.

Frederick Acheampong

Dr. Fredrick Acheampong is an Advisor in the Commissioning and Service Improvement Team at the Ministry of Justice, bringing extensive experience across government, community engagement, and policy development. He has previously served in senior advisory and policy roles at the Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, and the Department of Internal Affairs, where he led significant projects focused on disability health data, employment action plans for refugees, migrants, and ethnic communities, and nationwide research on the experiences of ethnic communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fredrick holds a PhD in Religious Studies from Victoria University of Wellington. His research examined Pentecostalism and politics in Africa. He also holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Philosophy in Religious Studies from the University of Ghana, alongside a Master of Arts in Field Studies in Religious Studies from the University of Gävle in Sweden where he researched church–state relations in Northern Europe.

He is an active contributor to community and governance spaces, currently serving on several boards and councils including the Wellington Living Wage Steering Group, the National Council of the Ghanaian Community of New Zealand, and the Te Mako Community Hall Governance Group. Fredrick also serves as the Youth Development Coordinator and Chair for Change Conference at Christ Salvation Ministries International in Lower Hutt.

With a deep commitment to equity, community wellbeing, and inclusive service design, Fredrick brings valuable insight into the diverse experiences of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. He is passionate about supporting organisations that strengthen families and believes strongly in the impact that Parent Help has in promoting whānau wellbeing.

Jonathan Fletcher

Jonathan Fletcher brings wide-ranging experience in fundraising, partnerships and governance to his work with Parent Help. He currently leads Fundraising Partnerships at World Vision New Zealand, drawing on a career that spans more than 20 years in community development, organisational strategy and relationship leadership. Jonathan has served in multiple governance roles across education, social enterprise and community organisations, contributing to strong stewardship, sustainable growth and positive outcomes for children and families.

Jonathan’s commitment to supporting parents and strengthening whānau is shaped by his own family life with his wife Kylie (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahine, Te Whānui-ā-Apanui) and their three university-age children. Jonathan is passionate about ensuring all families can access the support they need to thrive.