MSASS Board of Trustees
Dr Kate Taylor: MBCHB, PG Dip Sports Medicine (Otago) - Chairperson
Kate has been a trustee of Midlands Sexual Assault Service from its beginnings in 2019 and recently (June 2021) became Chair. As a rostered on-call doctor for the Waikato Sexual Assault and Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATs) for over 12 years and the Lead Clinician for the service since 2015, Kate is passionate about providing optimum therapeutic and medical care for all victims of sexual assault.
In addition in 2020 Kate became deputy chair of MEDSAC, Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Aotearoa (the national organisation training and educating clinicians in forensic medical care for sexual assault victims) having been a board member and Chair of their Education and Training Committee since 2018.
Kate is also a member of the ACC Sexual Violence Customer Advisor Panel and a member of the Institute of Directors. Kate works as a GP in several High Schools in Hamilton and has a keen interest in youth health. In 2015 she completed a postgraduate diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine with distinction. Currently Kate is studying forensic medicine through Monash University Melbourne.
She is a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and has a vision to improve access to quality, timely care and support for all those affected, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or sexuality.
Ken Williamson: KStJ QSM CFInstD JP
With his partners Ken built Law Mooney Williamson Insurance Brokers into one of NZ's largest commercial insurance brokerages. He’s a Fellow of the Insurance Brokers Association of NZ.
Ken has served as a governor on a diverse range of boards, including within the tertiary & secondary education sectors; and in the health, philanthropy, special needs, broadcasting, women's refuge, science, and local body sectors. In addition, Ken has been, or still is, a director of several successful businesses including within the transport, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, finance, and engineering industries, as well as the property sector.
He served for 23 years with Te Whakaruruhau Maori Women's Refuge (now the Waikato Women’s Refuge); 27 years with the McKenzie Centre (for children under 6 with special needs); and 46 years as a governor of St John, including until recently serving on their National Governance Board ($350m annual turnover) for 9 years, and Chairing their greater North Island Regional Board. He was the founding Chair of the Momentum Waikato Community Foundation, and is now a founding trustee of the Waikato Regional Property Trust, tasked with building, and then operating, the new $80m Waikato Regional Theatre.
In recognition of his governance contribution Ken was appointed a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, one of a small number of such Fellows in New Zealand. Through his own governance experience, and involvement with the IoD, Ken is often involved in board selection panels, and he also regularly lectures on governance, principally within the not-for-profit sector.
In recognition of his service to the Community Ken has been awarded a Queens Service Medal. He has also received a Hamilton City Council Distinguished Citizens Award. And for his lifetime of service to St John, Her Majesty appointed Ken a Knight of the Order. Ken also received a RNZAF Chief of Air Staff Commendation, and for his service to Rotary, a Paul Harris Fellowship.
All governance fees Ken receives are donated to community organisations.
Scott Neilson
Scott is a Detective Senior Sergeant in the New Zealand Police. He currently holds the position of Investigations Manager for the Waikato District Child Protection and Adult Sexual Assault Teams. Scott was responsible for setting up the first Waikato Adult Sexual Assault Team..
Scott is passionate about ensuring Police take a victim focused approach when dealing with survivors of sexual violence. He has chaired a number of multi-agency SAATS meetings to create a one Waikato approach to dealing with sexual violence.
Scott is passionate about the education of young people to prevent sexual offending and has presented at multiple training days to High Schools and Universities around the Waikato.
A member of the MSASS board since its inception in 2019, Scott is driven to see MSASS offer exceptional service to our survivors.
Lauren Bruce CA MInstD
Lauren is a Chartered Accountant, a Member of the Institute of Directors, and has been the Executive Director of Heartland Investments Limited (an investment syndicate business) for over 15 years. Lauren is also the Executive Officer of the Health Consumer Service Trust, which is a Charitable Trust offering free and confidential services to consumers who are concerned about healthcare services they have received.
Lauren gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2002 with a double major in Accounting and Finance, followed by a Master of Business degree with Distinction in Finance in 2004, from the University of Otago.
Outside of work commitments, Lauren is a solo parent of three children, enjoys an active lifestyle, and has a love of musical theatre.
Lauren is honoured to be working alongside others who are passionate about helping and supporting those who have been impacted by sexual harm.
David Oldershaw MCommerce, Commercial Director
David has held senior executive and governance roles in a range of industries including health, manufacturing and services. He gained a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree from Victoria University of Wellington and Master of Commerce (hons) from the University of Auckland.
Since 2019 David has worked with a variety of businesses and not for profit organisations as an independent consultant specialising in strategic projects, financial and commercial strategy, change and commercialisation.
David lives in Cambridge with his wife and daughters.
Fiona Dalziel: LLB/BSocSc
Fiona has strong connections to the Waikato region. She was born in Te Awamutu, raised in Cambridge, attended the University of Waikato, and now lives in Gordonton with her husband and their two young children.
Fiona is a solicitor practicing predominantly in employment law with a local leading New Zealand law firm. Her community involvement includes providing legal education and advice through the Community Law Centre and several years as an ambulance and events volunteer with St John.
