Our National Board
Gerard Stevens – National President
Fr Alan Roberts – National Spiritual Advisor
Anthony Heffernan – National Treasurer
Mike Daly – Membership
Paola Minehan – National Youth Director
Gerard (Gerry) Stevens
Gerry became involved with the Society in 2013 when he joined the Petone Conference and also became the Spiritual Advisor for the Hutt Wairarapa Area Council.
Prior to that he was working in the Information and Data Storage industry managing his own company. He was also the foundation Chair at his children's school on the introduction of “Tomorrow's Schools”.
Moving to Otaki “to retire” from business he maintained his connection with the Petone Conference and the Hutt Wairarapa Area Council. He was elected Area President for Kapi Mana (Tawa to Levin) in 2018.
He is married to Stephanie and has five daughters and ten grandchildren.
Fr Alan Roberts
Alan Roberts is a priest of the Archdiocese of Wellington and has served in parishes throughout that diocese since 1973.
He spent 3 years as Chaplain to Victoria University and worked for 5 years as Spiritual Director to the National Seminary in Auckland.
Alan trained in Ignatian Spirituality soon after ordination and has maintained his interest in this to the present day, conducting retreats throughout the country.
He is the author of Make the People Sit Down - an encouragement to deeper prayer, and I Know You Are Near - a journey to faith.
He is currently parish priest of Pukekaraka, St Mary's Parish, in Otaki and nearing retirement.
Mike Daly
I have served as a Vincentian for 14 years and as Christchurch Area Council President for 5 years.
I am a St Bede’s College Old Boy and Lincoln University graduate. After spending 24 years working in agricultural research for the Crown, I left to form my own Company 20 years ago. I work with my son and a number of part time employees. Our company makes soil enhancing products for the farming sector.
I have 5 adult children and 11 grandchildren. I am married to Marianne and live in Christchurch.
I believe that everyone has gifts and we need to value each individual; by recognizing one another’s gifts, and accepting each other’s weaknesses, we can then work effectively together to achieve our mission.
Paola Minehan
Previously the youth coordinator for Hawke’s Bay. I have held this voluntary role on the National Board since 2018.
I am responsible for managing the digital communications, social media platforms, and content creation for the organisation, as well as providing national oversight of the youth coordinators' professional practice, organising professional development, and facilitating AGMs.
I have also actively participated in international meetings for youth and young adults' leaders, representing the organisation and sharing best practices.
Alongside this I am on the Board of the Auckland Vinnies Trust and part of the International Membership working party.
I am passionate about making a positive impact on communities through social initiatives and youth development programmes, and I have a strong background in psychology, crisis intervention, and mental health.
I am married to James and we have 5 children. We both enjoy spending any spare time on our local Awa and belong to Heretaunga Ararua O Ngati Kahunguna Waka Ama Roopu.
Get in touch
Society of St Vincent de Paul in New Zealand
Level 1, 35 Victoria Street, Wellington 6011
Postal: P.O. Box 10-815, Freepost 992, Wellington Central 6140
Phone: +64 4 499 5070 / Email: national@svdp.org.nz
Charities Commission Registration Number: CC34707
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in New Zealand is a member of the International Confederation of Saint Vincent de Paul Societies.
Our Shops
If you are seeking help for yourself or a friend in need please go to Our Shops and contact a shop in your area. They will direct you to the nearest St Vincent de Paul Centre.
Proud member of the Council for International Development, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
