Executive Leadership Team

Blind Low Vision Chief executive, Andrea Midgen standing outdoors, smiling for the camera. Andrea has light brown hair and is wearing a blue and green dress.

Andrea Midgen

Chief Executive

Andrea Midgen joined Blind Low Vision NZ in January 2024 as Chief Executive.

Andrea began her career  in an accounts office while pursuing qualifications as a Chartered Accountant. After leading finance teams in New Zealand’s building insulation, road transport, and England’s air cargo industries, she discovered a passion for people. Returning to New Zealand, Andrea joined Ericsson Cellular as GM Operations during the early days of mobile phones.

Later, at Vodafone (1998-2008), Andrea held pivotal roles, including Financial Controller, Executive Sponsor for a $500 million system replacement project, and Technology Integration lead. Then, as CFO/Strategist at Southern Cross Group (2009-2014), she focused on group financials and strategic planning.

From 2015 to 2022, Andrea transformed SPCA Auckland, unifying 42 independent societies into ‘One SPCA.’ Her significant achievements here include improved income streams, fundraising initiatives, and expanding the Op Shop network.

Beyond work, Andrea enjoys hiking, yoga, volunteering, reading, jigsaws, and spending time with her husband, son, family and friends.

 

Chief Financial Officer and acting CE, Greg Hurn. Standing in front of a pōhutukawa tree, smiling for the camera.

Greg Hurn

Chief Financial Officer

Greg has over 13 years of experience at Blind Low Vision NZ as the Chief Financial Officer. He brings a wealth of experience in financial management, strategic planning, business development initiatives and customer service. He consistently demonstrates a capacity for swift decision-making and effective problem-solving.

Greg also oversees the property division of Blind Low Vision NZ and is a Board Member of Foundation Properties Limited. He was a key player in the development of the Mobility Training Centre, the new Parnell Office and Retirement Village project.

Greg believes in leading by example and fostering an environment of open communication and shared purpose. Greg’s aim is to ensure we are financially sound and sustainable over the long term horizon.

In his spare time Greg is an avid lawn bowls player and recently became a grandfather for the first time.

Blind Low Vision NZ's General Manager Client Services, Liz Ansell smiles at the camera

Liz Ansell

General Manager Client Services

Liz is a seasoned leader with experience across both public and private sectors including FMCG, banking, media and security. Following extensive experience in HR and managing change, she is thrilled to bring her skills into managing and growing a team of people passionate about providing first-class service in the not-for-profit sector

Blind Low Vision NZ's General Manager Business Services, Mark Dickinson smiles at the camera

Mark Dickinson

General Manager Business Services

Joining Blind Low Vision NZ in 2018, Mark has extensive New Zealand and International operational and senior leadership experience in the commercial areas of banking, management consulting and IT management as well as business management roles in the public education sector.

Mark’s focus in leading the Business Services portfolio is to enable the development and implementation of creative business solutions to support our entire organisation as we strive to achieve best in class performance, delivering superior service outcomes for our members and clients.

Gwen Green posing for her picture from a profile view.

Gwen Green

General Manager Engagement and Marketing

Gwen has over 20-years fundraising, marketing, and communications experience both in New Zealand and the UK. She has also worked with organisations across the globe to support their development of best practice fundraising strategies, notably in South Africa and across the Pacific. Gwen has a passion for developing donor focused fundraising, creating new income opportunities, and re-visioning existing fundraising strategies to maximise income generation in ways that are flexible to our ever changing world.

Marjorie Hawkings

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

Marjorie joined Blind Low Vision NZ in 2010. She has held a number of different positions during her tenure and has been in her current role since 2020. Marjorie is also the Compliments and Complaints Officer; manages the internal Travel Centre Team and is Board Secretary for Foundation Properties Limited and Bledisloe Royston Trust.

Marjorie consistently demonstrates exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the organisation. Prior to her employment at Blind Low Vision NZ, she spent many years overseas and has extensive experience as an accomplished and dedicated Executive Assistant with a proven track record of providing high-level support to executive management teams.

RNZFB Board Director, Clive Lansink smiles at the camera

Meet our Board of Directors

Meet our Board of Directors