Our National Board
I joined Girls’ Brigade when I was five and can remember many happy times, especially on camps. Unfortunately, the company I attended closed down and joining another didn’t work out, so I didn’t get to experience all the awesome opportunities that GB offers teenagers.
I picked up my GB journey many years later when our oldest daughter turned 5, and then started as a helper a couple of years after that. At the time I was adamant that I was “only a short-term parent helper” but as you can see from my current role, God had slightly different plans!! The last 20 years of involvement with GB has been filled with friendship, personal development and inspiration – and I am passionate to see GB thrive in NZ and continue to shape the lives of girls and leaders alike.
Outside of GB, I run a small marine business alongside my wonderful husband. To re-charge my batteries, I love to be out in nature, enjoying the beauty that God has created. Tramping, swimming, running and sailing are favourite pastimes but I also enjoy a good puzzle, craft or book.
I am excited to be part of our national Girls’ Brigade team as we work on growing our profile and numbers in NZ.
National Commissioner
Sue Cammell
Girls’ Brigade is such a main major part of my life! I have had the privilege of being part of a number of Companies (5 officially) and Areas (3) in a variety of roles and positions. I have also held positions on a National Sub Committee. Currently, I am Captain of Chartwell Girls’ Brigade (7th Hamilton) and Area Training Coordinator for Waikato Area.
I am excited to be a member of the GBNZ Board and continue my service to GB in this role.
Outside of GB I homeschool our 2 children, try to keep up with housework, am a member of the Toy Library committee and local Hall committee, as well as my involvement in local theatre and loving my extended family.
I love Christmas - so much so that we celebrate it twice a year! There is nothing better than a good book, a good jigsaw, good food and winning a card game. I also love getting creative and doing crafts and sewing - but the time for that is very limited at the moment.
I am eager to be part of the Board and help develop it for the benefit of future generations of girls so as to continue in the aim of Girls’ Brigade in seeking, serving and following Christ.
Board Chair
Alison Taylor
Girls' Brigade has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember - this is my 19th year being involved, and I've been at 6th Auckland since beginning! Girls' Brigade has played such a vital role in my life, teaching me leadership skills, building my faith, giving me lifelong friendships, and it has given me so many unique and amazing experiences.
I have a passion for seeing youth develop their potential and grow into who God is shaping them to be. As National Youth Rep, I am hoping to create more opportunities for girls to do this, and to connect with each other on their journeys. With Nicola, I'm excited to continue building on the work of previous years to continue growing our youth and their connections together.
When I am not doing GB, I work as a primary school teacher in a year 5-6 classroom, where I love teaching tamariki to learn. I also love reading and boardgames, so whenever I have a moment of down time, my nose is in a book or I'm coercing friends or family into playing games.
Youth Rep
Melissa Connolly
I first started Girls’ Brigade at 7th Hamilton at 6 years old (almost 18 years ago!). Since then I have come through as girl, completed my Awesome Leadership awards, Brigader Brooch and Queens Award along the way, before being commissioned as a Leader in 2020! I have also become more involved in Waikato Area, stepping into the role of the Area Treasurer.
I have a passion for encouraging and empowering our young girls to feel like they can chase their passions and use them to help create a difference in both Girls’ Brigade and the world around them. Outside of Girls Brigade, I work fulltime as the accountant for the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, and I love being able to use some of the skills I have from my “day job” to make an impact at both an area and national level and that’s what I want to encourage of our people. We have such an amazing range of people in our movement, so let’s make use of that!!
I am really excited to be in this role with Melissa and spend time connecting with our girls through events and zoom nights, and hopefully helping to inspire them to get involved how and when they can!
Youth Rep
Nicola Hollis
Girls’ Brigade has been a vital part of my life since 2018, and I have been the Juniors’ leader
at 2 nd Whangārei for 3 years. When I fell in love with GB I certainly fell hard! I am the
Northland Area Representative and am also a co-trainer and assessor for Duke of
Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards.
When I’m not investing in Girls’ Brigade in some way, shape or form, my time is divided
between working as a Veterinary Nurse, hiking, learning the cello, doing crafts, or spending
time with my husband, 3 children and 2 cats.
I am also a member of my children’s school Parent Support Committee, and am on the
Board of Trustees for Sistema Whangārei - Toi Akorangi.
I have seen many girls take part in life changing opportunities and have been witness to so many girls flourishing in their spiritual journey during my time. I know without a doubt that
Girls’ Brigade is an invaluable organisation which I would love to be available to any and
every girl.
I consider myself purely privileged to be a part of GBNZ and enjoy helping to make a
difference by serving on the National Board. I hope to bring my skills, talents, and
experience to do all that I can to bring God glory and to provide our nation's girls with what I
consider to be a fundamental, foundation for life.
Board Member
Angela Almedia
Having been in Girls’ Brigade since the age of 6 I have learnt so much and been greatly enriched by leaders – old and new – and girls.
I have held all company positions and many of the Area positions and am currently Area Chaplain.
Although my paid employment is with Westpac NZ Limited, I hold voluntary positions in the Methodist Church of NZ – on the National Strategy committee, as Co-Synod Superintendent for Otago Southland, and as an accredited Lay Preacher.
I am also a Guide with Achilles NZ International – an organization that enables athletes with disabilities to participate in able-bodied events. While I was really proud of running my first marathon in 2016, I was just as proud when I guided Michael – an athlete who is blind – in his first 10km walking event in 2019.
I am a licensed Marriage Celebrant and a trained Funeral Celebrant.
I have a passion for helping others. I love ministering to people, getting alongside them, listening and praying with them.
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
National Chaplain
Rachael Masterton
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Board Member
Kerry Upson
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Board Member