CHARLOTTE SAUNDERS

National Commissioner (elected in 2017)

Tena koutou katoa, greetings to you all. I have been a member of Girls’ Brigade since 1990. Since this time I have achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Queen’s Award. I have held various positions including Area Commissioner and Programmes Team Convenor, and have been involved in GB in Hawkes Bay, West Auckland, and presently in the Waiariki / Bay of Plenty area.

Professionally, I am a registered Architect for Babbage Consultants, based in Taupo. Outside of work and GBNZ, my interests are running, weight lifting, road trips, classic minis and drag racing.

I came to faith in Christ at age 16, during an international GB trip in Singapore. I have a hope that more girls will come to experience God through real relationships with our leaders, that they will feel valued, loved, equal, and have a hope for their futures.

LORNA CHILD

National Commissioner elect (elected in 2020)

My journey in Girls’ Brigade (GB) began as a six year old in the company where my mother was a helper with the Cadets. As the middle daughter of three it was automatic that I followed my older sister and joined the 6th Whangarei Company, Girls’ Life Brigade (GLB), as it was then, when I turned six.

I have served as an officer since I was 18, apart from a break of a few years when our children were young, and am currently the Northland Area Training Co-ordinator. 

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Over the years I have had many amazing opportunities because of my involvement in GB.  I recall going to my first Area camp in 1962 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of GLB International. 

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I was National Commissioner from 2004 to 2007 and I have had the privilege of attending or running six Fonomarae camps and going to ICGB in Thailand, Ireland, Australia and Zambia.

I live in in a multi-generational household along with my husband, daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.  I also have a son, daughter-in-law and grandson who live in Auckland.  I am involved in the local Presbyterian Church and do patchwork for relaxation.

RACHAEL MASTERTON

National Chaplain (elected 2020)

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.

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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.

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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.”

LYNN EDSER

Board member (elected 2017)

Hi! I am the Team Leader of the Satellite Company NZ, and have been involved in Girls Brigade for 38 years as a girl and leader.

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In my spare time I enjoy, travelling and spending time with my whanau & friends.

I am really looking forward to us working together to promote Girls' Brigade more in our communities, and have more communication and interaction within our Companies and Units.

RENEE SHARP

Board member (elected 2018)

I have been a member of Girls’ Brigade for almost 20 years at all levels of the organisation; I came through the ranks as a girl at 7th Hamilton Girls’ Brigade, starting as a Senior. I was commissioned as a Leader in 2007 and am still part of the amazing leadership team of 7th Hamilton. I am actively involved in Waikato Area, currently as Area Commissioner, but have held various positions over the years, including Youth Rep, TC, QAAC and Secretary. This is my second time on the Board; first having been the National Youth Rep Elect, and now as a Board Member. I have also completed my Queen’s Award and was the recipient of the GB Endurance Award when I was a girl.

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Professionally, I am an Executive Assistant and Team Leader for Facilities and Business at Waikato District Health Board, with qualifications and previous experience in IT, Teaching and Management.

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Outside of work and GB, my husband Daniel and I enjoy travelling and renovating our house. 

Girls’ Brigade is a special part of my faith and I actively contribute to GB in every way I can to ensure it remains strong and can become a special part of tomorrow’s children’s lives.

SARAH KINGI

National Youth Rep (Elected 2018)

I have been part of Girls' Brigade for a long time. I love being involved in a local and national level. I have worked at Newstalk ZB and now I'm working at Sky Television in Auckland.

DANIELLE PHILIPPA

National Youth Rep Elect (Elected 2020)

My first memory of Girls’ Brigade was going with my Mum and sitting colouring Winnie the Pooh while she was a leader. I think I was around 3 or 4 then. 

I have been part of Girls’ Brigade for 18 years and continue to love it.  I love that Girl’s Brigade is a Christian organisation that we are able to help young girls know God’s love, learn about crafts and life skills that are so important. 

Through Girls’ Brigade we are able to have an impact on everyone that is a part of our companies and units. You never know how something so little can have such life time effect. 

I’m excited to be able to get to know more of the youth through being the National Youth Rep Elect.