A BIT ABOUT US
Ambury Park Centre has developed programmes that include physiological and psychological therapies and educational, work training and social development. These are run from our beautiful park grounds, with our large indoor arena and our school for students aged 13 upwards as well as a full-time vocational training programme for adults 18 and over.
The Centre is a registered charity and is managed by a board. Staff members include the director/principal, a senior equine therapist, a riding instructor, an equine manager and stable assistant, teachers, teacher aides, a physiotherapist therapist, remedial therapy coaches, a vocational course supervisor and an office management team. Volunteers assist the full-time staff.
The Centre’s work could not be done without its herd of horses.
2023 End of Year APC Newsletter
Find out what we have been up to during the second half of 2023.
MARY BROOK - PATRON
We are very privileged to have Mary as our Patron. She has tirelessly supported our work and various programmes. Mary is the daughter of the late Maurice Paykel, the previous Patron of the Centre, who was instrumental in its establishment.
MEET THE TEAM
Gaynor Brown - President of the Board
A member since 1994, Gaynor is former Deputy Director of Southern Cross Campus Senior School in Māngere and has been involved in education for many years. In 2012 she received the Queens Service Medal (QSM) for services to education. She is currently teaching at the Child and Family Unit for Northern Health School.
Patricia Simeon - Director/Principal
Patricia has just recently joined the Ambury Park team as our new Director/Principal. Patricia is positive person with a passion for learning, creativity and horses. She has a strong personal belief that a holistic approach to education is crucial for the future success of all students.
Stacie Morgan - Office Manager & Community Engagement
Stacie is your first point of contact at Ambury Park Centre for general enquiries and information on our courses and can advise you on our wonderful volunteer opportunities.
She can be contacted on office@AmburyParkCentre.org.nz or in the front office during school hours.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gaynor Brown – President. A member since 1994, Gaynor is former Deputy Director of Southern Cross Campus Senior School in Māngere and has been involved in education for many years. She is currently teaching at the Child and Family Unit for Northern Health School.
Donnelle Cheree – Donnelle joined the Board in 2023, a natural progression from her time in Playcentre and other community organisations. She's a software developer, a mum to twins plus one, and a terrible tuba player.
Caroline Grove – Secretary. A member since 1994 and Secretary since Oct 1994, long time horse owner and rider Caroline was until recently a long-term volunteer helping at the centre.
Anna Houston – Anna is a past Principal/Director of the Centre and has had a long association with Ambury Park Centre in a number of roles, most recently on the Board.
Claire Lingman – A member since 1988 and Treasurer from 1996 till 2016, Claire is a former President and Vice President who is well qualified to handle the Centre’s financial affairs.
Deanne Maule – A member since 2004, she is a Chartered accountant with previous voluntary work experience for St. John and South Auckland Income Planning Services.
Christine O’Brien – Christine became a member late in 2014. Christine is on the Māngere/ōtāhuhu Local Board and represents Auckland Council on the Ambury Park Centre Board.
Neil Rusden – Neil has been a member since 2018. With a background in design and communications, he has a passion for developing and building the identity of Ambury Park Centre to reflect the amazing work that is performed here.
Paul Wilson – Paul represents Auckland Council as a Park Ranger associated with Partnerships and Southern Regional Parks.
Life Members
Due to their work on the Board and their continued support of Ambury Park Centre, Victoria Latta and Doug Alexander have been made Life Members.
