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 and 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, two teachers, teacher aides, an physiotherapist therapist, remedial therapy coaches, a vocational course supervisor and an office manager. A team of volunteers assists the full-time staff.
The Centre’s work could not be done without its herd of horses.
2021 Mid Year APC Newsletter
Find out what we have been up to during the first half of 2021.
MARY BROOK - PATRON
We are very privileged to have Mary as our Patron, she has tirelessly supported our work and many 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 Mangere 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.
Debra Moore - Office Manager & Community Engagement
Debra 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 Mangere and has been involved in education for many years. She is currently teaching at the Child and Family Unit for Northern Health School.
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 – Ann 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 – Became a member later in 2014. Christine is on the Mangere/Otahuhu Local Board and represents Auckland Council on the Ambury Park Centre Board.
Silvia Ringler – A member since 2020 Silvia is a Senior Category Manager and has been riding for over 30 years. Silvia also owns Nathan who is a valuable addition to Ambury’s herd of horses. When she has time she also helps training and educating the other horses on a case by case basis.
Neil Rusden – A member since 2018. With a background in design and communications, Neil has a passion for developing and building the identity of Ambury Park Centre to reflect the amazing work that is performed there.
Paul Wilson – Auckland Council representative as a Park Ranger, Partnerships, 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.
