Organisational Structure
Brainwave is the working arm of the Aotearoa/New Zealand Infant Brain Development Trust.
We are a charitable trust, formed in November 1998 and headed initially by New Plymouth Paediatrician Dr Robin Fancourt. Robin is internationally respected for her work with abused and neglected children and the author of “Brainy Babies” published by Penguin books.
Brainwave was initially formed as a response to new scientific evidence on the impact that experiences in the first 3 years have on the brain development of a child.
Brainwave’s vision is that one day every child in New Zealand will get the best start in life because parents and the whole community understand and value the impact early experiences have on the developing brain and thus on the success of our society.
Our work supports the following organisations with whom we have strong working relationships:
- Government agencies including Child, Youth & Family Service, NZ Police, Ministry of Social Development, Children’s Agenda, and Safer Cities
- Great Potentials Foundation
- Plunket
- Parent’s Inc.
- Barnardos
- PORSE
- HIPPY ( Great Potentials Foundation)
- Life Education Trust
Brainwave Personnel
Brainwave is made up of paediatric, medical, educational, legal, academic and business professionals including -
- Judge Mick (Michael) Brown - Patron
- Sue Younger: Chairperson, Media specialist, Documentary Maker, Presenter
- Judy Bailey: Deputy Chairperson, media specialist, author & presenter
- Casey Plunket: Trustee & committee member, Partner Chapman Tripp Auckland, taxation specialist
- Dr Robin Fancourt: Trustee
- Dr Ian Hassall: Lobbyist and children’s advocate
- Lesley Max MBE: Lobbyist, advocate & CEO of Great Potentials Foundation
- Dr Simon Rowley: Paediatrician and medical spokesperson
- Lope Ginnen: Lawyer, Trustee, Committee Member
- Anthea Springford: Treasurer and Investment Banker
- Dr. Louise Porteous: Doctor , Presenter, Advisor
- Dr. Susan Morton: Researcher, Senior Lecturer University of Auckland & advisor
- Sophie Foster: Director Jumping Beans Int., Author, Advisor
- Dr Anne Kolbe: Paediatric doctor, Deputy Chief Medical Officer WDHB & advisor
- Mary-Anne Boyd: Health sector innovator, advisor
- Bernice Mene: Athlete, mother, secondary school teacher, committe member
- Graeme MacCormick: Retired Youth Court Judge; Advocate & Advisor
- Kim van Duiven: Executive Director
- Jane Valentine-Burt: Presenter Co-ordinator, Presenter
- Sandie Cameron: Administrator and 1st point of contact for Brainwave Trust
