Meet the Board
Sinead Horgan
Board Chair
I trained as a Chartered Accountant and have over 25 years’ consulting and financial services experience. I've held senior roles in strategy, private equity and commercial banking internationally. I'm now a non-executive director as well as chair of audit and risk on several businesses including FMG, Leighs Construction, Fuse It, TDX and Tait Communications. I'm a trustee of the Māia Health Foundation and Chair of Assistance Dogs NZ Trust.
I have been a passionate supporter of ADNZT for some time now. My understanding has come from being a client of ADNZT and having Assistance Dog Baxter assist my disabled son, Lachlan.
Darrin Bull
Board Member
I am a Strategy and Change leader, and I specialise in guiding organisations to adapt to ongoing trends in the world. New Zealand because of its geography, tends to lag behind the world in responding to these trends, but never-the-less, all trends will have an impact. This is actually an advantage as I am able to assess how other countries have responded to these trends and find the best ways to adapt.
My focus on "making the impossible, possible” is delivered through leadership, learning and creativity.
Sarah von Daldelszen
Board Member
I am a full-time business owner and director. I have 20 plus years’ experience as a director in the energy, financial services and Agribusiness sectors. Currently the Chair of FMG Insurance, I have experience in handling CEO succession and instigating and overseeing considerable change in organisations.
I have deep generalist experience and have grown our own business of food production, managing commercial and residential property portfolios.
I actively keep up to date with best governance practices and technology adaption around the world and maintain strong networks.
Craig Vickery
Board Member and Treasurer
I have served on the Board of ADNZT for the past three years and am the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. I bring expertise in funding, investing, and risk management through my role at the Government’s Debt Management Office, where I help manage the Crown’s financial operations.
With more than 20 years of finance experience across banking, corporate, and government roles internationally, I contribute strong analytical and governance capability to the Trust. I hold a Master of Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington and a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Auckland.
I'm a strong supporter of ADNZT’s mission, and proud dog owner, which fuels my commitment to the organisation’s work in transforming lives through highly trained Assistance Dogs.
Brodie Kane
Board Member
I am a journalist and broadcaster having worked in the media industry for nearly 20 years. I’ve worked across news and current affairs, sports and entertainment.
I’m self-employed and work now across a variety of platforms. Producing award-winning podcasts, hosting and MC work, keynote speaking, ambassadorships, freelance writing and presenting and storytelling.
I absolutely adore dogs, and it means the world to work with such a meaningful, life changing charity.
Catherine McNeill
Board Member and Secretary
I joined the ADNZT Board in October 2022 and I serve as both Trustee and Secretary. I bring a legal background to the Trust’s governance.
I am legally trained and has experience in workplace investigations and dispute resolution. I previously worked in the Behaviour and Conduct Office at Fire and Emergency New Zealand and now practises as a Resolution Practitioner at FairWay Resolution, specialising in ACC matters.
My professional experience supports the Trust with strong governance processes, careful decision-making, and sound oversight.
I'm passionate about the impact Assistance Dogs can have in people’s lives, particularly for children and families navigating complex challenges. As a mother of two young children and a lifelong dog lover, I understand firsthand the powerful role animals can play in providing connection, confidence, and support. I share my home with a much-loved Beardie x Golden Retriever.
Michaela Shaw
Board Member
I am a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience advising boards, business owners, and senior leaders on financial strategy and performance improvement. My background includes mergers and acquisitions, capital market activity, restructuring, and business transformation.
I bring strong governance experience, with a practical and commercially focused approach to oversight, risk management, and long-term value creation. I work closely with boards and management teams to support sound decision-making, accountability, and sustainable outcomes.
I am passionate about the mission of ADNZT and the life-changing impact the organisation has for people and whānau living with disability, injury, or other long-term needs. I'm proud to contribute my governance and financial expertise to support the charity’s ongoing impact and sustainability.