Danielle Thompson
Audit, Finance and Risk Trustee
Danielle is currently the Director of Business Services, Te Pae Convention Centre.
Danielle is an experienced and passionate finance and governance professional with extensive experience in education and hospitality. In her daily work, she oversees the overall finance function, including procurement and payroll, as well as the legal aspects of contracting and insurance matters, and serves as the Privacy Officer.
Holding a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualification has facilitated work in a broad range of areas within financial management.
Danielle is also involved in coaching and mentoring, valuing the opportunity to help others grow from both personal and professional perspectives.
With governance roles spanning education and venue management, her experience includes a wide array of responsibilities, from strategic planning and policy development to risk management and regulatory compliance.
Collaborating with stakeholders to achieve organisational goals and bring visions to life is a key motivation for her involvement in governance.
Danielle feels privileged to work with the Trust and looks forward to supporting their important kaupapa.
Danielle Thompson (CPA, AVM) | LinkedIn
Contact: Danielle@nationalroadtraumacentre.org.nz
Peta Vassalini
Education and Training Trustee
It is a pleasure to warmly welcome Peta Vassalini as a Trustee. Peta brings extensive experience in governance, strategic leadership, and policy development, with a strong background in education and community-led organisations.
She currently serves on multiple boards, playing a key role in setting strategic direction, overseeing curriculum development, and ensuring effective governance. With expertise in co-governance models and Tiriti-based partnerships, she is committed to inclusive and culturally responsive leadership.
Peta has developed deep expertise in policy development, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. As chair of several committees, she provides strategic oversight of regulatory compliance, NZQA and TEC governance, and the direction of education programs. Her background in education and teaching further strengthens her ability to navigate the complexities of the sector.
Passionate about fostering inclusive, future-focused governance, Peta values collaboration and continuous improvement. Her commitment to equity, transparency, and strategic oversight ensures she will make a meaningful contribution to the Trust’s vision.
Contact: Peta@nationalroadtraumacentre.org.nz
Sarah Dean
Founder and Trustee
Sarah Dean is the visionary Founder of the Road Traffic Accident Trauma Charitable Trust, operating as the National Road Trauma Centre. Her journey began in 2007 while studying Law at the University of Canterbury, where a personal experience with a significant road crash ignited her passion. Recognising the profound socio-economic impact of road accidents, Sarah collaborated with her local MP to advocate for legislative reforms to the Accident Compensation Act, aiming to enhance support for trauma victims. Despite initial setbacks, her determination to create a supportive infrastructure for those impacted by road crashes led to the establishment of the Trust in 2010.
Since its inception, Sarah has been a prominent voice in the realm of road trauma advocacy. Her inaugural public engagement in 2009 at a Law Commission review highlighted the inequities faced by road crash victims under current legislation. This engagement set the stage for her ongoing commitment to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around the critical needs of these individuals. Sarah has since participated in numerous conferences and speaking engagements, championing not only the rights of victims but also recognising the invaluable contributions of emergency responders, post-crash care and road safety professionals. Her initiatives, including the Road Accident Remembrance program and the New Zealand Road Safety, Emergency Service and Healthcare Awards further exemplify her dedication to community engagement and support.
With a diverse background in the commercial, local, and central government sectors in New Zealand and Australia, Sarah brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her early career in the Economic Development Unit of the Canterbury Development Corporation laid a strong foundation for her diverse commercial ventures, which include private enterprise in the healthcare sector in Sydney, Australia to regulatory affairs and within the veterinary medicine and agricultural sectors. Sarah is committed to good governance and regularly attends training and keeps abreast of any regulatory and legal requirements.
Through the Trust, Sarah continues to be a catalyst for change. She feels deeply honored to serve and uplift those impacted within her community. Sarah credits the wonderful stakeholders and industry professionals who have supported her. She has felt very privileged to have engage with and serve those deeply impacted in the community.
Contact: Sarah@nationalroadtraumacentre.org.nz