DAVID VAEAFE
Interim Board Chair and Trustee, Communications – Engagement and Media
With an impressive track record in governance and leadership across domestic and international boards, David brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the Trust being highly skilled communicator and independent consultant, David has worked extensively across government, private, public, and non-profit sectors, specialising in community and stakeholder engagement and economic growth.
With a background as a journalist and editor, David has contributed to community, business, and travel publications, as well as national newspapers and magazines in New Zealand and the Pacific.
His two decades in the tourism sector have seen him lead industry development and expand international markets for Samoa, American Samoa, and the broader Pacific region.David’s governance and leadership expertise spans government agency and a crown entity, business chambers, national marine sanctuary, development and renewable energy taskforces and charitable trusts in New Zealand, the United States, and the Pacific, including recent roles as Chair of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Chair of the South Pacific Cruise Alliance, and serving as a Cabinet Member in the American Samoa Government.
His visionary leadership and deep industry knowledge will be invaluable assets to the Trust.We are excited to have David on board and look forward to the expertise and passion he brings to our mission.
David Vaeafe LinkedIn
DANIELLE THOMPSON
Finance, Audit 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. The belief that both mentees and mentors can benefit from these relationships underscores her commitment to investing in people and supporting them on their journeys. 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
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.
SARAH DEAN
Founder and Trustee
Sarah Dean is the Founder of the Road Traffic Accident Trauma Charitable Trust trading as the National Road Trauma Centre (‘Trust’).
In 2007 following a significant road crash Sarah was studying Law at the University of Canterbury. During her studies she has took a great interest in tort law. Her research led Sarah to understand the significant socio and economic impact of road crashes and the burdens they imposed. Working alongside her local MP, she supported Sarah in a request for legislation changes to the Accident Compensation Act to support those impacted by road crashes by significant trauma. Her local MP’s support was unwavering, and she wrote to Hon Maryan Street, the then Minister of the Accident Compensation Corporation at the time. Although an unfavorable response was received. Sarah was invested enough into her project to know more infrastructure was required to support road crash victims.
Sarah started her preparations for the establishment of the Road Traffic Accident Trauma Charitable Trust and connected with trauma psychologist specialists Paul Wynands, Dr Lee Kannis-Dymand and Professor Neville Blampied. The Trust was formally registered with the Charities Commission in 2010. At the time of establishment the Trusts its original intent and purpose to provide education, advocacy and support to those impacted by road trauma including free counselling services.
Sarah’s first official public engagement was in 2009, at a function alongside Val Sim, Lead Commissioner of the 2009 Law Commissioners Review on ‘Compensating Victims of Crime’. Sarah was invited to speak on the inequalities and socio economic impacts of the Accident Compensation Act for those impacted by road crashes. Since then, Sarah has been invited to speak in conferences and various other speaking engagements advocating for the victims of road crashes and acknowledgment and recognition to those in emergency response and post-crash care and recovery.
In 2016 Sarah developed the Road Accident Remembrance and developed its unique program alongside Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, Canterbury Chairty Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
In 2017 Sarah founded the Canterbury Road Trauma Awards and established the Canterbury Road Trauma Awards Committee. Sarah served as its inaugural Chair. In 2019 Sarah led the Trust’s formal restructure, rebrand to the Road Traffic Accident Trauma Charitable Trust trading as National Road Trauma Centre.
Sarah has a diverse background in both the commercial, local and central government sectors in New Zealand and Australia. In the infancy of her career Sarah worked in the Economic Development Unit of the Canterbury Development Corporation.
Her commercial background ranges from insurance brokering to private enterprise. Sarah has qualifications in GMP in the veterinary medicine and agricultural sector. In this sector she has worked in Regulatory Affairs in which her role including overseeing trademark litigation, compliance auditing, pharmaceutical product registration and intellectual property in numerous countries.
Sarah believes in good governance and volunteers her time in the community to support other charitable and non-for profit organisations. Sarah enjoys an active lifestyle. Both Sarah and her fiancé Jason are actively involved in active member of Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Ngāi Tahu. Together are establishing their own weather forecasting business, with a particular focus on supporting indigenous peoples within New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Sarah is pleased to continue to support the Trust. She credits the many 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.