Trustees
Dr Darren Walton, PhD
Trustee
Dr Darren Walton, PhD, is a nationally respected research leader, data scientist and evaluation specialist whose work has shaped public policy and system performance across transport, justice, health and policing in Aotearoa New Zealand. As Director of Crow’s Nest Research and Adjunct at the University of Canterbury in Psychology and Criminal Justice, Dr Walton brings more than two decades of experience in applied research, national data analysis and evidence-based policy development.
His expertise spans national data analysis, advanced statistical modelling, Treasury-level business case development, cost-benefit analysis, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation using large administrative datasets. His work has supported the Ministry of Transport, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Health, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and other government agencies to strengthen evidence-informed decision making at a national level.
Dr Walton’s research spans prevention, emergency response and long-term recovery across the road trauma continuum. His expertise in road safety research, crash risk modelling and transport behaviour strengthens the evidence underpinning safer transport systems. Through robust evaluation methods and national datasets, he helps identify where risk exists and how systems can respond more effectively, supporting continuous improvement across prevention, frontline response and recovery.
As a Trustee of the National Road Trauma Centre, Dr Walton provides strategic leadership and independent expertise to support the Trust’s evidence-based approach to reducing road trauma and improving outcomes for individuals, families and communities across New Zealand.
Sarah Dean
Trustee
Sarah Dean is the Founder and Trustee 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, when her personal experience of a significant road crash inspired a commitment to improving support for people affected by road trauma. Working alongside her local Member of Parliament, she advocated for legislative reform of the Accident Compensation Act to improve support for trauma victims. While legislative reform was not achieved, her vision ultimately led to the establishment of the Trust in 2010.
Since then, Sarah has become a respected advocate for evidence-based harm prevention, health promotion and improved outcomes for people affected by road trauma. She has participated in conferences, consultations and stakeholder engagement across New Zealand and Australia, promoting greater collaboration between the road safety, emergency response, healthcare, rehabilitation and community sectors. Her work focuses on strengthening the continuum of care from prevention and emergency response through to rehabilitation, psychological recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Sarah brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors. Her early career included economic development in New Zealand before becoming a part-owner of two multidisciplinary physiotherapy clinics in Sydney, Australia. Working alongside internationally recognised physiotherapist Trish Wisbey-Roth, she gained valuable insight into coordinated rehabilitation, active recovery and long-term support for people living with persistent injuries and pain.
She later worked in regulatory affairs and quality assurance within the veterinary medicines and agricultural industries, managing regulatory compliance, pharmaceutical registrations, trademark portfolios and commercial distribution agreements across Australia and international markets.
Sarah is committed to strong governance and continually undertakes professional development to remain current with governance, legal and regulatory best practice. Through the National Road Trauma Centre, she continues to lead initiatives that advance education, collaboration, research translation, health promotion and system improvement to reduce the physical, psychological and social impacts of road trauma.
Sarah considers it a privilege to work alongside government, industry, healthcare professionals, researchers and community organisations committed to improving outcomes for individuals, families and communities affected by road trauma.
Jason Tippet is a governance professional who brings strategic insight, cultural leadership and a strong commitment to public service to the National Road Trauma Centre. As a Trustee, he provides guidance that supports the Trust’s strategic direction, governance and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals, whānau and communities affected by road trauma.
Of Ngāi Tahu descent, Jason is affiliated with Te Taumutu Rūnanga. Grounded in te reo Māori, kaupapa Māori values and the principles of kaitiakitanga, he brings a lived understanding of guardianship, intergenerational responsibility and community wellbeing. His leadership reflects a commitment to partnership, inclusion and ensuring Māori perspectives are meaningfully represented within governance and decision-making.
Jason is also an experienced weather forecaster (matapae huarere) with a strong interest in communicating environmental information and interpreting complex data for communities. His analytical, systems-thinking and evidence-informed approach complements the Trust’s focus on prevention, resilience and informed decision-making.
He has contributed to the Trust’s strategic planning, policy development and advocacy initiatives, including supporting submissions relating to emergency legislation and broader system improvement. His governance approach reflects a strong commitment to accountability, collaboration and ensuring that the voices and experiences of people affected by road trauma help inform national policy and service development.
Jason Tippet
Trustee
Jason Tippet brings a unique combination of environmental knowledge, analytical thinking and community values to his role as a Trustee of the National Road Trauma Centre. He supports the Trust’s strategic direction and its commitment to reducing the impact of road trauma through collaboration, prevention and evidence-informed decision-making.
Of Ngāi Tahu descent, Jason is affiliated with Te Taumutu Rūnanga and Wairewa Rūnanga. Grounded in te reo Māori, kaupapa Māori values and the principles of kaitiakitanga, he brings a strong appreciation for guardianship, intergenerational responsibility and the wellbeing of people, whānau and communities. These values help inform his contribution to the Trust’s work and its commitment to serving diverse communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Jason is also an experienced weather forecaster (matapae huarere) with a strong interest in interpreting weather systems and communicating environmental information. His ability to analyse changing conditions, identify emerging risks and communicate complex information in a practical and accessible way complements the Trust’s focus on preparedness, resilience and public education.
Since joining the Trust, Jason has contributed to the Trust’s strategic planning, policy development and advocacy initiatives, including supporting submissions relating to emergency legislation and broader system improvement. His thoughtful and collaborative approach strengthens the Trust’s mission to improve outcomes for people, whānau and communities affected by road trauma.