Governance
Tumu Whakahaere
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 ignited her passion for improving support for people affected by road trauma. Recognising the profound social and economic impacts of road crashes, Sarah collaborated with her local Member of Parliament to advocate for legislative reform of the Accident Compensation Act to improve support for trauma victims. Although legislative change was not achieved at that time, her determination to establish a supportive infrastructure for those affected by road crashes led to the establishment of the Trust in 2010.
Since its inception, Sarah has been a prominent voice in road trauma advocacy. Her inaugural public engagement in 2009, during a Law Commission review, highlighted the inequities faced by road crash victims under existing legislation. This engagement marked the beginning of her ongoing commitment to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around the needs of people affected by road trauma.
Sarah has since participated in numerous conferences, consultations and speaking engagements, championing evidence-based harm prevention, health promotion, integrated care and patient-centred care across the road trauma continuum. She is a strong advocate for improving both physical and psychological recovery outcomes, recognising that effective road trauma care extends beyond emergency treatment to encompass hospital care, rehabilitation, wellbeing and long-term recovery. Her work promotes greater collaboration across the road safety, emergency response, healthcare, rehabilitation and community sectors to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
With a diverse background spanning the commercial, local government and central government sectors in New Zealand and Australia, Sarah brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her early career within the Economic Development Unit of the Canterbury Development Corporation provided a strong foundation for her broad professional career.
Sarah subsequently became involved in private enterprise within the healthcare sector in Sydney, Australia, as a part-owner of two physiotherapy clinics led by internationally recognised physiotherapist Trish Wisbey-Roth. The clinics provided multidisciplinary physiotherapy, rehabilitation and active recovery services to a diverse range of clients, including elite athletes and Olympians. Trish also founded the Bounce Back Programme, a structured, evidence-based rehabilitation programme supporting people living with chronic neck and back conditions. This experience strengthened her understanding of the importance of coordinated, patient-centred rehabilitation, active recovery and long-term support for people managing persistent injuries and pain.
Sarah later worked in regulatory affairs and quality assurance within the veterinary medicines and agricultural sectors. Her responsibilities included regulatory compliance, pharmaceutical registrations, trademark portfolio management and commercial distribution agreements across Australia and internationally.
Sarah is committed to good governance and regularly undertakes professional development to remain current with governance best practice and relevant legal, regulatory and reporting requirements. Through the National Road Trauma Centre, she continues to be a catalyst for evidence-based education, collaboration, health promotion, harm prevention and system improvement across the road trauma continuum.
Sarah feels deeply honoured to serve and uplift people affected by road trauma. She is grateful to the many stakeholders, industry professionals and community members who have supported the Trust and considers it a privilege to work alongside those committed to improving the physical and psychological recovery, wellbeing and long-term outcomes of people, families and communities affected by road trauma.
Contact: Sarah@nationalroadtraumacentre.org.nz