Claud Switzer Memorial Trust Rest Home and Hospital

Our History

Claud Ivon Switzer was a resident of Mangonui County all of his life. In 1954 his Will provided for the building of the original 14 bed home to care for the aged needy in this area. In 1955 the facility registered as a Charitable Trust. Growth of the facility to its present size has been in planned, progressive stages. Over the years a number of individuals and organisations have generously supported the Switzer Trust with substantial grants and legacies. These have made it possible for the Trust to develop the facilities and services to what they are today.

The day to day activities of the Trust are significantly enhanced by the generosity of many people in the community who donate their time, produce, gifts, experience and knowledge. All are appreciated and valued. Each in their own way improves the quality of life of our residents.
The Trust is committed to the provision of a full range of care for the older people of this community.
Today we provide residential care in our resthome, hospital and Puriri Secure Dementia Unit.

Our Community Program services developed in 1998 now provides day care for both the well elderly and for those with dementia. In addition, we provide short-term periods of care for Respite, Carer-Support, convalescence and rehabilitation.

Governance

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Trust returns all surpluses to the pursuit of its mission. Governance of the Trust by community representatives defines the Trust as a community organisation.

Passionate about People

We want to enrich the lives of all of our residents and their families/whanau by helping people enjoy life in a safe, respectful and friendly environment. We are building a culture that makes our staff and residents feel valued.

The Trustees

The Honourable John Carter | Chairman

QSO

A well-known member of the community, in addition to holding the position of Mayor of the Far North District from 2011 to 2020, John has many years of experience delivering focused strategic direction and is honoured to be appointed as Chairman of the Switzer Trust, following the retirement of Mr Peter Dryburgh August 2022.
John began his journey in community-focused roles young – commencing work in the Otamatea County Council in 1967 at the age of just 17. Ten years later, at 27, he was appointed as County Clerk/CEO of the Hokianga County Council, which made him the youngest person in New Zealand’s history ever to have held the role!
At 37, John was elected to Parliament, where he served as the Parliamentary representative for Northland for 24 years. Before becoming the Far North’s Mayor, John was appointed as New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands (from 2009 – 2011).

Mr Jack Rogers

Jack was appointed to the Board after the resignation of Clive Patterson in July 2015. He was born and bred in the Far North and is of Ngati Kahu descent. He and his wife Heather have 3 children, Craig, Keri and Jen. Jack was apprenticed to Whitefield, Kimber and Wilson from 1966 to 1971 and qualified as a plumber. In 1975 he started his own business and has been active in the plumbing Industry for the last 49 years. Jack is a past member and President of the Kaitaia Kiwanis Service Club and a current member of the 90 Mile Beach Surf-casting Club.

The Advisory Group:

The Advisory Group meets 4 times a year. It is made up of local of people who bring a wide range of community knowledge and experience to the meetings and include representation from the following organisations and people: Resident Representative – Community Health – Masonic Lodges – Age Concern – Work and Income New Zealand – Staff Representative – Northland Health – Switzer Home Auxiliary – Business & Professional Women’s Association – Salvation Army – Iwi Representative – Grey Power.

Management

Tina Mills | Chief executive Officer and RN

Tina@switzer.org.nz

Since 2009, Tina has held various management roles across the health sector. Appointed as the CEO of Claud Switzer Memorial Trust in November 2019, Tina has utilised her wealth of knowledge and experience to help ensure Switzer continues to be a sustainable and high-performing organisation that is focused on delivering the best care and support to the elderly and their families across the wider Far North region.

In addition to being a Registered Nurse, Tina has completed a host of qualifications, including an MBA, Advanced Leadership, Change Management, Leadership in Nursing Practice, and a Diploma in Business Accounting. Tina has also completed the Eden Alternative training to enhance Switzer by making it a genuinely compassionate and loving home for our elders. Tina is an energetic advocate for culture change and supports the decision of the Switzer staff and community to embrace the Eden journey.

With significant experience managing building and redevelopment projects and implementing new systems and processes within the health sector, Tina is passionate about growing the organisation to ensure the Trust can serve as many elders in the local community as possible. This drive to enhance and expand has become a large part of her role at Switzer. Tina is open to opportunities for Switzer to engage with the local health community and encourages residents and employees to have a voice on strategies to support future-proofing Switzer goals.

Sharon Marsden | Clinical Nurse Lead

Switzer’s dedicated, people-focused Clinical Lead, Sharon heads up our incredible team of Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants. A highly skilled leader and experienced Registered Nurse herself, Sharon brings 17 years’ experience managing large residential aged care facilities in Australia. Prior to becoming an RN in 1998, Sharon also worked for many years as a Health Care Assistant where she specialised in dementia care. This full spectrum experience makes Sharon a critical member of our clinical team. In addition to her exceptional nursing insight, Sharon’s ability to understand the unique challenges faced in our industry and calmly lead her team to get the best out of each person make her an asset to the Switzer family. We are very pleased that Sharon moved home to New Zealand in November 2019, just before the world got locked down!

Angelica Verlaan | Business Manager

Angelica Verlaan is our hardworking and energetic Business Manager. Ensuring everyone at Switzer has what they need to deliver service excellence, Angelica’s passion for people makes her the perfect fit for this fast-paced ‘jack-of-all-trades’ and ‘no-two-days-the-same’ role. In addition to qualifications in leadership, Angelica is a number-savvy Xero Certified Advisor and brings 14 years of service management expertise spanning retail, hospitality, and trades. Excited to add aged care and not-for-profit service management to her skillset, Angelica is currently studying Village Management to grow her industry knowledge and is looking forward to becoming an Eden Associate to support Switzer with further delivering on the 12 principles of Eden.
After leaving Taranaki to travel the world (living and working in California, USA, Queensland, Australia, and travelling across Europe), Angelica came home to New Zealand where she worked in Auckland until 2021, where she decided to leave the big (locked down) city and head to the winterless north.

Careers

The success of this Trust has come from the outstanding people who have been part of the organisation since its inception. Our future depends upon attracting, rewarding and retaining people who share our ‘can-do’ attitude and passion for older people.

If you are interested in contributing to Switzer’s work and can offer excellence in nursing care or support activities, please click below for an application form.

Application Form 

Police Vetting Form