MS Auckland Region > General Staff

Gary McMahon

General Manager
Phone: (09) 845 5921
Email: gary@msakl.org.nz

Gary has been with the Society in the role of General Manager since June 2003. He is a Londoner and moved to New Zealand at the beginning of in 2003 with his wife and two children (Sam, 10 and Alexandra, 8). He holds a number of business-related qualifications, most recent of which is a post-graduate Diploma in Management Practice from Middlesex University.

When deregulation brought cable television and telecommunications to the UK in the '90's, Gary managed a Field Operations team for Telewest plc in North London. He also held a number of operational roles at British Alcan, Glenbran Plc and at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the UK.

With previous experience across a number of industries and a mainly corporate background, Gary brings a wealth of useful experience to the role which he believes will allow us to achieve best value from our resources.

He always says "I would tell you about my leisure activities, however with two boisterous young children I have long ago given up all hope of having any, and prefer instead to spend time with my family!"

Nicola Garland

Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator
Phone: (09) 845 5921
Email: nicola@msakl.org.nz

I was born and brought up just outside London, England. However after 4 long extended trips to New Zealand I decided it would be easier and cheaper to relocate here! I have now been here for nearly 8 years all of which have been based in Auckland.

My background is a mix of retail management and fundraising. I had the privilege of working for one of the UK’s largest children’s charities for a number of years and also worked for the Meningitis Trust here in New Zealand.

I have been with MS Auckland Region since 2006 and enjoy having the opportunity to help those living with this condition. My dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis many years ago so it is something that is quite important to me.

I have a young son who keeps me incredibly busy and in between looking after him and working there isn’t too much time for a lot else!

Tina French

Grants Coordinator
Phone: (09) 845 5921
Email: tina@msakl.org.nz

Being diagnosed with MS has, over the years, presented me with many exciting opportunities that I would never have otherwise experienced.

When I had to give up work nine years ago I became involved with MS North Shore, serving on the committee, developing office systems, supporting staff and eventually becoming their manager, secretary/treasurer and fund raiser.

I have also been involved with Riding for the Disabled over the past seven years. As well as being lucky enough to ride three times each week I work as the North Shore Groups Fundraiser. I am also the regional and national Riders Representative and am a member of the National Board.

In 2006 and 2007 I was a member of the Disability Advisory Council who works with the Office for Disability Issues in Wellington. I represented the Neurological Alliance and met with the council four times each year to provide ongoing input from people with disabilities and the disability sector on the implementation of the NZ Disability Strategy.

I also work as an auditor for a private auditing company in Auckland. I work under contract with a company named EQS who have various government contracts to carry out audits on services for people with disabilities against the current Health and Disability Sector Standards. My role, as part of a team, is to enable providers to focus on consumers and to develop systems for quality improvement.

Now I am a part of the new organization, the MS Society of Auckland and the North Shore. I work as Grants Coordinator and am very excited about the future of our organization and the services we will be able to offer people with MS, and I am really enjoying being part of a great team.