Our Leadership
Get to know the board members of Lister Home, whose dedication and expertise shape the excellent care and vibrant community life you or your loved one will experience.
Our board's commitment ensures that we not only meet but exceed the standards of senior care.
Our board members are more than just decision-makers. They are advocates and guardians of our ethos. Every policy they approve and every standard they set is aimed at enhancing the lives of our residents. Their diverse backgrounds, including representatives from various churches in Waimate, equip them to foresee and fulfill your needs.
This ensures Lister Home remains a leader in quality care and innovation.
Now let’s introduce you to the dedicated individuals whose visionary leadership makes all the difference.
Representing: Waimate Community
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Paul Cooper hails originally from near Sheffield, UK. He moved to New Zealand in 1996 after serving in the Submarine Service of the Royal Navy. Settling first in Waimate, where his parents still reside, Paul's roots in the community deepened through his marriage to Cindy, a Timaru native with strong Waimate connections. They have three daughters: Riley, a digital artist and animator based in Wellington; Alia, who is pursuing a medical degree at Otago; and Jordy, their youngest, who keeps the home lively.
Professionally, Paul transitioned from his military career to law enforcement, dedicating 15 years to the New Zealand Police as both a Constable and a Detective. In 2013, he shifted to the local government sector, where he is now part of the executive team at a neighboring council.
Paul's extensive background in leadership, budget management, health and safety, regulatory affairs, and audit compliance equips him with a broad suite of skills ideally suited for the board at Lister Home. He is driven by the opportunity to collaborate with a like-minded, talented group committed to enhancing the outstanding community facility that Lister represents.
Representing: Connect Church, Waimate
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My name is Matt Davis. Along with my wife, I serve as a pastor at the local Connect Church. My professional background is diverse, spanning building construction and hairdressing, which has enriched my appreciation for creativity and practical skills. I have a deep passion for the arts, including painting, music, and theatre, and I also find joy in driving a school bus.
Lister Home holds a special place in my heart. Not only do I believe it's a wonderful place for individuals to live and enjoy life free from the typical worries of solitude, but it's also a place cherished by my own family—my mother resides here and consistently praises the staff for their dedication and care.
I am proud to contribute to the board of Lister Home, working alongside others who share a strong commitment to the well-being of our aged community.
Representing: St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Waimate
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I am a retired registered nurse who moved from Dunedin to Waimate in 2021 seeking a quieter lifestyle. My background in nursing has deeply ingrained a passion for community health, which I now bring to my role on the board.
As the St. Augustine representative, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Lister community and to get to know it better. It's a privilege to engage with and contribute to our community, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.
Chair (Finance Chair)
Representing: Waimate Community
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My wife Jan and I moved to Waimate 16 years ago, initially planning to stay for ten years. However, we quickly grew to appreciate the unique advantages offered by the Waimate District, which inspired us to extend our stay.I am a retired Chartered Accountant with a continued commitment to the community, volunteering my expertise to many local boards and committees. I joined the Lister Board at a time when the organisation faced numerous challenges. While those initial challenges are behind us, like any organisation, we continually address new ones that arise.
Lister is a source of pride within the Waimate community. Many locals, unless directly involved, may not realise the extent of good work done by Lister and the impact it has on numerous families. Unlike corporate models, community-owned facilities like Lister offer substantial benefits, a testament to the excellent stewardship of past boards. Their efforts have been instrumental in making Lister the valued community asset it is today.
Representing: Waimate Community
Role: Chair (Property Chair)
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Mike Downes is a retired Marine Engineer and Engineering Manager, married to Janet. A native New Zealander, Mike spent over 20 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander before transitioning to the container shipping industry in late 1989. His career in shipping took him to senior technical management positions across New Zealand, Australia, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Singapore, before he retired to Waimate in 2017.
Currently, Mike serves as the Chair of the Lister Home & Hospital Board and owns Southern Container Advisory Ltd. He holds roles as Technical Adviser and ANZ representative for the Bureau International des Containers (BIC), Chair of the Waimate District Resource Trust (Community Link), Chair of Line Trust South Canterbury, and a Civil Defence Controller for the Waimate District. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Waimate.
Mike's interests span environmental issues, energy production and distribution, international logistics and shipping, and community well-being. On his role at Lister Home, Mike says, “Being on the Board enables me to contribute in a small way towards providing for some of the needs of our senior folk who have done their bit in the past. We have a unique and wonderful resource for the community in Lister Home, and I want to assist in preserving it for current and future generations.”
Representing: St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Waimate
Role: Vice Chair
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I have been part of the Waimate community for 40 years and am the representative of St. Patrick's Church on the Lister Board of Trustees. With 40 years of experience as a secondary school teacher, I am currently teaching English to former refugees in Timaru. My husband, Bill, and I have two daughters and two grandchildren.
In addition to serving on the Lister Board of Trustees, I enjoy music making, teaching piano, cycling, and pottering in the garden. I joined the Lister Board to make a positive contribution to the Waimate community. The Board is continually working to improve the facilities and services for the residents of Lister Home, and I am very proud of the superior care it offers to people in the Waimate community and beyond.
Representing: Knox Presbyterian Church, Waimate
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I live in Waimate with my wife, Carol. I have two adult children from my late wife.
My career began in the clothing industry before moving into sheepskin tanneries, where I held two management roles. In 1984, I bought my first shop in Invercargill. Over the years, we owned three more shops. In 1999, I joined Foodstuffs in their warehouse at Papanui, where I was responsible for Health and Safety, employment, and training until my retirement in 2015.
In 2021, I moved to Waimate and became a member of Knox Church. Subsequently, I joined the Lister Board as their representative, where I am pleased to contribute.
I am also involved in the local Choir, the Friendship Club, and Cancer Companions.
Committed to Excellence
Our board members are accessible and eager to hear from you. Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out. Their open-door policy ensures that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed.
Our leadership is about service, and our board embodies this principle every day, continually striving for excellence that enhances every aspect of life at our home.