TAGNZ Board Biography 2025

Mark Liddle ~ President

He is a cool guy with a cool smile.

Wendy Neilson ~ Vice President

I am very involved in the disability sector in NZ taking many national leadership roles over the years. I am an Access Assessor and work as a consultant to Tauranga City Council and other organisations advising them on NZ Building Code access requirements. I have run Disability Awareness workshops over many years including under contract to CCS Disability Action. I have been a JP for 23 years.

I have taught at primary, secondary, polytechnic and university levels.

In my retirement I volunteer on the JP Service Desk at the Citizens Advice Bureau, I am Past President of the local JP Council, Chair of the WBOP Disability Support Trust, Vice President the Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Board (TAGNZ) and a member of TCCs Positive Aging Advisory Forum. I have been a member of the Tauranga City Council’s Disability Advisory Group.

My son (an art teacher) and daughter (a policewoman) both have teenage children.

Jo Coffin ~ Secretary

I am married to Duane and have three sons
Jake, Ben and Josh. Josh has arthrogryposis and when he was 5 we
attended our first TAGNZ conference and I became a board
member. Shortly afterwards I became the secretary. We have all
really enjoyed being part of the TAG family and enjoy the
connections we have made over the years.

I am a teacher and have always been interested in making sure we
meet the needs of each child so that each child can reach their true
potential. I come from a family of 5 children, my older sister has a
physical and intellectual disability, and I have been very involved in
advocating for her along with my mum. I have been on several
boards/committees over the years which I get a lot of enjoyment
and satisfaction from.

Having a big family means that there are always lots of family
occasions to celebrate and I love spending time with my immediate
and extended family. I also enjoy being involved in our kids school
life and sports/events. Walking, cooking and spending time with my
friends are other things that I like to do in my spare time.

Alan Neilson ~ Treasurer

Bio goes here

Anna Armstrong ~ Board Member

Bio goes here

Brian Vest ~ Board Member

Bio goes here