Meet Our Friends
Meet the people who stand alongside Rodney Women’s Refuge, contributing their skills and experience to strengthen our mahi and help create safer outcomes for families.
Meet Our Friends
- Detective Inspector Scott Beard
Community-Minded Detective & Friend
Meet Detective Scott Beard – Community-Minded Detective & Friend of Rodney Refuge. We are grateful to count Detective Scott Beard among our wonderful friends at Rodney Women’s Refuge. Renowned across Aotearoa as one of New Zealand’s most community-minded detectives, Scott is known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice and public safety.
Detective Beard has been a steadfast supporter of Rodney Refuge, standing with us in campaigns such as Grace Millane’s legacy and championing the White Ribbon movement to end violence against women. His advocacy, both in the community and alongside our team, helps raise awareness, inspire change, and provide hope for wāhine and tamariki affected by family violence.
Scott is a trusted ally to families and whānau navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Ngā mihi nui, Detective Beard, for your partnership, leadership, and aroha.
- Gloria Masters
Gloria Masters & Handing the Shame Back - Friends of Rodney Refuge
We are proud to call Gloria Masters and her organisation, Handing the Shame Back, valued friends of Rodney Women’s Refuge. Gloria’s courageous advocacy for survivors of child sexual abuse has inspired countless people across Aotearoa and beyond. Through her work, she brings hope, validation, and a powerful sense of community to those who have experienced trauma.
At Rodney Refuge, we deeply respect and support Gloria’s mission to break the silence, reduce stigma, and empower survivors to reclaim their stories. Our partnership with Handing the Shame Back reflects our shared commitment to healing, dignity, and aroha for all survivors.
Ngā mihi nui, Gloria, for your leadership, bravery, and unwavering support of wāhine, tamariki, and whānau.
- Zoë & Alison
Zoë & Alison from Tika - Friends of Rodney Women's Refuge
We are proud to count Zoë and Alison from Tika among our valued friends at Rodney Women’s Refuge. Zoë is a barrister, researcher, and spokesperson specialising in the law on sexual harm. She oversees Tika’s client onboarding process, ensuring every client receives compassionate, efficient support, and leads a dedicated team of lawyers providing expert legal advice to those affected by sexual harm.
Alison Mau, a former journalist and broadcaster, is a leading advocate for survivors of sexual harm. As one of New Zealand’s foremost communications experts, Alison leads Tika’s advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach, making sure survivor voices are heard and championed across Aotearoa.
We are grateful for the expertise, aroha, and partnership Zoë, Alison, and Tika bring to our shared work supporting wāhine, tamariki, and whānau.
- Dean Clarkson & WANA
Dean Clarkson & WANA - Friends of Rodney Refuge
We are honoured to count Dean Clarkson and WANA among our friends and partners at Rodney Women’s Refuge. Based in Takānini, South Auckland, WANA is dedicated to supporting tāne in Aotearoa with lived experiences of violence. Founded by Dean Clarkson, WANA offers culturally-grounded, holistic services and programs rooted in aroha and wairuatanga, with a vision to reconnect tāne and strengthen whānau.
WANA empowers tāne through tikanga-based group programs, one-to-one coaching, and a welcoming drop-in service. Their mahi is pioneering—WANA is working towards establishing Aotearoa’s first refuge for male victims of family harm and their tamariki, providing sanctuary and wrap-around support for up to three whānau in a semi-rural setting. We are grateful for Dean’s leadership and for WANA’s commitment to healing, empowerment, and transformation for tāne, whānau, and the wider community. Our shared kaupapa strengthens the safety and wellbeing of all.
Ngā mihi nui, Dean and WANA, for your partnership and aroha.
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