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Photo of the Eastern Coromandel Community Services team

Meet our team

Photo of Jess on the beach with two young children

General Manager - Jess Morrison

Hello, I'm Jess.

Since joining Community Services in November 2021, I’ve held a number of roles across the organisation, which has given me a broad understanding of our work and deepened my commitment to the community we serve. My current role encompasses overall management, marketing, community development, and financial oversight.

I’m passionate about supporting and strengthening our local community, and I’m proud of the diverse and meaningful services we provide.

I have lived in Whangamata since 2020. Outside of work, my greatest joys are my twin girls, creating art and painting, and spending time by the coast.

Counsellor - Moira Shorten

Tena koutou katoa,

I am Scottish but have lived in New Zealand in rural South Auckland for over 30 years.

I have recently moved to live permanently in Whangamata after several years of holiday visits.

I am a trained counsellor and have been a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors since 1997. I joined the Community Services in 2022.

I have worked with children, adults and particularly teenagers as a school counsellor and in private practice. I have undertaken training in child mental health and psychotherapy practice. I also offer supervision for counsellors and others in the helping professions.

I am married with three adult children and 7 mokopuna.

Counsellor - Adrian Latta

My name is Adrian Latta. I have been working with ECCST since 2023.

I have been a counsellor for 20 years, and I have worked with a broad range of clients, and presenting issues, from high school students to court mandated offenders.

As a counsellor I am passionate about assisting people to process difficult life events and to reach the potential that best fits them.

I was born and raised in southland, and my early working life included being a shed hand, a farm hand, driving machinery and doing silviculture for the NZ forest service.

My interests include music and cycling. I played in bands for a few years semi-professionally and managed to win several cycle races.

I met my second wife 12 years ago and we decided to move to the beautiful Coromandel, which had always been a dream of mine. I like to go to the beach when I can, either to play in the waves or catch the odd fish.

Family Violence Intervention & Prevention / Whānau Support - Heleene White

Kia Ora, my name is Heleene White.

I have been working at the Community Services since 2019.

In my role I support and advocate for whanau in a range of areas including but not limited to, family harm, food support, community connection.

My mahi is to empower Whanau to confidently navigate services, whilst creating opportunities to develop life skills to ensure their ultimate wellbeing.

In the Family Harm space I work along side both the Victim, Perpetrator and Whanau to ensure the safety and wellbeing needs are meet for everyone.

As a wrap around support for whanau, I present the ‘Seasons for Growth’ program to Tamariki experiencing difficulties as well as Parenting Programs.

My passion is ‘People and Place’ connecting the two.

I am fortunate to live in Whangamata with my two Tamariki, we love everything this amazing place has to offer and utilise the incredible beach and bush.

Reception / Administration - Renee Wallis

Kia ora koutou,

I’m Renee and am the main receptionist here at ECCST. I’ve been with the organisation since 2022 with a short break in 2024. My role is a varied community support and coordination role – supporting all clients with a wide range of enquiries, and making sure they’re connected to the appropriate service either internally or externally, alongside keeping the administrative side of the organisation ticking. I thoroughly enjoy my mahi, and find it grounding, humbling and deeply rewarding.

I’ve been in the Whangamatā area for over 5 years and feel blessed to live in such a beautiful coastal community. When I’m not at mahi I’m teaching yoga, making herbal medicine, surfing, and enjoying our vibrant ngāhere.