Brett Thorburn has been on the Coeliac NZ Board for over 10 years and contributed to the development of the Dining Out Programme. He was previously living in Italy where his daughter was diagnosed with coeliac disease at age 2 years old which initiated his involvement with the Italian Coeliac Society. Brett's long-term involvement in the organisation brings continued stability, knowledge, and experience in his role as Chair.

In his spare time, Brett likes to explore the Hauraki Gulf or take to the hills on tramping expeditions – although most hikes are less ambitious than his successful ascent of Kilimanjaro in 2008.

Kirsty Vercoe has been on the Board since 2019. She is the Board representative amongst the MAP group, a pharmacist by training and currently the General Manager Commercial and Partnerships at MercyAscot Hospitals in Auckland.  Her journey with Coeliac NZ began in 2012 when she was diagnosed with coeliac disease in her late 20s. Despite having family members and friends with the disease, she found that the support and information she received from the organisation during those initial months helped her adjust to the new diet and lifestyle. She lives in Auckland with her food scientist husband and young children and has a passion for health and wellbeing.

Corinne was co-opted onto the CNZ board as Treasurer on the 26 September 2018.  Her desire to be part of the Coeliac NZ board stemmed from her family’s journey into the gluten free world in 2016 when her eldest daughter was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease just prior to her fifth birthday. She believes in the positive power of a support network behind each person diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and sees Coeliac NZ playing an important part of that. She now believes it is her turn to give back and have a direct influence in the support other CNZ members receive to enable them to live healthy lives.

Jenny Kuttel has wide-ranging business experience in industries including rail operations in New Zealand and Australia and sawmilling operations in New Zealand. She has expertise in project management, policy development and, implementation, operations management, human resources management and, management consulting services.

She has been a member of CNZ since 1986 and still remembers the difference the society, made for her when she was first diagnosed.  Now retired after a busy career and returned to NZ she would like to contribute to the ongoing success of the society and the work it is doing for all those with coeliac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis or, gluten intolerance.  She knows there are still challenges with raising awareness across many sectors, including the medical profession and the hospitality industry.  CNZ can take credit for the dramatic changes in awareness over past decades, and she would like to assist with that continuing journey.

Max Smitheram is a policy analyst and has his own consultancy company.  He was diagnosed by biopsy in 2007, and is interested in encouraging earlier and improved diagnosis rates for all people with coeliac disease. As a coeliac for life he believes that retaining and extending our membership base and working together is critical to effective advocacy as is having a strong national voice and organisation. Max also likes to drink cold gluten-free beer - preferably at a cabaret or in a sweaty salsa joint, with his cat Dr Roosgrit or onboard a small boat! He is a supporter of the Dining out Programme and is keen to improve food and beverage labelling requirements and compliance, which would provide more selection and help keep coeliac's safe.

Katie Martin was diagnosed as coeliac along with her son Tom 8 years ago when he was 3 years old.  She joined Coeliac New Zealand as soon as she was diagnosed and has found it an invaluable resource and support.  She has a strong background in hospitality, catering and events with over 20 years in the industry and is passionate about increasing awareness of coeliac disease. Katie is also an accomplished musician and works as a creative producer in the events sector.  She is based in Christchurch and is excited about the opportunity to be on the board of Coeliac New Zealand.