Who we are

Safer Mid Canterbury is the largest locally-driven provider of community services in the Ashburton district. We are a non-profit organisation that has been operating as a charitable trust for more than 30 years, providing free and confidential services that focus on a healthier, stronger and safer community for all.

Safer Mid Canterbury is a non-profit community organisation that has been operating as a charitable trust for more than 30 years. It provides free and confidential community services for the Ashburton district. We prioritise the delivery of early intervention programmes to support and strengthen whānau. We help people to make good choices and provide positive opportunities and pathways for change.

Since its inception in 1994, Safer Mid Canterbury has progressively grown and now employs diverse kaimahi across many programme areas. We also have volunteers supporting these programmes; extensive community support; and engagement with other agencies and providers across the district. Safer Mid Canterbury is the largest locally-driven provider of community services in the Ashburton district.

We deliver programmes and services in response to community need. We support vulnerable whānau, tamariki, youth justice clients, adult offenders, and new migrants.

Safer Mid Canterbury also employs staff on behalf of other small, non-profit organisations. Kaimahi for these organisations report to their respective Trusts at a governance level, and Safer Mid Canterbury handles the day-to-day management and employment of staff. The structure of this relationship saves small organisations from having to become employers; provides staff with the support and direction of a larger organisation with robust policies and procedures; and saves on administration overheads.

Our story | Ā mātou korero

Our kaupapa and our story can be told through this woven diamond pattern. It represents our purpose, our strength and our commitment to working within a bicultural framework. The four colours interwoven in the pattern represent our services and what we are committed to doing within our hapori every day.

Our trustees | Ō mātou taratī

Liz McMillan

Chair of Safe Communities
Liz was appointed as the Chair of Safe Communities following her appointment to the Board as Ashburton District Council’s representative in September 2017. Liz is the Deputy Mayor of Ashburton and is currently serving her second term on the Council. Liz is also chair of the Mid Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust and was Chair of the Caring for Communities steering group when it was active during the district's COVID-19 response.

Don McLeod

Chair of Safer Mid Canterbury Trustees
Don has been a Safer Mid Canterbury Board member since 2013, including several years as Board Chairperson. He is a former secondary school principal and former Ashburton District Councillor, who has a strong interest in people and the community. He served on the board of Ashburton Community Alcohol and Drug Service (ACADS) for 17 years, including 10 as Chairperson. Other offices held have included being a member of the Community House Mid Canterbury and Neighbourhood Support Boards, and he has twice been President of the Rotary Club of Ashburton.

Jeanette Tarbotton

Jeanette has a long history of community involvement and has been with Safer Mid Canterbury since its early days. She is a representative of the local chapter of Age Concern, which works in the interests of elderly residents, and has also been involved with Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand, and the Ashburton Lions Club.

Max Cawte

Max is the managing director of Ashburton Powdercoating and has been contributing his skills and knowledge to Safer Mid Canterbury since he joined us as a trustee in 2011. He is also a long-term member of the Ashburton Lions Club, and has previously served as their President.

Russell Ellis

Russell first came on board as a representative from Ashburton District Council and served for about five years until he moved away from the district. On his return, we were quick to invite him back as a trustee. Russell brings strong business skills and an enthusiasm for his community, particularly a passion for supporting the wellbeing of young people.

Tony Todd

Tony was appointed to the Board following the 2022 local body elections. He is a first-time councillor and this is his first appointment with Safer Mid Canterbury. Tony is well known in the community and has served on many boards and committees, along with being an Ashburton clothing retailer for many years.

Our supporters | Ō mātou kaitautoko

• Lions Club of Ashburton
• Advance Ashburton
• Ashburton District Council
• Oranga Tamariki
• Community Trust Mid and South Canterbury
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Justice
• NZ Lottery Board
• Te Ora Hou
• Youth Institute of Ashburton
• Lion Foundation
• Public Trust
• COGS
• ACC