Lynette Finnie

General Manager

GeneralManager@FamilyCare.org.nz

How long have you been with Anglican Family Care and what’s your background in?

I started in the role in December 2024. My move to Anglican Family Care follows a 34-year career working in Public Health in New Zealand. This includes 18-years in people leadership roles as a Team Leader and then Service Manager for the Otago and Southland. Public Health has an equity approach to improve health outcomes especially for Māori by working with communities to create environments that support health and wellbeing. As Service Manager I was also responsible for the Violence Intervention Programme Team.

What inspired you to pursue a career in social work/family care?

I really enjoy being in people leadership roles and I find it rewarding to work somewhere with the purpose of making a difference for people. I was excited to apply for the role of General Manager as this was the perfect combination of both.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Knowing the focus of the kaimahi here is about improving the wellbeing for whānau and tamariki.

What do you get up to outside of work? What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing?

There are lots of things I enjoy doing outside of work. Spending time with whānau and friends is really important to me. I love to travel both in New Zealand and overseas when I can. You will often find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen and I am a regular baker for the Dunedin chapter of GBB. A recent break from working has meant I have had time to sewing and hand stitching, as well as reading lots of books.