Vision & Mission
Our Principles
The purpose of the MSAA Trust is to educate and connect people, particularly those affected by mesothelioma.
Our core principles are as follows:
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Connect mesothelioma patients and carers with others to provide support through commonality.
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Investigate and share treatment options available globally.
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Raise awareness of malignant mesothelioma amongst the community and industry in New Zealand to support policy and regulations.
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Provide relevant and helpful information for those affected by mesothelioma (and their families).
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Develop a link between medical and other services in New Zealand and up to date information on mesothelioma.
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Raise awareness of the exposure (pathways and prevention) for asbestos which may lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma.
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Advocate for better (current) treatment and equity in terms of treatment availability.
Mesothelioma may not be curable,
but it is the most preventable cancer,
because the cause is known;
Asbestos.
Our People
MSAA Board and Volunteers
Dr Terri-Ann Berry
Trustee & Board Chair
Terri-Ann has over 30 years of experience working as a researcher in Environmental Science and Engineering; finding solutions for problems associated with pollution and waste, as co-Director of the Environmental Innovation Centre. Within her part-time role as Associate Professor in AUT's School of Future Environments, her key research interests include managing and mitigating risks associated with asbestos and asbestos-contaminated soils. As Chair of the MSAA Trust, Terri-Ann is passionate about raising awareness of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos to New Zealanders, inside and outside of the workplace. She is dedicated to creating a support network for mesothelioma patients, their carers and their families.
Beatrix Woodhouse
Trustee
Beatrix is a barrister based in Wellington who specialises in medico-legal matters. Beatrix has a special interest in mesothelioma cases and has represented many people with mesothelioma over the years. Beatrix holds a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws and a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioethics and Health Law. Beatrix is an author of Westlaw’s “Health and Safety Law” packages.
Leonie Metcalfe
Trustee
Leonie feels well positioned to be a voice and support for mesothelioma patients and carers following her own diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in 2020. She is passionate about raising awareness of asbestos which is the known cause of mesothelioma. Leonie has 50-plus years of nursing experience and has held leadership roles regionally and nationally within nursing and New Zealand Nurses Organisation. In 2021 Leonie was the recipient of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s ‘Award of Honour’.
Sarah Tohill
Trustee
Sarah has worked in the Asbestos industry for 8+ years as part of her role as Communications Manager for the New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association. Sarah was instrumental in launching the first Asbestos Awareness Week in New Zealand designed to help improve awareness of health risks of asbestos for tradespeople and the general public doing their own home DIY. She sees her role on this board as an extension of these awareness efforts.
Dr Richard Sullivan
Trustee
Richard is a medical oncologist specialising in looking after and treating patients/whanau with mesothelioma, lung cancer and brain tumours. He has over 20 years’ experience and has been a lead researcher in research into new drug trials. He has held numerous leadership roles in the area of cancer care including the Director of the Northern Cancer Network for 15 years. He is currently the Chief Clinical Officer for Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora and Co-chair of the advisory council for Te Aho o Te Kahu (Cancer Control Agency), and Chair of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Governance Group. Richard currently practises at Auckland City Hospital and Canopy Cancer Care. Throughout his career he has been passionate about ensuring patients and whanau who experience mesothelioma get world-class care and treatment.
Luke Daly
Trustee
Luke is the current Managing Director of Advanced Environmental Services Ltd, and has nearly 20 years of experience in the asbestos industry. He has a deep passion for the industry and his commitment to doing the right thing and advocacy for safer work practices led to the development of the Anti-Airborne Encapsulation System, which won the 2024 Active Environmental Solutions Innovation Award at the 2024 FAMANZ Scientific Conference. Luke is a proactive leader in the industry and works with industry bodies and regulators, the government and the media to advocate for greater education and regulation around asbestos.
Dr Shannon Wallis
Secretary & Treasurer
Shannon is a qualified civil engineer working in the research fields of waste and pollution. Her key research area is focused on asbestos and asbestos-contaminated soils. Shannon’s interest in finding solutions for asbestos waste has led to a dedication to raising awareness of asbestos risks in homes and in the workplace, through education.
Donate
Mesothelioma Support & Asbestos Awareness Trust is a registered Charity.
Your contribution will help us to provide support to those affected by mesothelioma, as well as to bring greater awareness to the disease and the risk of asbestos.
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Any amount that you are willing to donate helps and is appreciated.
Click the button below to find out how to donate to the MSAA Trust today.