From Lance Lawler: Chair of Research For Life March 2025:

I am delighted to announce that we have a new Secretary/Treasurer, Melissa Sommerville. Mel would like to introduce herself to you, as follows:

'Kia ora koutou,
My name is Mel Sommerville and I’m the new Board Secretary/Treasurer. I look forward to
meeting you all in due course.

I grew up in Churton Park, Wellington and spent the majority of my younger life focused on my love of music, completing classical exams in piano, music theory, and voice.

Following university study in music and design, I spent some time working in administration and recruitment before co-founding a vintage clothing shop and alteration business on Cuba Street. During this period I juggled many different roles, managing the accounts for the business and working part time in a financial administration role for a not for profit organisation. I also returned to music, performing weekly around Wellington as a member of a couple of different bands.

Following the wind up of my business I spent some time in Europe teaching English and
volunteering through the Workaway programme in Italy and Portugal. Since returning to New Zealand, I have worked for various not for profit organisations in Finance and Operations including a volunteer Treasurer role for a small hygiene equity charity.

Alongside the work for the Wellington Medical Research Foundation, I also work part-time as the Finance and HR Manager for Autism New Zealand. Outside of work, I enjoy life on the Kāpiti Coast with my partner and two young girls.'

Helen and Mel are working together on the handover, before Helen's last day on 31 March.

On behalf of all of us, I wish Helen all the best and warmly welcome Mel.