Our story
We began as a concept of Neil McNaughton, who alongside others noted the gap in the provision of advocacy services within the Hutt Valley area. These consumers became known as the working committee who formed in 2000 to become the Hutt Valley Services Steering Group. These people included ex-Wellington Mental Health Consumers Union Manager, Mike Sukolski, Anne Stidworthy, Gary Platz, Donald Gaudin – Consumer Advisor Q-nique, and Beatrice McNaughton.
We needed an umbrella organisation to take responsibility for it, and Second Chance Enterprises stood up to the challenge. When a contract for Peer Support and Advocacy was secured, we opened the doors in 2002 where Peer Workers volunteered their time and worked in pairs.
The organisation continued to grow and evolve, and in 2008, left the umbrella of Second Chance Enterprises to achieve our dream of independence. Since then, we have undergone more changes to better meet the needs of members. We now provide peer support, advocacy, education and transitional housing services to people in the Wellington region.
We are proud to have been part of the community for over twenty years.
Our service is underpinned by recovery principles.
We have adopted the six key recovery principles provided by our funders. These were defined from a variety of sources (MHC 1998, Onken 2002, Anthony 2000) which attempt to capture the essence of the recovery approach:
Personhood:
Hope, individual uniqueness, respect, responsibility, developing a sense of meaning.
Basic needs:
A liveable income, safe and decent housing, healthcare and transportation.
Social connectedness:
Being connected with others in mutually supportive and beneficial ways.
Citizenship:
Engaging in meaningful activities that connect one to the community.
Empowerment:
Self-determining services, users gaining power and control over their lives through access to meaningful activities that connect one to the community.
Best practice culture:
Services based on best practice have positive, open culture that encourages ongoing training and development for their staff and service users.
Our Board
Board members are elected by members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 12 months.
Our Board members are responsible for the corporate governance of Oasis Network Inc. and act in its best interests.
Oasis Network Inc. Board members are able to demonstrate a wide range of skills and experience in social housing management, accounting and finance, community welfare, property procurement, law, social policy development, asset management, information and technology, and HR management.
Our current board members are Maria Lynch (Chairperson), Peter Humphreys (Deputy Chairperson), Cecelia Henderson (Treasurer), Daniel Tunnell (Board Member) and Recardo Bosch (Chief Executive Officer/Secretary).
Our Team
Executive
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Recardo Bosch
recardo.bosch@oasisnetwork.org.nz
Recardo has extensive management experience in the social housing sector.
Prior to being appointed to his current role he has held various managerial positions with Housing New Zealand Corporation (Kainga Ora) and Wellington City Council (City Housing).
His proven leadership and management skills, coupled with his strong financial, quantitative and people skills have proved successful in building a strong and dynamic organisation committed to providing holistic, long-term solutions that support education, well-being and provide clients with opportunities to improve their economic and social wellbeing,
He holds a Master of Commerce (Logistics Management) from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Client Services
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Suman Joon
suman.joon@oasisnetwork.org.nz
Suman brings over 17 years of proven expertise in customer service, coupled with strong leadership skills, ensuring a solid foundation for delivering exceptional experiences.
With a deep understanding of mental health stress gained from personal experiences, brings her compassionate perspective to this role.
Her priority is to create safe and inviting experiences for service users, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction at every interaction.
![20260803_123655[1]_edited_edited_edited.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e09358_01bfd05e62cf4d8ea2746d8362e864bd~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_53,w_1500,h_1321/fill/w_402,h_354,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20260803_123655%5B1%5D_edited_edited_edited_.jpg)
CLIENT ADVOCATE
Richard Armstrong
richard.armstrong@oasisnetwork.org.nz
With over 20 years of personal lived experience and nearly a decade of experience with the Ministry of Justice, Richard is passionate about supporting people on their mental health journey. Richard is committed to promoting positive mental wellbeing, reducing stigma and empowering individuals through understanding, connection and hope.
Richard's strong interpersonal skills and his ability to build rapport with diverse groups will be instrumental in his role as an client advocate.
CLIENT SUPPORTER
Angie Egerton
angie.egerton@oasisnetwork.org.nz
As a young person Angie had experience of mental distress only to find she had gotten through the worst of experiences and come out positive on the other side. She was asked to speak to a group of families about her experiences, which led to more speaking and working on The like Minds Like Campaign to Counter stigma and Discrimination associated with mental distress, which she was involved with for about 10 years.
Angie also worked for Atareira (former Supporting Families Wellington) as an Education Worker. This role took her into the community to talk about experiences of distress, resilience, and mental health particularly to High School students in greater Wellington. She also spoke to community groups, medical students, nursing students, support work students, families, AOD groups, workplaces, teachers, a Marae, conferences, and addressed politicians at parliament on Schizophrenia awareness week. She spoke another time at parliament from the perspective of a young person with experience of distress.
Through this she had the opportunity to do media work and appeared in two documentaries to increase awareness of mental distress and appeared in written media a few times also.
On the next part of her journey, she became a Buddy at Wellington Hospital psychiatric ward which is peers support, and then studied peer support. This led her to Oasis Network, and everyone together, peers, staff and volunteers make this a very unique and valuable place for Angie to be.
CLIENT SUPPORTER
Ana Likio
Ana brings with her a remarkable 18-years of experience from her tenure at Idea Services Ltd, coupled with Level 4 Mental Health Support Work Certificate.
Known for her warmth and easy-going nature, Ana's extensive background as a Support Worker reflects a deep-seated dedication to helping others navigate life's challenges.
Her transition to our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to enhance our abilities to provide exceptional support to those we serve.
VOLUNTEER
Tony Archer
Tony has been a volunteer at Oasis Network Inc for over nine years.
He is an incredibly important part of our team. He is dependable, reliable, and is always a pleasure to have around.
Tony is a fantastic ambassador and is always welcoming to our new guests including our trainee doctors.
He will easily engage in conversation instantly creating a comforting and warm atmosphere.
Tony volunteers 5 days a week and keeps our office running smoothly. He helps with our Kaibosh food rescue programme and ensures we have all the supplies we need in the office.
Tony is truly our rockstar.
![20250312_130743[1]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e09358_548e545af638430bae1db9602cb0f12e~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_130,y_0,w_1232,h_1421/fill/w_390,h_450,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20250312_130743%5B1%5D_edited.jpg)
VOLUNTEER
Alan Wilkinson
Alan has been a valued member at Oasis Network Inc since 2009 and have contributed a lot of hours doing volunteer work.
His commitment, enthusiasm, and kindness help create a welcoming environment for both our team and the people we serve, whether through assisting at events, or helping day-to-day operations.
Alan volunteers 4 days a week and we are grateful for his hard work and dedication.
When not volunteering, Alan enjoys walks at beach, gardening and cars.
Education
GROUP FACILITATOR
Alex McCarthy
Alex brings years of experience as a graphic designer, with a strong creative foundation and attention to detail. In addition to this, Alex has developed valuable skills as a group facilitator, leading art and craft sessions that encourage creativity, self-expression, and confidence among participants.
Alex also facilitates Women's group creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where participants feel heard, respected, and empowered. Through a strengths-based approach, Alex fosters connection, open communication, and mutual support.
Alex believes that learning goes both ways and embraces this approach, valuing the knowledge, experiences, and perspectives that participants bring to the group.
GROUP FACILITATOR
Gary Platz
Gary brings over 30 years of invaluable experience to Oasis Network Inc, derived from his distinguished tenure in the mental health sector as an advisor and Educator.
He has run workshops throughout New Zealand, Australia, North America and the United kingdom.
His deep understanding of mental health challenges, informed not only by his professional background but also by his own lived experiences. Gary believes that receiving a mental health diagnosis is more than just a collection of symptoms - it's a Reality.
Through "Realities Group," Gary provides a safe space for individuals to explore and address various aspects of mental health by leading candid discussions, fostering mutual support and empowerment among participants. His passion for improving the lives of many in the community is evident in his work.
GROUP FACILITATOR
Daniel Tunnell
Daniel is a valued member of the Oasis Network Inc. where he has been involved for a few years and has supported the Men's group as needed. He is reliable, dependable, and brings valuable lived experiences with mental health.
Daniel also volunteered with St. John for seven years. In his spare time, he enjoys walking and gardening.
Housing services
HOUSING COORDINATOR
Bevan Shaw
bevan.shaw@oasisnetwork.org.nz
Bevan comes to Oasis Network with an extensive background in the public sector.
He also comes with a background in Corrections, IRD, Ministry of Justice and more recently as a tenancy advisor/manager in the social housing sector. Bevan is very enthusiastic and passionate in his role as coordinator with Oasis Transitional Housing.
HOUSING COORDINATOR
Roger August
Roger came to New Zealand in 2010 and worked in the Operations Control Room at Wellington International Airport.
Prior to coming to New Zealand, he was employed for 15 years as the Resource Planner for a Pay TV Call Centre and owned my own trucking company for approximately 6 years.
Before he joined Oasis Network Inc, he was employed as the Logistics Coordinator at Mary Potter Hospice where he was responsible for volunteer management, trucking and building operations.
ADMINISTRATOR
Susan Bosch
susan.bosch@oasisnetwork.org.nz
Susan comes from a customer focused background having had a successful career in retail for over 20 years having formed very positive relationships with customers, colleagues and employers.
She brings those same positive qualities to Oasis Network. She is based predominantly on our reception desk and continues to form those same positive relationships.
HOUSING NAVIGATOR
Richard Morete
richard.morete@oasisnetwork.org.nz
Richard joined the Oasis team in 2019 and has held various roles in the both client services and transitional housing.
Before this he was working for the then Housing New Zealand and Wellington City Council predominantly managing the social housing registers and allocation of applicants to vacant homes.
Richard's current role as housing navigator involves assisting our current transitional housing residents to secure suitable housing post transitional housing.