OUR BOARD

I've dedicated over 20 years to the health sector, working in Māori, Pasifika, Secondary and Primary Health.

Currently, I am proud to serve as the Community and Operations Manager for Marlborough Primary Health & as the General Manager for the Marlborough Pasifika Trust.

For the past decade, I've been involved with various boards focused on empowering our rangatahi, improving the justice system and uplifting those in need. I am the Chairperson for the Marlborough Youth Trust and the Chairperson for Ngati Toarangatira Ki Wairau Trust and recently I've been volunteering with Emergency Response Team 20 and serving as an NZ Justice of the Peace.

My favourite aspect of Crossroads is that is it a place where you’re seen and where you matter, a place to feel safe, to share a meal, to find the kind of friends who feel like family.

I'm grateful for the opportunities to give back to my community. 

Kia ora, my name is Laura, and I’m proud to be a member of the Crossroads board. 

My background spans sales, marketing, education, financial services, and retail management, and I have recently embarked on a new career with the Ministry of Social Development. Alongside this, I run a local sustainable community market that gives people the chance to shop preloved while supporting others in the community.

I joined the Crossroads board because I believe in creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued. 

Community has always been at the heart of what I do, and over the years I’ve been involved with organisations such as Marlborough Four Paws, Connect Church, the Salvation Army, Breast Cancer Foundation, Black Dog Institute, and the Cotton On Foundation. Being part of Crossroads is a way for me to continue giving back and contributing to something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, exploring creative projects like sewing and upcycling, and spending time with our animals. I’m also continuing my learning journey through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, where I am studying to deepen my understanding of te ao Māori and the values that guide our communities.

By day, I am the Solid Waste Manager at the Marlborough District Council, where I oversee waste minimisation and recycling initiatives to keep our region clean and sustainable. I was invited to join the Crossroads board in 2023 and stepped into the Chair role in 2024, guiding the organisation’s strategy and growth. I draw inspiration from our Board, Volunteers and Staff and enjoy seeing what people can achieve when they rally together to help others.

I have just stepped down, after almost five years, from the Business Trust Marlborough Board to dedicate more time to Crossroads. I enjoy volunteering my time as a Surf Lifeguard at Rarangi Surf Club and a member of Marlborough Land Search and Rescue.

I love the work that Crossroads does for the community. The Wednesday night dinners are a real favourite of mine, offering a warm space to connect with people from all walks of life. I cherish every opportunity to meet and serve those who come through Crossroads’ doors.

Kia ora, my name is Laura, and I’m proud to be a member of the Crossroads board. 

My background spans sales, marketing, education, financial services, and retail management, and I have recently embarked on a new career with the Ministry of Social Development. Alongside this, I run a local sustainable community market that gives people the chance to shop preloved while supporting others in the community.

I joined the Crossroads board because I believe in creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued. 

Community has always been at the heart of what I do, and over the years I’ve been involved with organisations such as Marlborough Four Paws, Connect Church, the Salvation Army, Breast Cancer Foundation, Black Dog Institute, and the Cotton On Foundation. Being part of Crossroads is a way for me to continue giving back and contributing to something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, exploring creative projects like sewing and upcycling, and spending time with our animals. I’m also continuing my learning journey through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, where I am studying to deepen my understanding of te ao Māori and the values that guide our communities.

As the New Zealand Defence Force Facilities Manager Site Supervisor, Dean naturally takes on a paternal role in his works. It’s this ‘care for others’ approach which drew him to support Crossroads in 2020 by joining the board. He was encouraged to join by Yvonne Dassler the founder of Johns Kitchen (Crossroads predecessor). Dean brings his 30 + years of working with and coordinating scouts, and involvement with a wide range of Marlborough charities to the Crossroads Board.

 When not busy at Woodburne or helping with Crossroads, Dean is a keen tramper and enjoys overseas travels exploring new places.

 Deans’ positive nature and ‘can do” attitude has supported, and continues to support, change at Crossroads for the betterment of the community the organisation serves.

Anna Bensemann, Director and Senior Planner at Baseline Group Marlborough, is a dedicated planner and mentor who has built a thriving business over the past eight years. A local farm girl from Wairau Valley, Anna is passionate about supporting her community through involvement on local boards, industry leadership, and mentoring young professionals. She leads by example with her positive, can-do attitude and commitment to helping others succeed.

Anna lives off-grid in a mud brick home she and her husband built themselves and enjoys spending time with her family — especially out on the water in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

In 2024, Anna joined Crossroads to continue giving back to the community, supporting the organisation’s mission through her governance experience and strong belief in the power of community connection and care.

My name is Carmen Marshall, and I have worked for the Department of Social Development for 6 years now.

I joined the Crossroads Board as I see the need for extra help out in the community every day. I believe that giving my knowledge and time to help such a great organization can help so many people.

I was looking for another voluntary role as I used to be a Scout leader when my children were members.

One thing I love about Crossroads is that when I am there serving dinner or popping in for a visit I get to just chill out with customers who are there. The team of volunteers are amazing, and we all just get on with the work.

In my free time I love to go outdoors for tramps, bush walks, gardening and walking our dog. I also love spending time with our family and especially our very treasured grandson.

School and Marlborough Boys College. I owned and operated Telephone House, a telecommunications business in Marlborough for 25 years and continue to live here with my wife Julie. We are fortunate to have children and grandchildren in our lives also.

I had a motorcycle accident in 1980 which left me in a wheelchair. I am so lucky to have great family and friends around me as I know what it is like to have a great support network, which is why I am proud to be able to support the great work Crossroads offers our community, helping foster friendships and support networks through food.