Our Team

John became Chief Executive in February 2023 and, prior to that, was Chief Financial Officer for ACC in Wellington. His working career has spanned both private and public sectors, taking him to Russia, UK and Australia. John has been a chartered accountant since 1994, grew up in Wellington and has made many trips to the Wairarapa chasing good surf and tramping in the surrounding hills. He has two children, and keeps busy doing and teaching traditional karate, surfing, playing golf, trail running, skiing and singing in a band. John feels very privileged to be a part of WBS and its purpose ‘Helping our community prosper’.

Katrina has been living in Wairarapa since 2016, and joined WBS in May 2022. She grew up in Auckland and previously spent 10 years living in the Coromandel. Her career has focused on roles within commercial organisations across a broad range of sectors including finance, local government, charitable societies and telecommunications. In her spare time, Katrina volunteers for a community Charitable Trust and enjoys gardening, walking, and spending time with family.

Anna has been part of the WBS team since May 2019 and is proud to work for an organisation that is truly focused on helping customers and doing right by them. Anna brings over 25 years of experience working in various roles within the banking and financial sector. Outside of work, Anna enjoys the outdoors with her husband and two gorgeous daughters.

Ruth heads up the Loans Team, meeting with clients and assessing loan applications and growth opportunities in the Wairarapa. She has 30 years of banking experience, having previously worked for large trading banks specialising in business, commercial and domestic finance. Ruth appreciates the team’s focus on personalised service. “It’s like banking used to be before 0800 numbers and centralisation – true relationship banking.” Ruth also runs a furniture restoration business with her husband, Tony.

Melissa joined our team in May 2023 as Head of Marketing and Community Investment. She has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications roles across Wairarapa and Wellington. She has worked on a variety of projects in the financial sector, including for Kiwibank, the Co-operative Bank, and the online accounting firm, Xero. She’s also a judge in the annual Plain Language Awards. Melissa loves being part of an organisation that has an overall goal of helping its community prosper.

Stephen joined the WBS Loans Team at the end 2021, and loves helping people into their own homes. With a background in both banking and retail, he notes that building relationships is central to both industries. “Once you and the customer are on the same page you can work together to achieve their goals.” Stephen was born in Wigan, England, but has spent most of his life in the Wairarapa. He loves music, and has played in bands on and off since he was 17.

Rose joined the WBS team in March 2022, and brings with her 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Her role as mortgage and lending specialist sees her supporting customers throughout their journey, which she finds very rewarding. Rose has lived in the Wairarapa all her life, and likes that WBS belongs to the Wairarapa community, with all profits staying local. She enjoys spending time around the spectacular Cape Palliser area, and family time with her husband, children and many grandchildren.

Di is our longest serving team member, having been with WBS for 18 years. She is part of the loans team, compiling loan documentation and providing client support throughout the loan process. Di has great attention to detail, honed by years working in legal practices. Outside of work, Di is an active member of the local dog agility community, training her incredible border collies, and entering competitions throughout the country.

Melissa is part of the Loans Team, compiling loan documentation and providing client support throughout the loan process. She has been with WBS for seven years, and has previously worked in both the legal and banking industries. Melissa enjoys working for a locally owned organisation that provides personalised service, and not just a one-size-fits-all experience. She has spent most of her life in the Wairarapa, and manages the family farm near Masterton alongside her husband.

Rachael is a local girl, born and bred in Wairarapa. After finishing school, she left to study a degree in social work at the University of Canterbury, before heading for the bright lights of Melbourne. She then returned home in 2016 and joined the WBS team in 2017. After the birth of her daughter, Tilly, and a year at home, Rachael returned back to work at the start of 2023 and now works part-time in the loans out team.

Kathryn takes care of our investment accounts, and enjoys giving customers the best service possible and tailoring solutions that work for them. “We have flexibility around our products, and can customise them to suit needs and lifestyle.” Kathryn has always called Wairarapa home, and has a depth of local banking experience. She has been part of the WBS team for 12 years, and has built many longstanding customer relationships over that time. Outside of work, she enjoys making the most of Wairarapa’s many nature trails and walks, and spending time with family and friends.

Jasmine joined WBS in early 2022 to help with a digitisation project and she has been indispensable in her general support since. Her role has extended out to our operations team as well as general support with community investment. Jasmine has always lived in Masterton and has extensive retail management and customer service experience. She enjoys cooking, reading, and tramping, and is always planning her next overseas trip with her husband.

Gayan joined the WBS team as Finance and Risk Manager in September 2023. Born in Sri Lanka, Gayan’s strengths in the fields of accounting and auditing led him into roles in England, the Bahamas and, in 2019, New Zealand, where, luckily for us, he has stayed. Gayan now lives in Masterton with his wife and two young children. Gayan is a registered chartered accountant. He has several years’ experience working in the insurance, investment, manufacturing and government sectors, including local government. When he’s not busy with his role in the finance team at WBS, Gayan loves spending time with his family and playing (or watching) cricket.

Jack is a recent returnee to the WBS team, undertaking a variety of accounting-related tasks. Jack was initially a chef, and worked in various positions until he fell into accounting. He has held finance roles ever since. A former Aucklander turned Martinborough local, he appreciates WBS’ emphasis on supporting the Wairarapa community. Jack is highly experienced and widely travelled, and enjoys challenging himself and those around him with The Times Daily Quiz.

As the friendly face at the front counter, Jess is normally the first person to welcome customers as they walk through the door. Born and bred in Bluff, Jess previously worked in the tourism industry and was Bluff’s first female volunteer fire fighter before moving to the Wairarapa three years ago. Jess loves being part of a team that prides itself on its service. “Our entire team genuinely cares about our customers, and works to do what’s best for them.” Outside of work, Jess loves spending time with her three beautiful children, being social, listening to music, and tramping.