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 also 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 more than 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 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,’  he says. Stephen loves music and has played in bands since he was 17. He is currently one half of the local band Parky&Son, who play regularly at cafes and functions around the Wairarapa. The other half of the duo is Stephen’s son, Chris.

Rose joined the WBS team in March 2022, and brings with her more than 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.

Lee-Ann joined the WBS team in September 2024. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the banking and finance sector, most of which has involved lending and leadership in the retail and commercial banking space. Lee-Ann loves getting the best out of her team and helping small businesses grow. Away from work, she is ‘horse mad’ and lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a lifestyle block out of Carterton.

Mark joined WBS in August 2026 to lead the Loans and Investment Operations teams. He brings with him more than 30 years of leadership experience in financial services with a number of major banking organisations. Mark was drawn to WBS by its strong commitment to its customers and to the Wairarapa community.

Mark moved to Masterton with his wife and son in 2018, motivated by family ties to the region and the opportunity to embrace a more community-focused lifestyle. Outside of work, he enjoys firing up the smoker for some low-and-slow BBQing.

Roop joined the WBS team in July 2026. She brings more than four years of experience in the banking industry in Canada and has continued her career in financial services since moving to New Zealand in 2023, working in the insurance sector. She enjoys building strong relationships with customers and helping them achieve their financial goals.

Roop is proud to be a part of a locally owned organisation that is genuinely committed to helping the Wairarapa community prosper. Outside of work, she helps her husband run their two local restaurants and enjoys spending time with their young son.

Melissa is part of the loans team, compiling loan documentation and providing client support throughout the loan process. She has been with WBS since 2015, 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.

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 started with WBS in 2010, 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.

Jack is a valuable member of the finance team at WBS, undertaking a variety of accounting-related tasks. Jack is highly experienced and widely travelled. He 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, Jack appreciates WBS’s emphasis on supporting the Wairarapa community. ‘It’s great to work for an organisation that spreads so many benefits out to the local community.’

Annette moved from Wellington to Greytown in 2022 and joined the WBS team in September 2025. With qualifications in Business Studies and Hospitality Management, Annette has spent more than 25 years in various finance roles for several different organisations. She likes the fact that ‘everyone needs an accountant’, which has led her to work in a variety of industries. Annette has twin boys who are currently studying Computer Science & Design in Wellington. When she and her husband are not working on their lifestyle block, you’ll find them entertaining friends and family or relaxing at their bach at Riversdale Beach.