About Us
Vision
An inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.
Mission
Fighting to end the cycle of poverty and disability.
Values
- We believe everyone is equal before God. We are passionate about working with people with disabilities to build a world in which all people are included, valued and respected.
- We work for positive change, inspired by a vision of a just and equitable world. We will model justice and faithful love as Jesus did, serving those in greatest need, regardless of race, gender, age or religious belief.
- We are committed to achieving the greatest possible impact from the resources entrusted to us, attaining high quality in all our work. We challenge ourselves to constantly learn, innovate and improve.
- We achieve more when we work with others. We commit to partnership, listening and learning together. We collaborate creatively with partners, supporters, governments and colleagues to achieve lasting change.
- We show God’s character by seeking to live by our values and fulfill our commitments. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters and those we serve, seeking to live authentically, responsibly and honestly.
History
cbm (known as the Christian Blind Mission) was founded by the German Pastor, Ernst Jakob Christoffel in Turkey in 1908. His pioneering work, establishing homes for blind children, orphans and the physically disabled in the Middle East and Asia, was driven by his deep faith in God. Although two world wars threatened to destroy his work, he did not give up, continuing the work through illness and into old age.
Today cbm continues in his footsteps, as an international Christian development organisation, working to improve the quality of life of the world’s poorest persons with disabilities.
Staff
Murray Sheard
CEO
Murray was born in Wellington and grew up in Thames. From there, he has lived and worked across the world, including a year within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Murray joined cbm in August 2018, after working at Tearfund
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Robyn Tane
Engagement Director
Robyn has worked in the charitable sector for over 12 years. Originally working in the finance sector, she says she had an ‘ah ha’ moment in her first charity role where she could ‘finally use her skills to help people.’
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Judi Jones
Finance & Operations Director
Judi grew up in South Africa, and moved to Auckland with her family in 2009.She joined cbm in June 2019, after having served as a financial auditor for 25 years across various industries and sectors
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Linabel Hadlee
International Programmes Director
Linabel has contributed with work and research in the international development field for the last 15 years. Linabel’s previous experience includes roles in the United Nation’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs based in New York and as an advisor for the United Nations Environmental Programme.
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Hermie Petersen
Engagement Manager
Hermie joined the cbm team in 2010. Prior to working for cbm she lived in South Africa and worked as an External Business Banker. What I love about my job is: I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of cbm.
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Bruce Morriss
Engagement Manager
Bruce came to cbm in November 2018 after almost 21 years in the charity sector. Up until 2009 he worked part-time for Tearfund and part-time as a Mechanical Services Engineer in Christchurch.
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Board Members
Hanre Becker
Board Chair
Hanre Becker
Andrew Smith
Board Member
Andrew Smith
Ray Coster
Board Member
Ray Coster
Veronia Houghton
Board Member
Veronia Houghton
Geraldine Crudge
Board Member
Geraldine Crudge
Evan Clulee
Board Member
Evan Clulee
Neil Murray
Board Member
Neil Murray
Ian Horne
Board Member
Ian Horne
Our team would love to hear from you