Sandie is the President of the GSA.

Sandie is an experienced Director with a background in education and business.

She has had a successful leadership career in the New Zealand Education sector for more than 25 years spanning all sectors, as well as 10 years in the business sector. Previously Sandie was on the Board of Wintec and Drowning Prevention Auckland. She has mentored YWCA Auckland management and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

I served 40 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy before moving into tertiary education, holding management roles in the Ministry of Education, the Tertiary Education Commission, and Wellington Institute of Technology. From 2014 to 2018, I was GSA’s Executive Officer and later served on the Wellington Branch Committee and GSA Board. On the Board, I led branch health surveys, constitution updates, and key committees. I aim to ensure GSA’s long-term viability amid membership and revenue challenges. I also serve on the Government Superannuation Appeals Board and volunteer with Zealandia and the Remutaka Conservation Trust.

The honour of being on the board is enjoyable and positive. Liaising with members personally across the country is part of this. Being able to assist our annuitants is rewarding.

About me:

In my spare time I volunteer at The Salvation Army and as a driver/companion for Presbyterian Support Southland, enjoy singing in the local Men’s Barbershop Harmony Chorus, photography, especially wildlife, travel, e-biking, challenging my brain by playing Scrabble, and spending time with my grandchildren.

I am committed to preserving—and where possible enhancing—the benefits secured by past GSA members. I have represented the Bay of Plenty Branch at four National Board meetings, strengthening my understanding of governance responsibilities. Since joining the Branch Committee in 2020, I have served as Vice‑Chair, Chair, and now an active member. My career began with NZ Railways as a GSF contributor, followed by senior leadership roles at Go Bus Transport and later consultancy work across the North Island. Now retired, I volunteer with the SPCA and bring energy, governance experience, and strong technical skills to continued service on the Board.

I am currently serving a third term as a Board Member of the Government Superannuitants' Association and am also Secretary/Treasurer for Southland Branch.

I retired from Tapanui Primary School in April 2010 where I had been Principal for ten years. During that time, I chaired the NZEI Te Riu Roa Principals Council. On retirement I was a Gore District Councillor for six years and I recently retired from the Treasurer’s position on the NZ Association of Anglican Women. I currently hold the role of SI Procedural Consultant for Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam and also for Yvonne Simpson from 2015-2017.

A native of Scotland, I came to New Zealand in 1981 to study at Waikato University and train as a teacher. I was Science and Mathematics teacher in the Bay of Plenty for 20 years, before moving to Wellington to work at the Ministry of Education, and then the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST), where I remained as it morphed into the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

A keen musician, I enjoy playing guitar and singing with a small group of like-minded souls. 

I am still the secretary/treasurer of the Horowhenua/Kapiti Branch, having joined the committee in 2020.

I grew up on Auckland’s North Shore and attended local schools before earning an MA from Massey University and a doctorate in history from the University of Waikato. With 40 years of teaching and research at Massey, I authored over 80 works. After retiring in 2012, I served on the Manawatu Branch, becoming chairperson in 2020. I wrote Safeguarding Super for GSA’s Centennial and toured branches to promote it. I seek election to the GSA Board, believing my expertise in history and GSA’s legacy will help advance our mission of safeguarding annuities.

I am enjoying my challenging and interesting role as the Executive Officer for the GSA. No day is ever the same and there is always more to learn.

My previous experience was working at the New Plymouth District Council in a variety of roles. These included procurement and finance, IT training, and project management. My last role was in Emergency Management and ensuring business continuity.

I was raised and went to school in Upper Hutt. After working in Wellington and Taranaki I moved to South Wairarapa in 2023. It’s great being back in the Wellington area and closer to the family.

In my spare time, I teach speech and drama and am a keen crafter.

I am the Office Administrator at the GSA National Office

I was previously at a corporate law firm working as a Legal Practice Coordinator. It was an interesting area to work in and I learned a lot about Climate Change, Resource Management, and Infrastructure issues.

In my personal life, I am a busy mother of four boys who are 17, 19, 23 and 26. I also have a rambunctious and creative 8-year-old stepdaughter and a beautiful 3-year-old granddaughter. I was born in Blenheim but have lived in Wellington since I was four. I love helping people, baking, and spending time with my family.