Wayne Ferguson
Chief Executive | Kaiwhakahaere Matua
I was lucky enough to join the TalkLink Trust team as CEO in October 2022.
With over 30 years of international experience in the UK, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia, I have brought the best practice learnings to the role at TalkLink Trust. My career has been dedicated to the non-government sector, where I have led service development primarily for vulnerable children and their families. My professional journey includes roles as a clinician, manager and leader in various fields such as residential child protection units, child and family mental health, youth addictions, child bereavement, and family support services. I hold a Master of Science in Family and Systemic Psychotherapy from the University of Bristol.
My passion lies in creating inclusive and accessible environments that enable people to thrive and achieve their goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, boating, jogging, and spending time with family and friends. I am passionate, dedicated, and kind, committed to applying respectful and ethical leadership to deliver high-quality services to individuals, families, and communities.
Niki Sherriff
Operations Manager - Clinical Services
I joined the TalkLink Northern Region team in 2021 as a Speech and Language Therapist. I completed my undergraduate studies in 1996 in Birmingham, UK, before heading to New Zealand. I’ve worked extensively in the Education and Adult disability sectors across UK and NZ – particularly in Auckland and Northland. Recently in the UK, I worked exclusively in the field of AAC and I caught the AAC bug. I worked in a generalist special school, as well as a Conductive Education setting, working alongside primary and secondary students on their AAC journey. I was fortunate to work alongside skilled multidisciplinary teams who all focused on AAC. I believe that working in this team environment is a key element of successful AAC implementation.
I love learning and sharing knowledge and am excited by the fast pace world of technology. I am passionate about giving vulnerable people a voice and supporting their ability to participate with independence in all areas of life.
Glen Dixon
Operations Manager - Technical Services
I have had a long standing interest in the area of technology and disability sector. Coming to work at TalkLink has really been the perfect fit in bringing these areas and related skills together.
I have previously worked as an Occupational Therapist in both acute and community based health settings since 1998. Exposure to multiple workplace and multidisciplinary team environments has provided valuable experience across a range practice areas including, wheelchairs and seating, hand therapy, worksite ergonomics, and adaptive building design. I have assisted with individual, family and community based projects, and also provided training packages to support workers and other education facilities. Joining TalkLink in 2006 provided the opportunity to combine the various compatible skills and familiarity with funding processes to explore assistive technology options for people with disabilities.
I was appointed as Manager at TalkLink’s Auckland office in September 2007. This role has two components. The first of which remains client focused with assessment, application and training of communication and assistive technology. The second part of this role is with managing Talklink’s Auckland based service. Primary responsibilities involve developing and supporting staff to meet and excel with service standards in the area of communication assistive technology. I manage incoming referrals and allocation, manage budget allocations, and help develop service initiatives with projects and general processes in general day to day operations. Regular contact with the TalkLink General Manager provides continued support and alignment with the vision set by the Talklink Trust Board.
Technology will always continue to change and develop, making both old and new ideas to become reality. This will continue to broaden the access and freedom for those with disabilities; making it a continually rewarding area to be involved in.