Our Team

Operation Manager
Moa
Kia Ora, my Name is Moa Pangnem, Operation Manager of Manawatu Alternatives to Violence Inc( Manline).
​
It is privilege to be working alongside dedicated team of well qualified and experienced Counsellors to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community to reduce re- offending, heal relationships and a safer community.
Nga Mihi

Clinical Manager
Phil Straker
I have three adult children (who I’m very proud of) Daniel, Jessica, Rachel, and nine wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy listening to music, reading (fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, enough real life at work) camping, target shooting, forest, and beach walks, and very occasionally my old mechanical skills.
I have been at Manline for over thirty years, and I have been a full member of NZAC since 1998. As a counsellor/therapist I spend most of my workday with clients. I also do in-house training and internal supervision for our counsellors/facilitators, also at times facilitate stopping violence, de-escalation, and communication groups.

Adminstrator
Graeme Aitken
Hey! Im Graeme and I take care of the front desk and all things admin — from answering calls and managing referrals to making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Outside of work, I enjoy biking and can often be found happily roaming the aisles of Bunnings.

Counsellor
Bill McCorkindale
Hi, I’m Bill McCorkindale, a father of a son and daughter with 6 grandkids.
​
I was born in Wairoa, went to Napier Boys High and then on to Massey, where I gained a BSc and a certificate in Counselling. I am a member of the NZ Violence Prevention Association.
After all this time, I am still passionate about helping men become more loving and caring towards themselves, partners and their children.

Counsellor
Graeme Richardson
Growing up in Otago I developed a deep connection with the land and the weather. As a child I learnt to love days off school due to the weather: it snowed every two years. I found my love of tramping in the Silver Peaks region of Otago where lazy southerlies tended to blow right through me. I’m blessed with two loving, wonderful adult children and I am a grandfather to three beautiful grandchildren.
As a counsellor I am passionate about helping clients become the best versions of themselves. I work with clients with diverse needs, offering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am an accredited ACC sensitive claims counsellor

Counsellor
Murray Thompson
I am a registered member of NZAC and aim to bring a warm, compassionate presence to my work with clients. I have a background as a chaplain in the NZ Army which gives a unique understanding of resilience and growth in challenging environments.
​
I use Transactional Analysis to explore how past experiences influence present behaviors, leading to greater self-awareness and healthier interactions.
I also works with Interactive Drawing Therapy, a creative approach that allows clients to express themselves through drawing. IDT provides a safe space to explore feelings, clarify thoughts, and uncover insights that may be difficult to access through words alone.

Counsellor
Brett Harvey
Kia ora!
I’ve worked with men facing a range of challenges, including abuse, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.
My passion is to walk alongside men as they navigate life’s challenges, helping build resilience and discover their strengths.
​
I bring a client-centered approach to my work, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Transactional Analysis. Each session is tailored to the clients wants & needs.
​
Guided by my faith, I am committed to protecting and enhancing clients mana, ensuring that each client is met with respect, empathy, and the understanding they deserve.
Color_edited.jpg)
Counsellor
James Pettengell
Kia ora katoa,​
I'm passionate about uplifting and resourcing our clients from wherever they currently are in life, conscious we all have unrealized potential and are likewise all inherently valuable, created in Gods image.
I hold two undergrad qualifications in counselling and psychology and am presently engaged in post graduate study. I work as a General Counsellor and lead Non-Violence Facilitator. It's a privilege to work in this field and I can say I have meet some of the nicest humans in this line of work, every day and every client fills me with optimism and hope for humanity.
​
Aroha mai nui

Student Counsellor
David Osbourne
I am David, a student Counsellor with Manukau Institute of Technology.
Later in life I completed a bachelor degree in psychology, which led to where I am today on placement for two years with Manline .
I love the diverse range of clients I work with. There is nothing more rewarding than when the clients tell you that being listened with Manaakitanga helped them in their life journey through difficult time.
Outside of work I live with four borders, a Schnoodle and a cat, a role I’ve been doing since 2010 and love. I'm also a sinophile

Student Counsellor
Darren Watson
Darren is currently completing his Bachelor of Social Work through UCOL and is on placement with us as a student counsellor.
He brings a grounded, empathetic presence to the counselling room, drawing on both his academic training and life experience to support clients with respect and integrity.
​
Before beginning his journey into social work, Darren served in the New Zealand Army, where he developed resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of teamwork. These experiences continue to shape his approach to supporting others with honesty, courage, and a commitment to growth.
Darren works under close supervision as part of his training and is available to see clients during his placement with Manline.
