Laura Fergusson Trust (LFT) has deep roots in care, rehabilitation, advocacy, and housing for physically disabled people in Auckland and Northland.
Today, we stand as the voice of physically disabled people — vibrant, equal, and full of life.
With the courage to make changes and the resolve to get them done, we’re setting the standard for a world where physically disabled people thrive as equal, visible, and valued citizens.
We have a vision for a society that sees, values, and backs the full potential of physically disabled people — their leadership, contribution, ambitions, and joy.
To get there we focus on four key areas of impact:
creating accessible, future-fit options.
ensuring disabled voices shape decisions.
driving evidence-based change.
leading with innovation and lived experience.
1965 – Inspired by Lady Mary Caughey, the task of building a service to assist people with physical difficulties to live independent lives begins
1966 – First Fundraiser event
1967 – Trust formed
1968 – 224 Great South Road was acquired
1969 – The first 14 units were approved and the Auckland branch of the Laura Fergusson Trust was incorporated
1970 – The Governor General, Sir Arthur Porritt officially opened the Laura Fergusson Trust Home
1972 – 8 further units complete
1993 – Name changed to The Laura Fergusson Trust for Disabled Persons Auckland Branch Incorporated
1997 – The Greenlane Rehabilitation Centre was opened by the Rt Hon Prime Minister Jim Bolger
2002 – Trust establishes Chair of Rehabilitation at Auckland University of Technology
2017 – The Laura Fergusson Trust Incorporated celebrates 50 years
2020 – The Greenlane accommodation, support and rehabilitation services closed
2021 – Friends of Laura Fergusson established
2025 – Honour the past and ignite the future – new look, new team, new ambitions
Our Board members have tirelessly given of their time voluntarily to help steer the organisation on behalf of the membership of Laura Fergusson Trust.
Simon our Chair since 2025, has served on the Laura Fergusson Trust Board since February 2023. The grandson of Lady Mary Caughey, Simon is an experienced Director specializing in strategic development and marketing. Simon runs a consultancy business and is also a Director at Smith and Caughey Holdings Limited along with a number of other businesses. He holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts degrees.
Sue our Deputy Chair is a leading Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon and Professor at the University of Auckland, who joined the Laura Fergusson Trust Board in May 2025. With over 40 years’ experience, Sue is renowned for her work in healthcare, rehabilitation, and governance. She has held senior roles at Starship Children’s Health, led paediatric orthopaedic services nationally, and contributed to cerebral palsy research and governance. Sue is also a respected medical educator and recipient of numerous awards, including the 2025 Surgeon Scientist Award from RACS.
Linda joined the Trust Board in February 2023 and became Deputy Chair in 2025. Her passion for supporting people with disabilities stems from when her son Brad sustained a spinal cord injury in 2014, which left him a quadriplegic. This experience gives her deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by disability. A dedicated advocate, she champions rehabilitation and opportunities that promote independence and fulfilment. Professionally, Linda is an award-winning media sales expert who contributes strategic insight and strong communication skills to the Board.
Sophia is a tenancy mediator and is admitted to the Bar. She sustained a high-level spinal cord injury in 2016 at age 19 and has remained actively involved in the disabled and spinal cord injury communities, focusing on supporting young disabled people. Sophia is an ambassador for the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust. After spending nine months at Laura Fergusson Trust’s Greenlane facility, she developed a deep appreciation for its support and remains committed to ensuring LFT Auckland serves disabled people to their highest potential. Sophia holds an LLB.
Mike, born with right hemiplegic cerebral palsy, has excelled in sports, playing senior rugby and cricket, including professional cricket in the UK. With over 32 years’ experience as a Chief Executive in sport, he currently leads Harbour Sport and serves on several disability and sports boards, including Disability Sport Auckland and Paralympics NZ. Mike brings extensive expertise in governance, business growth, and stakeholder engagement to the LFT Board. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University and is an Associate of the Bankers Institute of New Zealand.
Greg is a passionate advocate for Motor Neurone Disease and disability issues. Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2015, he brings lived experience and detailed knowledge of disabled persons’ needs. Greg is a founding partner of Harmos Horton Lusk and has specialised in legal governance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advice. He has served as Chair and interim CEO of Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand, and his governance roles span property, farming, funds management, and investment. Greg appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022 for services to governance and philanthropy.
Scott Barkman is the Chief Financial Officer at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa, the commercial arm of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, where he leads financial strategy and governance to support the iwi’s long-term aspirations. Appointed in early 2022, Scott brings over 25 years of international and local experience in senior finance roles across the banking, insurance and property sectors. Before joining Whai Rawa, Scott held leadership positions including Group Financial Controller at Heartland Group Holdings, General Manager Finance and Head of Governance & Financial Control at IAG, and Finance Director at Deutsche Bank in London. Scott is passionate about applying his financial acumen to create sustainable value for stakeholders.
Chief Executive Officer, brings over 12 years of disability, mental health and wellbeing leadership in New Zealand. Originally from South Africa, He brings a relentless drive and purpose to advocate for equitable outcomes for disabled people. His experience in housing governance and disability support together with a deep understanding of the “machinery of government” has allowed him to be successful in achieving inclusive, accessible and equitable outcomes for people and their families all across the country. Ray holds a Master of Health Science from the University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Business and Strategic Projects Manager, brings over 35 years of health and infrastructure experience, with strengths in management, operations, and strategic leadership. He has held senior roles including National Strategic Projects Manager at NZ Health Group Disability Service, Manager Facilities and Business Services at the Ministry of Health, and Partner at Opus International Consultants. Craig excels at risk identification and analytical decision-making and holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Victoria University.
General Manager Housing and Development, brings over 20 years’ experience in residential construction, property development, and multi-site operations. He held senior roles at Fletcher Living, where they were building over 200 homes a year. He excels in driving performance and cultural transformation in complex organisations. Adam holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Huddersfield University, UK.
Clinical, Community & Innovation Lead, brings over 18 years of experience in the health and disability sector. She is a dedicated professional, passionate about advancing equity, inclusion, and well-being outcomes for all. She brings a deep understanding of both the systemic and human elements that shape people’s everyday experiences. Her work bridges strategy and practice — empowering individuals, influencing systems, and creating accessible environments where everyone can thrive. Emily holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Psychology) and a Master of Occupational Therapy.
Administration Executive / Board Secretary, brings over 30 years of experience in administrative roles across a range of industries — from wine to disability. She brings a wealth of knowledge, adaptability, and heart to her work. Known for her caring nature and can-do attitude, she is dedicated to supporting the teams she works with to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. Highly organised and approachable, Sandy thrives in dynamic environments where collaboration and people come first.
