Team

About Us

Eldernet was established in 1997 as a direct result of the founders seeing the need for a comprehensive information service that focussed on issues concerning older people in New Zealand. The internet seemed to be the perfect way to make this information available and so, Eldernet was born.

With this impartial information,  older people, their families’ and professionals who work in this sector access to comprehensive information that enables them to make more informed decisions.

Our shared passion for outstanding customer service and the sector in which we all work means that all users of Eldernet are greeted with a smile and ‘can do’ attitude. If you call, fax or e-mail us we trust you’ll always be made to feel welcomed and supported. If we can do anything to improve your Eldernet experience please speak with either Eleanor or Esther; we are always available to listen and improve!

Director

The Director Eleanor Bodger has had a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the issues concerning older people from a number of different perspectives. Originally trained as a Registered General and Obstetric Nurse she worked in public hospitals before moving into district nursing and finally working in a residential care complex. After retraining in Social Work her main areas of interest have been older persons issues/health and community development. The ethics and values of these two professions underpin the operation of Eldernet. Whilst Eleanor is based in Christchurch she frequently travels the country keeping in touch with those who are using the site eg older people, their families, information services, special interest groups and health professionals, as well as those who place information on the site.

Operations Manager

Esther Perriam comes to Eldernet from a background in Event and Office Management and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teaching. But, she’s been with Eldernet since 2006, so is really getting to grips with the industry now; although she’s be the first to tell you she learns something new each day! Esther often accompanies our director Eleanor on trips visiting services and facilities through New Zealand; she really enjoys meeting users and subscribers to the site and often, finally putting a face to a name. She also works closely with the District Health Boards and major interest groups to ensure we keep our finger ‘on the pulse’. If you have any queries about joining Eldernet or how to get the most from this site please contact Esther on

Susan Avery joined our team in early 2008. Susan works to assist with Customer Support and Administration. From her previous role as a Senior Tax Consultant - yes, she is an accountant! - Susan brings skills such as attention to detail and time management to the team. Having spent some time working in residential care facilities whilst studying Susan has an understanding of the industry at a true ‘grass roots’ level. Susan transferred to Blenheim in early 2010, but continues to work remotely with the Eldernet team. One of the many benefits of modern technology is that we were able to keep Susan on the team when she moved.

Accounts Management

Josh Perriam has been with Eldernet for a number of years helping to ensure we stay financially on track. Offering a broad overview of the business and helping us plan for the future, Josh is a key member of the team.

Subscribers Support & Sales executive

Susan Melling also joined us in mid 2010 to assist with the monitoring of the Eldernet Residential Care Bed Vacancy Status Report (VSR), which operates in half of the District Health Boards in New Zealand. Susan works with providers of Residential Care Service to ensure they are able to promote their service using the VSR tool. Susan brings to her role a great deal of empathy and patience, which is not surprising considering in her ‘past life’ in the UK she was a teacher.

Subscribers Support & Graphic Design

Neroli Williams has been with Eldernet for a number of years. She supports Susan Melling in the Vacancy Status Report regions and provides Graphic Design for both Eldernet and A Question of Care. Neroli has extensive expertise in the media industry after working on several newspapers. Her interests are wide and varied and she brings to the team a sense of style and flair.

Administration & Account Support

Dianne Templeton joined our team in 2011. She has settled in quickly to our team and brings with her a wealth of knowledge from her time spent in the aged care sector. Having worked for other social services/support organisations Dianne brings with her many skills we look forward to discovering. She shares our passion for older people and for supporting them in decisions they make about their lives. Dianne ensures that all billing enquires are dealt with promptly and professionally. She also ensures the handbooks ‘A Question of Care/Where’, published by our sister company, reach the right people, in the right place at the right time.

Sales & Customer Support

Leanne Wickham is the newest addition to the Eldernet team. Leanne comes to us from a background of administration and sales. She is full of energy and enthusiasm for her role her at Eldernet - supporting businesses to promote themselves through the Eldernet site. Leanne works closely with Yuri to offer our clients a growing range of information and services and to continue to grow Eldernet to be the best service it can be.

Online & Marketing Strategy

Yuri Bacas Hosaka has joined the Eldernet team to send us flying into the future and to ensure we perform at our very best. With an extensive international background in website, brand development, improvement and graphic design, Yuri brings an energy that is irrepressible and ensures we always work had to deliver on our vision.

The site is maintained by Convoy Design. The team who have had a long association with Eldernet provide regular, ongoing advice and support.

ELDERNET IS A REGISTERED COMPANY.