ABOUT US

Bernie and Kaye set up the Neuro Research Charitable Trust as the vehicle through which Bernie’s dream of raising $1M for Parkinson’s research could be fulfilled. Bernie has proved that through positive thinking and hard work, what may initially appear as a setback can in fact be a great opportunity to assist others. It is through his misfortune, and his positive nature, that he has undertaken this journey to wholeheartedly support research into Parkinson’s disease – not for his own gain, but for the betterment of others facing this diagnosis.

Bernie and Kaye started Prolife Foods from the back of their car, and home garage, building it into one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned food businesses. Known for developing and maintaining excellent relationships they have left an indelible mark on the Hamilton community, not only through Prolife Foods, but also through on-going support of numerous educational and recreational grants including the Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust, The Icehouse, CELF, MESH Sculpture Trust, Sky City Breakers, Waikato Magic netball team, Waikato Rowing, Waikato Family Centre, Hamilton Gardens and the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award. In 2014 they were each awarded an ONZM for services to business and philanthropy.

Bernie, a successful entrepreneur and businessman, has been also been recognised for his leadership with many awards which include: Honorary Bachelor of Business Studies from the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec); Honorary Doctorate from the University of Waikato; Distinguished Fellowship from the Institute of Directors; inaugural Waikato Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Leadership Award; Westpac/Chamber of Commerce CEO of the year.

Bernie and Kaye set up the Neuro Research Charitable Trust in 2013 as the vehicle through which Bernie’s dream of raising $1m for Parkinson’s research could be fulfilled. Bernie and Kaye started Prolife Foods from the back of their car, and home garage, building it into one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned food businesses.

Known for developing and maintaining excellent relationships they have left an indelible mark on the Hamilton community, not only through Prolife Foods, but also through on-going support of numerous educational and recreational grants including the Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust, The Icehouse, CELF, MESH Sculpture Trust, Sky City Breakers, Waikato Magic netball team, Waikato Rowing, Waikato Family Centre, Hamilton Gardens and the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award. In 2014 they were each awarded an ONZM for services to business and philanthropy.

Kaye served as a valued Trustee from 2013 through to March 2025, and she still continues to support our local Waikato fundraising committee through her treasured network and connections.

Jon has over 30 years experience in the financial services industry and is a shareholder and senior advisor with Craigs Investment Partners. Jon holds a number of directorships and is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors. Keen on all sports, particularly hockey and golf, the former New Zealand hockey player and successful coach is current or past director or trustee of Midlands Hockey; Hamilton Golf Club; Momentum Waikato Community Foundation; Donny Charitable Trust; St Paul’s Collegiate; Hockey NZ; NZ Hockey Foundation; University of Waikato Foundation; and MESH Sculpture Hamilton.

Jon say’s he had no hesitation in joining the NRCT (as we were at that time) fundraising team, and later taking on the mantle of Chairman of Cure Parkinson’s NZ:

“I was very fortunate to meet Bernie and Kaye early in my business life. They are special people who have built an outstanding business through vision, passion, hard work and caring deeply for their people, their customers, and all those around them. It speaks volumes that Bernie meets his challenges with Parkinson’s head on and turns it into an opportunity to help others.”

Sir Richard is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Auckland and the Founding Director of the University’s Centre for Brain Research. He is the recipient of many accolades over his 40+ years of leadership in brain research, including the Royal Society Rutherford medal, NZ’s highest scientific honour. He is widely recognized internationally for his work on neurodegenerative diseases and for the establishment of one of the best Human Brain Banks in the world, a highly precious resource for brain research that was made possible through the strength of relationships Sir Richard has built between researchers, clinicians, and the families of those with brain diseases. Tissue from this brain bank is used all over the world thanks to the many highly productive international collaborations Sir Richard has built over the years.

Alex Peterson has built a career in the financial services industry and now runs his own business consultancy. His passion for our mission is immense owing to a personal connection to Parkinson’s—his late father Carl Peterson had Parkinson’s disease, and Alex was witness to the effect this cruel disease had on him. Carl and Bernie were friends since attending school together, meaning Alex also had a personal connection to the Crosby family, making him a wonderful fit for the Board, bringing his connections in the financial sector and Auckland region.

Marise is General Counsel at Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), an agri-tech and herd improvement co-operative that empowers livestock farmers through the delivery of superior genetics and technology just down the road from the home of our founders Bernie and Kaye Crosby. Marise brings invaluable legal and governance experience, in addition to her own personal connection to Parkinson’s disease, having seen its effects on her late mother. Marise is passionate about our cause and feels strongly about contributing to our efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s so that others need not suffer the same fate.

Don is a well known Executive Search and Management Consultancy professional with more than 20 years experience in the sector. Don is a former commercial law Partner with both Simpson Grierson and Chapman Tripp, and originally a Partner of Patent Attorney firm Baldwins with a focus on Information Technology, Intellectual Property, and Brand Marketing.

Don moved into the Executive Search profession in 1995, leveraging his consultative business skills of corporate law into the Executive Search sector. He has helped identify and appoint hard-to-find leaders in sectors as diverse as Agribusiness, Distribution, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Services, Technology, Transportation and Utilities. Don established the New Zealand business of Swann Group in late 1999, before cofounding SEQEL in 2008. Don has established a reputation for achieving outstanding results for successful privately owned New Zealand businesses and now brings his skills, experience and extensive networks to the Board of Cure Parkinson’s NZ.

Daniel is an experienced senior executive and company director with 25 years’ experience in research, scholarly publishing and sci/med comms. Daniel obtained a PhD in Neuroanatomy from The University of Auckland under Sir Professor Richard Faull, and then worked as a postdoctoral scientist in Cambridge, UK, researching neurodegenerative diseases. This was followed by a stint at Nature Publishing Group in London and then 16 years at a Japan-based scientific and medical communications agency.

Daniel joined Cure Parkinson’s NZ as Chief Executive in October 2022, taking on the ambitious mission of finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. With a deep understanding of the science around Parkinson’s disease, connections with the Parkinson’s disease research community globally, and a knack for developing meaningful relationships, Daniel is driving the Cure Parkinson’s NZ mission forward to end Parkinson’s as we know it.

In his spare time Daniel sits on the Board of YSAR, a youth training and development organisation, and is a volunteer Coastguard Rescue Vessel skipper on the Hibiscus Coast north of Auckland.

Lizzie is an experienced marketing and advertising industry veteran who has occupied Senior Account Director and Brand & Comms Manager roles. She brings her proven experience in brand strategy and communications to Cure Parkinson’s NZ as our Community Engagement & Communications Lead, leveraging her extensive networks to create marketing and PR opportunities.

Lizzie also has a passion for volunteering at not-for-profit organisations, through which she has gained event management and fundraising expertise, making her a perfect fit for Cure Parkinson’s NZ. Lizzie joined Cure Parkinson’s NZ in September 2023 in a part-time role supporting its growth through campaigns aimed at increased awareness and a broader reach. Lizzie was pivotal in the creation of our documentary One in 37, which launched in April 2024.

Amanda’s association with the Crosbys began with her appointment to the role of Executive Assistant at Prolife Foods in 2005. With her maternity leave coming to an end in 2012 Amanda chose to focus on the role of “Mum” rather than full-time employment. As luck would have it, this decision afforded the opportunity to carry out flexible and varied part time work for the Crosbys in a personal capacity, which has evolved to include administration duties for NRCT/Cure Parkinson’s NZ.

Ken and his business partners established one of NZ’s largest and most respected insurance brokerages Law Mooney Williamson (LMW) before selling to Crombie Lockwood where he remains employed as a broker. Ken is known in Hamilton for his passion and dedication to the community, and he contributes to all sectors of the Waikato. He is a widely experienced governor and chair in both the commercial and not-for-profit arenas. Ken has served on many boards over the years including Waikato Diocesan School for Girls; University of Waikato Foundation; St John Central Region Trust Board; St John’s Priory Trust Board; the Hamilton City Council’s ‘Older Persons Advisory Group’; the Establishment Board of Rototuna High Schools; the McKenzie Centre Trust; Southwell School; the Institute of Directors (Waikato Branch); ‘Kudos’ Science Awards Trust; Midland Sexual Assault Support Services Trust; Te Whakaruruhau Maori Women’s Refuge; and MS Waikato Trust. He was the founding Chair of the Momentum Waikato Community Foundation, and he serves on the Waikato Regional Property Trust, tasked with building the new Regional Theatre.

Ken has received a number of awards including being appointed as a Knight of the Order of St John; a Paul Harris Rotary Fellowship; a Chief of Air Staff (RNZAF) Commendation; a member of the St John Priory Chapter; a Fellow of the Insurance Brokers Association of NZ; and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors in NZ. Ken is a Hamilton Central Rotary Club member, a Justice of the Peace, and a recipient of the Hamilton City Council Citizen’s Award. He received a Queens Service Medal (QSM) in recognition of his services to the community.

Jason was born and bred in the Waikato, and is the Corporate Client Director at BNZ. He has been with BNZ for more than quarter of a century, in a career spanning personal, commercial & corporate banking. Jason is an active member of the Waikato Branch of the Institute of Directors as well as the NRCT/Cure Parkinson’s NZ fundraising committee. Jason has known the Crosby family for over 15 years and is passionate about assisting them with their objective to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Jason’s fiancé is the Associate Director of Midwifery at Waikato Hospital and they have two teenage children, Caleb & Keira.

Kathy has worked in banking and insurance, most recently at FMG. As a person living with Parkinson’s, Kathy is keen to support our work toward a cure. As a member of our fundraising team Kathy has been successful in twisting the arms and ears of those in her network to donate to our cause and support our events.