Gaye Philpott

I grew up in Christchurch, so the word City Mission has been part of my vocab since childhood. That was a long while ago. I am married to John and we moved to Palmerston North for work in the 1980’s. We have 3 adult children who unfortunately now call other cities home.  

I worked as a Registered Dietitian in a number of roles until I retired in 2021 so I could spend more time helping care for my parents.

During my professional career I convened Dietitians NZ Special Interest Group in Gerontology Nutrition, was a member of the Health of Older People Network, a collaboration amongst the 6 Central DHB’s charged with input into the development of the Regional Services Plan and a member of the Ministry of Health’s team which released New Zealand’s first Framework for Dementia Care in 2013.

John and I have travelled through many impoverished communities overseas. I am keenly aware that not all people have the opportunity to reach their potential or have the sense of being a valued member of their community. It can be the same here in Palmerston North. It is my hope that people of our community feel valued and supported in reaching the potential God created in them.