Who We Are

Jerram Watts - Chief Executive

Jerram is a former TV3 journalist who left the world of media to volunteer with Destiny Rescue in Thailand in 2015. After spending a year running the organisation’s international media department and helping part-time on the rescue team, he returned to Wellington to set-up Child Rescue’s fundraising office in the capital.

Jerram was appointed CEO in April, 2017, after successfully growing Child Rescue’s presence in Wellington and the lower North Island.

Jerram is married to Gabrielle and they live in Wellington where they attend The Street City Church.

Stacey Pretorius - Auckland Relationship Manager

Stacey was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand with her family at a young age in the hope of a better, safer life.

Stacey attended Elim College then completed an Event Management degree at AUT University. She worked in a number of creative jobs before joining Child Rescue in May, 2017.

Bringing freedom to the oppressed is what fuels her fire; Stacey is passionate about helping people break free from bondage – whether that’s physical, mental or spiritual – and loves being a voice for the children we advocate for.

Lisa Ho - Supporter Services

Lisa Ho is the former Managing Director of Child Rescue and was the tip of the spear during the organisation’s founding years in New Zealand.

Lisa led the organisation through its infancy and helped grow the support base throughout the country over a number of years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to send to projects abroad.

At the start of 2017 Lisa got married and moved to Cambodia where she now lives with her husband, Eric, who works for Every Nation Church in Phnom Penh.

Karen Norman - Volunteer Supporter Services/Jewellery Manager

Karen joined Child Rescue in a voluntary capacity at the start of 2017 after visiting our projects abroad on a Team Trip.

After the trip, Karen began to think, “What can I do from my little corner of New Zealand?” So she signed up to be an advocate in Wellington and has run a number of fundraisers to increase support for our frontline work. Karen maintains the jewellery stock and is the go-to person for hosting jewellery parties in the Lower North Island and South Island.

Karen is married to Ian, they live in Wellington and they have two children.

Her favourite quote: “You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” William Wilberforce

James Palmer - Chairman

James is known as a man who gets things done.

After years working in commercial law at Palmer & Associates in Auckland, James felt called to serve the wider church in New Zealand as Chief Executive of Christian Savings (formerly Baptist Savings), a role he took up in 2015.

James has a heart to see the church thrive in New Zealand and abroad, to be good stewards of their resources, and to use what they have to help those who have very little.

James is married to Melissa and they have two young boys.

Jacqueline Ironside - Finance and Accounting

Jacqueline is a founding Trustee of Child Rescue Charitable Trust in New Zealand.  She became involved with Child Rescue in 2013 during the NZ set-up phase. Over the years she has served on many voluntary organisations.

As an Associate Director of KGA Warkworth Limited, Chartered Accountants, and with over 30 years’ experience in the accounting industry, Jacqueline brings a range of accounting and administration skills to the Child Rescue Team, as well as a passion to make a difference.

Jacqueline is married to Steven, and they have seven children between them.

It is Jacqueline’s aspiration to see Child Rescue in New Zealand become a valuable contributor to the global goals of Destiny Rescue.

Wendy Steele - Sales, Marketing & Media

Wendy is passionate about helping those in need and was part of the Auckland Global poverty project team for many years.

After attending a presentation by Daniel Walker at her church, and subsequently reading his book entitled ‘God In a Brothel’, it was easy to say ‘yes’ when approached to serve on the board of Child Rescue.

Having previously worked in the travel, hotel, not-for-profit and media sectors, Wendy brings much experience in the areas of sales and marketing, media, sponsorship and event management to the Child Rescue team.

Wendy is a director of the Intermedia Group Ltd, a publishing company that specialises in B2B publications and events.

In her spare time, Wendy enjoys cooking, gardening and sewing.

Jonathan Watts - Pastoral/Business

Jonathan joined the New Zealand board at the start of 2017 after having followed Child Rescue’s growth and impact for a number of years.

Jonathan brings with him a wealth of corporate knowledge thanks to years spent in the travel industry, including senior management at House of Travel and Air New Zealand Holidays. Jonathan currently runs his own mortgage broking business.

Jonathan has also served as an elder at Northcross Community Church in Auckland for a number years along with leading worship and preaching.

His heart is to see Child Rescue NZ functioning at full capacity, doing all it can to reach New Zealand with its message, and inspiring Kiwis to support the mission to bring freedom to children around the world.

Jonathan lives in Auckland with his wife Jodine, and has three adult sons. In his spare time you’ll find him drinking coffee at home or halfway between Takapuna Beach and Rangitoto Island on his kayak.

JD - Operations

JD began his journey with Child Rescue in 2012, when he joined the fight against child trafficking and exploitation by leaving behind his landscaping business to volunteer at Destiny Rescue in Thailand and Mozambique.

Since joining Child Rescue JD has worked in various roles including being 2IC for rescue operations in Thailand. He has also managed and trained the baristas at Destiny Rescue vocational training café to enable girls to gain employment skills and be relieved from poverty.

Prior to his return to NZ in Dec 2015, JD served as the Director of International Operations which included Project Start Up & Oversight, Victim Rescue Operations, Security Risk Management and Intelligence Gathering.

Because of his involvement in rescue operations we have not included a personalised photo to protect JD’s identity.