Debbie’s passion for seniors drove her to seek a career change, and in 2023 she came on board as Sales Manager at The Helier. Prior to moving into the retirement living and aged care sector, Debbie enjoyed a range of roles across hospitality and tourism. From an early stint with P&O Catering, to tourism roles in our adventure capital Queenstown, Debbie gained valuable insight into all things business and people focused, while growing her skillset in service.

Debbie then spent 20 years in the music industry, finishing up as General Manager
for Play It Strange, a trust for young NZ songwriters looking to break into the industry. Working with young people helped to grow Debbie’s understanding of
inclusivity and diversity, which was also reflected in her homelife raising her son with autism.

A St Heliers local, Debbie has enjoyed seeing The Helier take shape from her home. 

She loves the area and takes pride in helping residents on their journey to make the decision to move into The Helier.

As Debbie continues to grow The Helier community, she engages the simple mantra of importance; he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata; it is people, it is people, it is people.

Olivier joins The Helier as General Manager, with over thirty years of experience in the hotel industry, having managed premium hotels throughout New Zealand and French Polynesia. Born in Tours, France and initially training as a chef, Olivier moved to New Zealand in 2004 and speaks fluent French, English and basic New Zealand Sign Language.

Olivier has a passion for ensuring all guests receive an exceptional hospitality experience that is tailored to the individual. A finalist for Wellingtonian of the year in 2014 for his dedication to community service, Olivier aspires to provide unique and exclusive experiences wherever possible, skills he feels will serve him well in his role at The Helier.

Responsible for overseeing all staff at The Helier, Olivier will ensure all services and care offerings are delivered to a standard like no other, understanding that delivering a 5-star, luxury living experience to all residents is paramount.

Charles joins The Helier with an extensive culinary repertoire, serving world-class
cuisine in some of the most prestigious professional kitchens from Sydney to the Czech Republic. Specialising in fusion cuisine, Charles has a passion for incorporating indigenous flavours into his food.

Following a three-year tenure leading kitchens of The Grand Millennium Auckland, Charles endeavours to create exceptional dining experiences for residents and guests at The Helier, by incorporating his professional experience, imagination, and creativity into every dish.

Charles spent his early life in Australia, where he was inspired by his late grandfather to develop an interest in the culinary arts. He gained his qualifications  in New Zealand before heading overseas, where he learnt to speak basic Czech.

Irit joins The Helier team as the Head of 
Care Services, bringing over a wealth of experience from a life that spans across the globe. Born in Soviet Ukraine, Irit relocated early in life when her family moved to Israel after the Chernobyl incident. It's here that Irit laid down her roots in healthcare, learning the ropes in one of Israel's busiest hospitals.

Her trilingual ability in Russia, Hebrew, and English not only enhances communication but also brings a rich cultural understanding to her clinical expertise.

Since moving to New Zealand with her own family, Irit has dedicated the past 12 years to leading a private healthcare facility as the Nurse Manager. Irit's professional journey is marked not just by her roles but by her approach to them. She's known for a hands-on and heartfelt approach to nursing, focusing on the finer details that make a real difference in patient care.

At The Helier, she's excited to lead a team that's as focused on quality and attention to detail as she is, aiming to set a new standard in aged care and retirement living.