The Board of Gambling Helpline is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Maria Bellringer (BSc Hons, PhD, PGDipHSc) to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Maria comes to the Helpline from AUT University where she has held the position of Co-Director, Gambling and Addictions Research Centre for several years.

Maria has a background in biochemistry, spent 13 years as a toxicologist with concurrent project management and management responsibilities in England before migrating to New Zealand in 2001 where she developed a passion for gambling research and to minimising harms from gambling. Maria is also trained as a person-centred counsellor and has worked as a volunteer counsellor for young people.

The Board has long considered strengthening links with academia, using the most effective approaches in working with people within our community affected by gambling, being accountable as well as demonstrating mutual respect and responsibility to the wider  stakeholder group.

Maria commenced work at Gambling Helpline on 12th October 2009.