Our Ambassadors
Ben Bayly
Award winning chef and restaurateur.
Born and raised in the farming community of Te Awamutu in the Waikato was where Ben Bayly, (44), fell in love with food.
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Ben spent a decade working with world class chefs at famed restaurants around the world, before returning to New Zealand where he has earned a long list of accolades that reflect his quality and passion for New Zealand’s food culture and for cultivating talent amongst his teams.
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Ben has hosted two seasons of The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes.​
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The Dementia diagnosis of his beloved grandmother Joan had a deep effect on Ben’s family. When approached to help facilitate the documentary, he embraced the idea of being able to use his skills to help Kiwi families shine a light on this disease which has become an important issue in our culture.
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Over the past two years the Restaurant That Makes Mistakes turned into the most meaningful project of his career. “Watching our volunteers excel and their confidence grow under the bright lights fills me with gratitude, love and perspective that is hard to articulate,” he says.
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“My hope is that this awareness gained by people watching the documentary lives on. I am honoured to be a ‘Ambassador’ for the Young Onset Dementia Collective who have taken up the challenge as advocates and change makers for people living with younger onset dementia and their families”
George (64)
George is of Samoan decent and had a successful career as a senior engineer with Watercare up until a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. George is an awareness advocate for his community. “I really appreciate the fact that this is all about dementia awareness, a part of that is sending out a message to other Pacific Islanders that it's not a shameful thing. It's a medical condition. We're all in the same boat, and we're trying to help each other get through it as best that we can.”
Innes (60)​
Innes had a long and impressive career in journalism, media and television until his Alzheimer’s diagnosis at the age of 56. Innes has always been a voice for the community and is known for his integrity. He wants to do as much as he can, while he can, to help raise awareness for people living with younger onset dementia and strive for more age-appropriate care and support.
Janine (53)​
Janine has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and is still working as a medical laboratory scientist at the time of filming. Janine’s organisational skills and systems are an asset which she is keen to pass on to others and she is committed to helping raise awareness and be more understanding of people who have cognitive impairment.
Kevin (71)​
Kevin Tamati is famous as a rugby league hardman, inducted into the New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League in 1995. His high profile made it difficult to come to terms with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Coming to terms with his illness strengthened his resolve to share his story to help others. Kevin has been generous with his story and continues to have a positive impact.
Kim (60)​
Kim is Janine’s sister-in-law - also dealing with Young Onset Dementia. Kim had to give up work at an accounting firm but is determined to keep busy and contributing as much as she can for as long as she can. Kim's infectious laugh and bubbly personality help break down barriers and opens doors for conversations about dementia and the unique challenges faced by people living with younger onset dementia.
Lois (52)​
Lois is the youngest of our ambassadors at just 52 with a youngest son still at secondary school. Lois lives with language variant frontotemporal dementia which affects memory and language. She is much loved for her positivity, warmth, and kindness. Lois has had numerous jobs including being a swimming teacher and active parent, with a focus on her children’s interests and wellbeing. She is adapting to her changing environment and a wonderful advocate for others.
Mal (Malcom - 62)​
Mal held a long-time position working as a maintenance supervisor for a large Auckland hospital when he received his Alzheimer’s’ diagnosis. Mal is still on a learning journey since his diagnosis and sees huge benefits in engaging with other people living with younger onset dementia. Mal is very motivated to help raise awareness about Young Onset Dementia and a proud ‘Ambassador’ for the cause.
Sandra (59)​
Sandra worked in fashion over many years as a boutique owner and buyer, frequently travelling to international markets. Sandra deals with memory loss and confusion due to Alzheimer’s diagnosis but her warmth, humour, and wonderful smile shine through. Sandra is friendly and approachable and a welcome asset as one of our Ambassadors.
Tevita (58)​
Tongan born Tevita has had a stellar career. A law degree with honours from the UK led to prestigious government roles in the island kingdom. He was working with troubled youth in Aotearoa when first diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia. For a community leader and family man, the implications of the diagnosis have been far reaching. Pasifika people are one and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65 and the number affected could almost triple by 2040. Tevita is a strong advocate for his community.
Wendy (58)​
Wendy, only recently received a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia and Parkinsons. Despite her conditions she bravely put herself forward for The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes experience and was the better for it and blossomed. Wendy is an inspiration for many and determined not to give up.