We’re thrilled to welcome Mellissa (Mel) Blythe to the Rānui whānau as our new House Supervisor! Mel brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, customer service and administration along with a genuine passion for caring for families during challenging times.
Why Rānui?
When asked what attracted her to the role, Mel shared:
“I was drawn to the House Supervisor role because it builds on one of my favourite parts of my previous work – caring for families while they’re away from home and their support network. Having seen the incredible care Rānui offers, I knew this was an organisation I wanted to be part of. The kindness and support shown to me so far confirms I’ve made a great decision. I’m excited to be part of this amazing team.”
What’s stood out since joining?
“Seeing the kindness, compassion, and support shown daily. The whole Rānui whānau – our volunteers, staff and families – are angels making this a true home-away-from-home.”
A little more about Mel
Mel’s career spans roles in motel management, customer service coordination and administration. Most recently, she managed a guesthouse and motel in Dunedin where she worked closely with Te Whatu Ora patients and their familiesan experience that deepened her understanding of empathy and discretion in care-focused environments. Her skills include staff supervision, scheduling, complaint resolution, and financial management, making her a perfect fit for the House Supervisor role.
Outside of work
When Mel isn’t busy making Rānui feel like home, she loves genealogy – a passion she’s had since her teens. She holds an extensive collection of family records and dreams of visiting her ancestors’ hometowns in the future.
“We’re thrilled to have Mel join our team. Her experience and genuine passion for supporting families will strengthen the care and comfort we provide every day at Rānui.” – Mandy Kennedy, CEO
We’re excited for the positive impact Mel will make and know she’ll help us continue to provide exceptional care and comfort for families who need it most.
