FLI Board appoints new National Director

Family Life International has defended life, faith, and family under the inspired leadership of Dame Colleen Bayer, DSG, for thirty-two years. Colleen’s dedication to the cause of life, her fortitude, and her extraordinary ability to relate to mothers in their greatest hour of need has been the foundation of a thriving apostolate that has spanned three decades and has saved thousands of lives.

Colleen has discerned that it is now time to step back from her role as FLI’s Chief Executive.

As such, the Family Life International Trust Board has appointed Mrs Michelle Kaufman as the new Chief Executive/National Director, charging her with leading this vital pro-life and pro-family apostolate into the future.

Michelle has served FLI since its inception and is very well placed, together with her excellent team of staff and volunteers, to take the organisation forward.

A mother of seven and a grandmother, Michelle is passionate about educating people on various life issues and motivating them to take action. As such, she has written numerous articles, spoken at local and international events, and produced several resources, including the “And Now Euthanasia” book, which is widely used in Catholic schools throughout New Zealand.  Alongside colleagues, Michelle has organised conferences, 40 Days for Life vigils, and established the National March for Life. She has recently earned a Certificate in Health Care Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center in the United States.

Colleen will retain a prominent and active role as Founder and Senior Executive, and will remain on the Board of FLI. 

Significantly, Colleen’s continued leadership of Gianna’s Choice Pregnancy Options and Support, which includes Saint Gianna’s Home for Mothers and Babies, and the Mobile Life Centre, will ensure that many more lives are saved and mothers and families are given opportunities to flourish.

Colleen recalls that her inspiration to begin FLI came from Reverend Fr. Paul Marx, the founder of Human Life International. Saint John Paul II encouraged him during a private meeting, saying, “You are doing the most important work on earth.”

“Those words of Saint John Paul II,” Colleen explains, “have been embedded in my heart and soul from the very outset and remind me daily of the responsibilities of heading a truly Catholic pro-life and pro-family organisation.”

“Father Marx was personal friends of Bishop Patrick Dunn’s parents, Mrs June and Dr. Hugh Patrick Dunn,” she says.

Unbeknown to Colleen at the time, there was a connection between her family and the Dunn family. Dr. Dunn had delivered her and each of her siblings. As God would ordain, “Dr. Dunn was to become a very good advisor to me, as was his very gracious wife, June.”  

“FLI has been blessed with three committed generations of Catholic pro-life leaders. Michelle succeeds me, and Michelle’s daughter and my granddaughter, Amie, heads our Next Generation youth programme.”

“Today, I formally step back as Director of Family Life International. I am full of joy, hope, love, and expectation for this great and humble Catholic pro-life organisation, which is now headed by a new CEO and Director, Mrs Michelle Kaufman.”

Board Chair Father Linus Clovis notes that “the close collaboration between Michelle and Colleen, I have no doubt, will prosper FLI’s mission in addition to equipping FLI to face the most challenging time for our pro-family and pro-life apostolate.”  

He concluded, “this team, with its confidence and experience, leaves me full of hope for the future of our work.”