Jeremy’s Story

In 2024, Jeremy, a dedicated Kiwi Can leader from the Far North, was recognised with the Kiwi Can Outstanding Leader Award at the Graeme Dingle Foundation National Excellence Awards. Known for his commitment to young people across some of Aotearoa’s most remote communities, Jeremy is a role model not only for tamariki but also for his peers. His leadership, passion, and embodiment of Kiwi Can values make a lasting impact in every school he visits.

Below, Jeremy shares his reflections on the mahi, the tamariki, and the journey that led to this well-deserved recognition.

Jeremy’s Speech: National Excellence Awards 2024

I am incredibly honoured to receive this Outstanding Leader Award for Kiwi Can, it means so much. In the Far North, there are four of us Kiwi Can leaders, and we deliver to 11 schools a week. The distances we cover are vast. On a Thursday, my Kiwi Can partner and I travel to Aotearoa’s remotest kura – Te Hapua – just over three hours from my home. As far as it is, the pleasure we get from the Tamariki as they greet us with smiles and high fives is incredibly rewarding and makes the journey so worthwhile.

A personal discovery since starting with the Foundation, is how I measure myself daily against the four pillars of Kiwi Can learning – integrity, positive relationships, resilience, and respect. It has been a reflective time and a great time of learning, as I not only teach these principles day to day but also strive to walk the walk and talk the talk as I interact in the world. Not always an easy task but continually reinforcing those four pillars has helped underpin my foundation and steady my internal compass with making challenging decisions and uplifting those who need it.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Graeme Dingle Foundation for recognising my work and for the incredible impact the foundation has on the lives of our young people across Aotearoa. I’d like to thank Regional Manager George Fa’alogo, Brydie Lenden, and the Graeme Dingle Foundation Far North board for their wisdom and guidance. Thank you to my fellow colleagues Tabby, Lisa, and Roger; we are greater than the sum of our parts. My family, and lastly to the eleven schools that we are so lucky to deliver to on a daily basis.

I believe the work that we do with young people from all walks of life, including those who are disadvantaged or living with disabilities, is truly life-changing. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed. The Foundation’s commitment to empowering these young people is a powerful force for good.

I look forward to the future as the foundation continues to expand its efforts, reaching even more young people who need our support. It’s a humbling feeling to be just one point of light of many as we light a path for those young people of Aotearoa. I believe we can create a world where every young person is valued, included, and empowered to succeed.

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