Rotorua – Who we are:
With your help, Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua supports 1,500 tamariki and rangatahi, across 6 schools in Rotorua every week. Our purpose is to strengthen the Rotorua community by supporting children and young people to be resilient, have self-belief and fulfil their potential.
We currently run three programmes:
- Kiwi Can Kiwi Kaha in Horohoro Kura, Mamaku School and Ōwhata Primary
- Stars Teina Ngā Whetu in Rotorua Intermediate School and Western Heights High School
- Career Navigator Kaiwhakatere Mahi in Rotorua Lakes High School and Western Heights High School
Meet Our Kaimahi
Pauline (Popsy) Warbrick - Regional Manager
Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Pareraukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai "My background has given me valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities for our rohe, whānau, iwi, hapu and rangatahi. I am excited to bring my skills to Graeme Dingle Foundation to make a difference.” Pauline brings knowledge and skills in roles encompassing education, tourism, and hospitality. She has extensive experience in operational leadership through to the execution of key portfolios covering project management, design and development, event and relationship management including youth community, and engagement. When she is not working you’ll most likely to find Pauline on the side-lines cheering her children. Pauline enjoys the great outdoors, multisport racing, and triathlon. Representing New Zealand in the ITU World triathlon is a life highlight. She is married to Paul and has two teenage children.
EmailJoe Kilgour – Programme Facilitator/Leader
My career background includes seven and half years in the Royal New Zealand Navy where I have gained skills in leadership, working with others in a team, attention to detail and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. I have ten years’ experience in the hospitality sector working in a multitude of roles from front of house, management, and operations. Currently, I am studying towards my Certificate in Youth Work at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. I am thrilled to be working for Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua and my career move to engage with tamariki and rangatahi on all levels which has been born out of my ‘aspiration to empower the next generation and make a positive impact on their lives’.
Hamoterangi Pomana (Hamo) - Programme Facilitator/Leader
Te Whānau a Ruataupare, Rongowhakaata Tēna tātou, ko Hamoterangi tōku ingoa. During my working career I have held various roles in hospitality, education and more recently health and wellness as a fitness coach. While my mahi as a coach was fulfilling and rewarding, I felt it essential to shift my focus towards the next generation, which is what has brought me to Graeme Dingle Foundation, Rotorua. Being brought up with parents who are passionate about helping others, community aid, youth work and whānaungatanga has given me the skills and hands-on knowledge of what works for our rangatahi. So, I am excited about providing rangatahi with opportunities to grow, discover their own strengths and talents and nurture those traits with my mahi
Boronia - Stars Teina Coordinator
Boronia is a superstar with tamariki and rangatahi. Having spent time working at a Youth Centre in Dannevirke and Te Maioha O Parekarangi Residence, she is passionate about positive youth development and planting the seed to help support rangatahi to grow. In her spare time, you can catch her on the netball court, touch field or running around after her son. Boronia is excited to work with kura and community alike.
Kirsty Nicholson - Programme Coordinator
Ko Hokonui te maunga Ko Mataura te awa Ko Ngāti Pakeha te iwi No Gore ahau Ko Kirsty Nicholson taku ingoa Kia ora, I am Kirsty Nicholson! In 2009, I was a KC Leader with Graeme Dingle Foundation, Invercargill. I love everything about the Graeme Dingle Foundation, so I am excited to return as the Programme Coordinator in Rotorua, rohe. I have over 10 years’ experience working with the Rotorua community, whānau and rangatahi. I believe my vast experience in facilitating workshops and mentoring rangatahi will continue to help them reach their goals and aspirations. “I am excited to be a part of making a difference in the lives of our local tamariki”
Lizzy Gaston – Programme Manager/Career Navigator
My work experience is broad ranging including local government, public health, prison service, organisational change, education (primary & secondary) and more recently working alongside rangatahi in the sport and recreation sector. I enjoy contributing to our community and am an active member of both our school PTA and Rotorua Rowing Club; as part of this mahi. I enjoy seeing our rangatahi gain confidence connecting with others, learning new skills and trying new things. Being active is a key part of my life and wellbeing. My husband and I enjoy traveling, biking, tramping, gastronomic delights and sharing these experiences with our children.
Meet Our Tarahitī
Craig Tiriana (Ngati Rereahu, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Paretapoto) - Chair
I volunteered to work on this trust because I am passionate about Rotorua and believe that a great community has to care, encourage and enable young people to be their best. During my working career, I have worked in both local and central government organisations, retail, tertiary education and media and I am a member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand. I currently work for Rotorua Lakes Council and I have volunteered on several community groups and boards with an emphasis on various sports during the last 25 plus years.
Robyn Skelton (Te Ati Awa Nga Rahiri)
Robyn has previous and current Board experience and comes to the Trust with an education (teaching and management) and local government management background. She was Head of Registry at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and Executive Officer for Tauranga City Council. She returned to Rotorua in 2019 and now manages Parksyde, a very popular activity centre for the older person. From Rotorua, Robyn is passionate about working with young people to help them with their development. In 2016 she worked with the five Rotary Clubs of Rotorua to bring Kiwi Can to Rotorua and is thrilled to be on the Trust to support the development and delivery of the Graeme Dingle Programmes in her own rohe.
Martin Kinder – Secretary
After 25 years with NZ Guardian Trust in Palmerston North, Martin transferred to Rotorua in 2000 and then moved to Hulton Patchell Accountants who merged with Deloitte in 2013. He works extensively with Maori Trust boards and private Trusts, including acting personally as a trustee for several large private trusts. His background in trust administration means he is conversant with the need for trustees to focus on good governance to create an environment for good management practice and processes. He has community involvement through the Rotary Club of Rotorua as well as past President and committee member of the Rotorua Tennis Club. Martin is excited to be joining a great team of trustees to help transform young lives.
Heather Keefe
Originally from Belfast Northern Ireland Heather has been living in Rotorua for the past 17 years.She completed a BSc in Finance at the Queens University of Belfast. Heather is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and is currently employed as the Company Accountant for Polynesian Spa.Heather is a Rotary Rotorua Sunrise member, and is the Youth Director for 2017/2018. She has a keen interest and supporter of various philanthropic ventures together with her husband Mike who is of Ngati Kahungunu and Te Arawa descent.
Olivia Dhanjee (Ngāti Pikiao, Te Whakatōhea, Gujarat)
Olivia Dhanjee is a thought leader and effective advocate for the seamless transition of rangatahi into sustainable and meaningful employment. Her strong emphasis on collaboration, co-design and quick action has enabled key relationships with rangatahi centric and community organisations to thrive and flourish. Olivia believes it is our collective responsibility to ensure our young people have equitable access to participate in education pathways that enable the social and economic transformation of our whānau and community. Olivia is currently the Chief Advisor Education to Employment at the Ministry of Education and was previously the Head of Youth and Community Engagement at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Te Pūkenga.
Louix Waru (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Whakatohea)
The opportunity to contribute to our community through this foundation is something I feel very fortunate to be a part of. This is my first governance role, and I have significant experience in education and local government where I currently engage with the community, iwi, and schools. Outside of work I am usually busy catering to my three daughters and wonderful wife.
Kylie Gunn
Kylie was born in Rotorua, she has over 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications across multiple industries, including lecturing. Kylie works for Scion, a Crown Research Institute in Rotorua. She is excited to be part of the team that is making a difference for our rangatahi. She is a busy mum to two girls and spends her spare time with her young family and extended whānau.
Grant Utteridge
I came to Rotorua in 1982 expecting to be here for 3 years and I now very proudly call Rotorua my home. By day, I am a property valuer by profession and sports fanatic outside of work. I am still an active multi-sporter, enjoying the amazing natural surroundings that Rotorua has to offer. My philosophy has always been that sport and recreation has given me so much it is my duty to give back and particularly encourage young people to take advantage of all the opportunities that may come across their bows. I have been heavily involved in all levels of administration in sport and recreation in various sports having served on boards locally, regionally and nationally and was a previous chair of Sport Bay of Plenty for 8 years and current chair of the Rotorua Trails Trust. I am very excited by the work of the Graeme Dingle Foundation in this region and the opportunity to contribute to that.