The Graeme Dingle Foundation Southern is part of a leading organisation in youth development in New Zealand. Our mission is to deliver programmes to children and young people that are proven to bring positive change and have a lasting impact on their well-being.
We deliver these programmes to students aged 5 to 18 in 18 schools across Christchurch & Queenstown. Our programmes reach over 3,370 students every week.
Presently we have three transformational programmes in Canterbury & Otago:
- Kiwi Can: our energy-packed, primary school programme, teaching positive relationships, values of respect, integrity and resilience, and developing the soft skills needed for our communities and workplaces of the future.
- Stars: a peer mentoring programme that empowers year 12 and 13 students at Hornby High School and Mairehau High to support year 9 students with the challenging transition to high school. Through weekly group session lead by the senior students, adventure activity days to develop team work and trust, and a community project to enhance a sense of social responsibility and connection to community, Stars enhances resilience, mental health and well-being of all students involved.
- Project K: impacts on a young person at an instrumental time in their lives. Working with year 10 students at Hornby High School, Project K focuses on building self-confidence, life skills and a healthy lifestyle through a wilderness camp, community projects, interaction with other young people and a positive relationship with an external adult mentor.
We help our students to build positive relationships, confidence, resilience, communication skills as well as cooperative learning. Today’s rangatahi and tamariki need to be supported to develop into resilient people who can cope and thrive amongst this ongoing evolution and disruption we experience in our world. They need to learn how to work together, understand other perspectives, collaborate for mutual success, and how to bounce back from setbacks.
Our programmes support the development of these skills and values, so our young people are able to overcome the challenges they face in life. We want every child to know what they have inside is greater than any obstacle.
Sian Neary – General Manager Canterbury Region
Sian joined the Foundation back in November 2011 and brings 25 years of experience in the Not for Profit industry mostly with Youth Development. Sian is well known for her passion, drive and commitment to the communities that she works in. Sian recently won a KiwiBank Local Hero award and a was Semi Finalist for Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year for 2022 recognising those putting in the hard yards for their communities and taking extraordinary action to make Aotearoa a better place.
Sian is a keen sports enthusiast and enjoys playing hockey, cycling and walking with her partner and the family dog Mojo.
Meet the team
Amy- Programme Manager
Amy brings with her over 20 years’ experience working with tamariki, rangatahi and whanau both in a therapeutic and community as well as extensive experience working in the wellbeing, education and Not for Profit industry. Having lived overseas for 25 years, Amy brings with her a wealth of lived and work experience and is known for her dedication and commitment to being of service to her community and creating a positive impact and outcome for everyone she has the privilege of working with.
Her passion for the wellbeing and mental health of rangatahi in Aotearoa is strong since her brother died by suicide when she was 16. This lived experience has enabled Amy to help create a positive future for many and a huge reason she continues to do this important work and is incredibly proud to be part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation and their mission.
Amy is a true believer in the healing power of the outdoors and nature. She begins each day with the sunrise walking her Border Collie, Buddy and also enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and two teenage boys, Billy and Rocco.
Brodie- Programme Coordinator
Brodie brings a diverse background in youth development, education, support work and community reintegration. With a background in physical education teaching and experience supporting people through significant periods of change, Brodie has a strong belief in helping others recognise their potential, build confidence and take positive steps forward.
He is passionate about creating opportunities for people to challenge themselves, try new things and discover what they are capable of. Brodie believes life is about giving things a go, finding what brings you joy and having the courage to step outside your comfort zone.
Outside of work, Brodie is a competitive dancer, artist, runner and outdoor enthusiast – so he is very much someone who enjoys putting his own philosophy into practice.
Freyja- Programme Coordinator
Freyja brings background in youth justice, alternative education and support work, Freyja brings valuable experience working with young people from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about building positive relationships, empowering young people to find their voice, and developing the confidence and skills they need to succeed. As a Programme Coordinator with the Graeme Dingle Foundation, Freyja enjoys creating meaningful experiences that encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, build connections and realise their potential.
Freyja is eager to continue developing her leadership and management skills through gaining experience, furthering her education and taking on new challenges.
Outside of work, Freyja enjoys putting her chef qualification to use, exploring her interests in cars and music, spending time with her partner, and taking her dog for walks along the beautiful bays of Christchurch
Annie – Stars Peer Mentor Coordinator
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” (What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people).Annie brings a vibrant range of experiences to her role as Stars Peer Mentor Coordinator at Wakatipu High School. With a background as a professional actor and performance coach, Annie also brings insights from studying psychology, and is fueled by a passion for mental health and well-being. Alongside coordinating, she is a Drama teacher at Wakatipu High School. Annie leads with heart, positivity, and a mana-enhancing approach. In her spare time, you will find her outdoors hiking, at the gym, or making art with her two tamariki
Isaac – Kiwi Can Leader
Isaac is a graduate of Saint Thomas of Canterbury College. He has been passionate about basketball for most of his life and has coached as well. Outside of basketball, Isaac enjoys playing guitar and is a big fan of live music. He also loves snowboarding and enjoys hitting the slopes whenever he gets the chance.
“I always knew I wanted to do something that mattered, and I am extremely happy to be working for the Graeme Dingle Foundation as a Kiwi Can leader. I love that we get to give the next generation a voice as well as a listening ear”
Isaac’s goal in life is to one day be a real estate agent. We are thrilled to have Isaac in the Kiwi Can space. Our students are too!