Western Bay of Plenty – Te Moana-a-Toitehuatahi

Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay of Plenty was founded in 2004 and currently runs the Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator and Project K programmes, helping over 3,800 local young people every year.

Staff

Dan Allen-Gordon – Regional Manager

Dan founded the Graeme Dingle Foundation Bay of Plenty Trust in 2004.  He comes from a background of sales, management and youth work and has been in the industry since the 1990’s.

Dan is passionate about Graeme Dingle Foundation and the programmes we deliver in the Bay of Plenty.  He believes we give our children and youth a positive start in life through our programmes.

Email: dan.allen-gordon@dinglefoundation.org.nz  Phone: 021 992 613

 

Charlotte Brown – Business Development Manager

Charlotte (or Charlie!) joined the Graeme Dingle Foundation in October 2021. She has a background in Sales and Advertising and is happy to be using her skills to help make a difference to the lives of tamariki and rangatahi in the region. Charlotte passionately believes that every child should have the opportunity to thrive and be their best and loves being part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation whose programmes work to achieve this. If you would like to discuss how you can help us to achieve our vision, please contact Charlotte – she would love to chat!

Email: charlotte.brown@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Peter Tuhura – Career Navigator and Project K Coordinator 

Peter has been with the Graeme Dingle Foundation WBOP since 2020 assuming the role of programme Coordinator for our Project K and Career Navigator programmes at Katikati College. Peter has come from a Sport and Recreation background with a deep connection to the basketball community here in the bay. He has a passion to be a positive role model for youth and believes in our programmes to effect positive change for all young people in Aotearoa.

Email: pitiera.tuhura@dinglefoundation.org.nz

 

Leah Nesbit –Project K and Career Navigator Coordinator

Leah joined  the Graeme Dingle Foundation in 2021. She is passionate about supporting our Rangatahi, with more than 5 years’ experience working with youth she is super motivated to see them reach their full potential. Where ever possible you’ll see her trying to inspire the youth to be creative, finding creative projects for our students to be involved in or being the paparazzi photographer at activities. Leah loves the outdoors and going on adventures to new places or to try new things. Always excited to encourage our young people to get outdoors and push their limits. Leah loves hiking and camping and will find any excuse to get out of work in the office to escape on camp with our high school students. Email: leah.nesbit@dinglefoundation.org.nz

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Jasmine Riley – Kiwi Can Coordinator

Jasmine (or Jaz) started with WBoP at the start of 2020 as a Kiwi Can leader. She was the national Kiwi Can Leader award winner in 2021, and is now our Kiwi Can Coordinator.

Jaz came to us with a background in ECE, she has always had a passion for working with children, in particular the

ones who others may have “written off”. Meeting them where they are, and helping them see they are more than the situation they find themselves in, or the decisions they have made. As a mother to two active teens, you will often find her on the side of a basketball court, rugby field, or skate park. She is community focused and loves giving back. In her free time Jaz loves being outdoors either hiking or at the beach. Email: jasmine.riley@dinglefoundation.org.nz

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Cindi Lett – Stars and Project K at Otumoetai College

Cindi has been with the Graeme Dingle Foundation WBOP since 2023, assuming the role of Programme Coordinator for our Stars and Project K programmes at Otumoetai College. Her interest and love for Sport lead her to complete a Sport and Exercise Science degree, and she has recently completed a Business Management Diploma. Cindi has worked as a Kiwi Can leader and has a background in teaching and coaching. She has an enthusiastic and positive attitude with a passion for working with and supporting young people to believe in themselves so they can overcome obstacles, succeed, and achieve their potential.

Cindi has worked in the New Zealand Education system at early childhood, primary school, intermediate and college levels. Her teaching philosophy focuses on providing an encouraging, positive learning environment that builds self-esteem and looks at each person individually.  She teaches young people though her words and actions, the value of respect, resilience, empathy and teamwork to support them on their personal journey of growth to prepare them for life.  Cindi is dedicated to helping support, empower and make a positive difference to the lives of tamariki and rangatahi. Email: cindi.lett@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Georgia Edmiston – Regional Administrator

Georgia joined the Graeme Dingle Foundation WBOP at the start of 2022. Georgia has an education in sociology and social policy and is here to support the Graeme Dingle Foundation team and the programs they deliver in the Western Bay of Plenty that make positive changes to the lives of tamariki and rangatahi.

She believes it’s a great opportunity to work with an awesome organisation that do so much to help the young people in our community be the best that they can be.

Email: georgia.edmiston@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Kiwi Can Leaders

  • Atutahi Henare
  • Kristy Lagarto
  • Gemma Tidswell
  • Brant Liufau
  • Olivia Clague
  • Leiona Lee Tupou
  • Gabriel Charlie
  • Todd Herbert
  • Benjamin Percy
  • Maia de Bruin

Trustees

Matthew Billet

Matthew has been a Trustee since 2018, and provides legal support to the Board . He is currently Chairperson and has a keen interest in improving the potential of our young people.

 

 

Andrea Ainsworth

Andrea joined the Board of Trustees in 2022 and is proud to be a part of the positive work Graeme Dingle Foundation does to support Bay of Plenty’s rangatahi. Her main contribution are a is providing a People and Culture lens, as aligns to her education and corporate experience.

 

Warwick de Vere

Warwick has long been involved with education from Kindergarten to Secondary school in Board positions. This has continued with Dingle Foundation Western Bay since 2015. He is a strong believer particularly in the wide-reaching Kiwi Can programme which ensures a quality future in the adults of tomorrow. He provides business mentoring and financial management support to the Board.

 

Dianne Lees

Dianne has been involved in education for many years initially as a teacher and as School Board of Trustee member, then as a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in child and whānau wellbeing. Graeme Dingle Foundation provides excellent programmes to help tamariki achieve their full potential. I am very pleased to support this mahi and have been a Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay Board member since 2018.

Christine Ralph

Christine began with the Graeme Dingle Foundation as a Project K mentor and then joined the Board of Trustees in 2013. Through her town planning and community activities she has worked within many communities and really enjoys working for our youth. She provides the Board, strategic planning, risk assessment and management support.

 

Aaron Moores

Aaron is an Investment Adviser for Craigs Investment Partners. He is currently serving his fourth term and is currently Chair on the Tauranga Primary School Board of Trustees. Aaron enjoys being involved in the not-for-profit sector and joined the Graeme Dingle Foundation board as a Trustee in 2023.

 

Jude Brown

Jude Brown, former Deputy Principal at Otumoetai College Tauranga, is a seasoned educator with a passion for empowering youth and shaping their futures. Jude brings experience in educational leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges facing young people today. Committed to the philosophy of the Graeme Dingle Foundation, Jude believes in the transformative power of mentorship and character development in helping young individuals realize their full potential.