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
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
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
Merle Rankin – Regional Administrator
Merle has run her own businesses since a young age, including office management, building companies, electrical test and tagging, and hospitality. She has also served as backup for various businesses while their office management staff were away. Merle enjoys looking after young people and helping them achieve their goals, including her son, who now has his own online coaching business in fitness and nutrition! Merle loves traveling, exploring real estate opportunities, and interior design. She is also excited about the future with the Graeme Dingle Foundation.
Kiwi Can Leaders
- Atutahi Henare
- Ayla Dellaway
- Gemma Tidswell
- Brant Liufau
- Olivia Clague
- Leiona Lee Tupou
- Gabriel Charlie
- Benjamin Percy
- Maia de Bruin
- Isaiah Faulkner
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.
Ruby Bell
Ruby got involved in the Graeme Dingle Foundation as a Project K Mentor before joining the Board of Trustees in 2024. She cares about teen mental health and education. Ruby wants to help support the Board with her experience in fundraising events and marketing.