Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay of Plenty

Neil Alton – Site Manager

I’m excited to be part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation as Site Manager for the Western Bay of Plenty. I’m passionate about creating positive outcomes for young people and supporting initiatives that build resilience and confidence in our communities. I look forward to working alongside an incredible team of staff to deliver impactful programs that inspire and empower the next generation. For our Kiwi Can and Project K programmes to be successful, it needs a be a real team effort made up of whanau, schools, businesses and community funding partners to create positive change and brighter futures. I look forward to working with all our stakeholders to continue the amazing work of previous managers including Dan Allen-Gordon and Suzy Mitchell.

neil.alton@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Jaz Riley – Kiwi Can Coordinator

Kia ora! I’m Jaz, resident team-wrangler (aka Kiwi Can Coordinator), serial snack-provider, and the brave soul attempting Fortnite dances while sealed inside the famously fragrant Kan-doo Kiwi costume. (Yes, it smells exactly how you’re imagining.) Kiwi Can is our primary school, values-based programme that helps tamariki build confidence, resilience, and social skills through high-energy, hands-on learning. I started out as a Kiwi Can Leader myself in 2020 before stepping into coordination. With a background in Early Childhood, I’m passionate about supporting tamariki who others may have “written off”- meeting them where they are, and helping them see they are more than the situations they find themselves in or the decisions they have made. I love relationship-building and youth development, and I get absolute joy from growing my team of skilled, passionate, crazy, wild, fun, and heart-led humans. I’m all about backing our Kiwi Can Leaders as they bring energy, positivity, and a good dose of controlled chaos to tamariki. Seeing kids try new things, light up with confidence, and crack up laughing is the best part of my job… even when the joke’s on me!

jasmine.riley@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Angelena Davies – Project K Coordinator Te Puke

Kia ora, my name is Ange Davies and I co-ordinate Project K Te Puke (25 hours a week) and I’m also a student at The University of Waikato doing a Masters in Counselling (20+hours a week). I’ve got 30 years’ experience working in the personal development space with children, youth and adults. Prior to joining the Graeme Dingle Foundation team, I was a volunteer mentor in Project K, which I found to be such a rewarding experience. This has given me a good insight into my role as coordinator and how best I can serve the people I’m working with. My two children have now flown the nest so instead of getting ‘more’ (yes, I have lots already) animals for my hobby farm, I now have a yearly cohort of youth and mentors to pour my time and love into. I absolutely love seeing and helping people grow to their full potential. I feel so lucky to be here.

angelena.davies@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Pitiera Tuhura – Project K Coordinator Mount Maunganui and Otumoetai

Kia ora, it’s fantastic being back at the Graeme Dingle Foundation and what a whirlwind 6 months I’ve had coordinating Project K programmes in Mt Maunganui and Otumoetai. I am so thrilled to be back working for an organisation that nurtured and ignited my own passion for youth development and support. I studied Sports Science here in sunny Tauranga and if I’m not with my family or Project K groups then it’s highly likely that you’ll find me on a basketball court. I have recently welcomed a pepi, Ihaka Phoenix, and I am excited for this new adventure of fatherhood. I am deeply humbled to be in a position to support our young people grow, thrive, and become the best versions of themselves. I’m looking forward to continuing the good work that we do here with Project K.

pitiera.tuhura@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Annaliese Arnold – Project K Coordinator Tauranga Girls College

Hi, I’m Annaliese, I’m the Project K Coordinator at Tauranga Girls’ College with the Graeme Dingle Foundation. I’m low-key obsessed with Canva, a mad Warriors fan (Up the Wahs always), and someone who can hold her own in front of a room full of teenagers (no small feat!). I began my journey with GDF in March 2025 as the Stars Coordinator, before moving into my current role in 2026, supporting young wāhine through Project K to build confidence, resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of self. With 15 years of teaching experience and a Masters in Applied Psychology, I’m deeply passionate about youth development, creating spaces where rangatahi can show up as their favourite selves, try new things, grow their strengths, and have a laugh along the way. I live in Pāpāmoa with my husband and our three children.

annaliese.arnold@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Lucy Hodgins – Business Coordinator

Having joined the Graeme Dingle Foundation in July 2025 as the Business Coordinator I am excited about supporting our youth programmes which have such an impact on young people’s lives. I am inspired daily by the passionate and thoughtful people who go above and beyond to make these programmes happen. I currently work part time hours, and I am a full-time mum to an energetic almost two-year-old son, Lorenzo. Best job ever! With a background in holistic health, environmental work and a passion for the outdoors ( I have worked a number of snow seasons in local mountains and abroad) I know from experience the magic and transformation that comes from being in nature. I feel passionate about giving back to my community in meaningful ways and I know that I have been fortunate in my own life experiences. I love adventure, learning and I am always curious to explore new cultures and artistic pursuits. My partner is Chilean so South American music is a huge part of our family culture.

lucy.hodgins@dinglefoundation.org.nz