He cares deeply about empowerment, equity and engagement; his portfolio of commercial and learning focused-work operates at the intersection of today’s societal challenges and creative, innovative responses to them.

Most recently, Kirk led the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training initiative in Auckland.
His career has provided him with rich experiences across compulsory, non-compulsory and free choice learning sectors to draw on.

In 2014, Kirk completed an Education Leadership thesis by working with Tongan parents with children in primary schools – his central hypothesis being: “there is no such thing as a hard to reach audience, it’s about being relevant.

As evidence of his intrapreneurial nous, Kirk has led the development and implementation of a project-based learning curriculum as the vehicle for meaningful learner engagement for second chance learners.

He has championed a community and youth-curated outreach programme which won a New Zealand Museum Award for an outstanding new museum programme that contributes to best practice in the museum sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, and demonstrates community engagement, responsiveness and collaboration.

Inspired by the past; challenging the status quo; and the possibilities of the future, Kirk has headed projects which have led to meaningful learning and employment outcomes such as sending a team of trades trainees’ to Fiji to support the rebuild after Cyclone Winston.

He has also facilitated a courageous and gritty Youse Got Choices campaign targeting Māori and Pasifika communities which set out to shift attitudes about trades as a viable and worthwhile career pathway.

The First Foundation has been on Kirk’s radar for many years, and when the chance to work directly with First Foundation and support the positive and pro-active work the organisation does, he jumped at the opportunity.

Kirk is excited about this new chapter in his career, and working towards making Aotearoa just that little bit better for future generations.

He has extensive creative and people skills and always enjoys the opportunity to provide guidance and full wrap around support to young people.

His years of mentoring, student support and “on the ground” experience provides the appropriate knowledge to encourage our next generation of pioneers to reach their fullest potential.

“I am super privileged to be a part of the successful First Foundation team. I believe in the vision and the heart of the organisation. The scholarships that are offered by our scholarship partners are the most rewarding achievement to the successful applicants”.

Chelsea works with schools nationwide to help them identify and prepare students to apply for our programme. She says, “I love what First Foundation stands for – it allows deserving rangatahi to break through barriers so they can move from where they are to wherever they want to go.

“First Foundation’s practice of connecting mentors with scholars in Year 13 is unique and powerful – it sets up our students for the transition to tertiary study.”

Chelsea is widely admired for her empathy and steadiness. She’s always on hand to help our mentors and also drives their coaching and upskilling initiatives.

She says, “A lot of it is reassuring people they don’t need to have all the answers – it’s more about being there, being authentic and acting as a positive point of reference.

When she’s not in the office, Chelsea is usually outdoors, playing field hockey or any number of sports. She is also in high demand as a favourite aunt.

Chelsea to find out about mentoring or putting your students forward for the application process.

Not only is Brooke deeply empathetic and bubbly, but she also thrives in a busy environment. She has worked across administration, sales and marketing in demanding industries. Now, she’s the person to speak to at First Foundation to ensure things get done as they should and when they should. 

She says, “I have always been driven by the desire to reduce the disparity among New Zealand’s socio-economic groups. Being part of the First Foundation team allows me to do just that. It’s an organisation that is truly making an impact.

You’ll enjoy hearing from Brooke – her warm sense of humour makes her a favourite member of our team.

It was at a similar event around five years ago that Michael, a partner at Chapman Tripp, was inspired to encourage the commercial law firm to become a scholarship partner.

Like many First Foundation scholars, Michael’s mum was the first in her family to go to university. Although she had the whole community behind her, it was still a big leap. That contrasted with Michael’s own experience years later, because his parents had been before him and most of his peers were heading to university too. 

He believes education is a great leveler, and the commitment and passion of First Foundation and its supporters is helping make education accessible to more New Zealanders.

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Many of you will remember Steve as the visionary who started the First Foundation, laying the groundwork for the support we continue to provide to our youth today. Since he stepped away from First Foundation, Steve has carved out an impressive path in the agricultural and business sector.

As CEO of Pāmu (also known as Landcorp), Steve displayed strategic foresight, embracing innovation and efficiency, and diversifying assets to maximise returns. His leadership led to a remarkable 300% increase in Pāmu’s profits, despite reducing the company’s farm portfolio by 20%. He then moved on to become the Managing Director of NZX-listed winemaker Delegat Group, further solidifying his love for agriculture and reinforcing his strong business acumen.

Before his tenure at Pāmu, Steve worked with McKinsey & Co. in New York and Auckland, advising companies across North America, Europe, and Australia. His educational credentials include a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School and Bachelor of Laws and Arts degrees from the University of Auckland.

Steve brings to our board not only his rich experience and broadened perspective from these roles but also his passion for empowering New Zealand’s youth. He firmly believes that the greatest gift the First Foundation provides is the nurturing of self-confidence. Steve understands that many of our students are not short on ability, but on aspiration – a situation he’s committed to changing.

As we continue our mission of transforming lives through educational support, we are excited about the experience, vision, and leadership Steve brings back to our team. His strategic expertise and innovative approach will undoubtedly enhance our ability to impact more lives positively.

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After being awarded his scholarship in 2009, he followed his dream of becoming an architect. This qualification has helped him relieve financial stress from his family, inspire younger students to follow their dreams, and set up MAU Studio – a design practice focused on creating regenerating environments that enhance well-being and contribute to a more equitable world.

Raised in South Auckland and of Samoan descent, Tau describes his graduation as a family event made possible by his parent’s sacrifice for him. Being able to share his achievements with them is one of his proudest moments.

Tau believes a sustainable future for business requires an organisational culture that values youth development in Aotearoa and is committed to supporting our rangatahi into these businesses.

“Education has always resonated with me—it changed the trajectory of my own life. But in New Zealand, I see a widening gap between those families where higher education and professional careers are the norm and those who can’t access that.

“Offering a hand up is a great way for us to work together so more people can fulfil their aspirations. First Foundation’s impact is so important to New Zealand and its growth.”

“The programme is so much more than just giving a scholar money and assisting financially. Mentoring means scholars have someone to guide them through their experience and the decisions along the way. The introduction to work helps equip you with a network.”

As a trustee of First Foundation, Susan will focus both her drive and professional skills to see the organisation grow and reach more deserving young students.