Westfield Local Heroes

Level Playing Field

Sport changed Zane’s life and ultimately inspired him to help young people through his charity, Level Playing Field. He helps rangatahi who may not have opportunities to engage in sport begin their athletic journey. As well as having the chance to take part in their chosen activity, those supported by Zane also build their resilience, teamwork skills and confidence.

Te Kiwi Māia

Megan co-founded Te Kiwi Māia to support the mental and physical wellbeing of New Zealand’s first responders and defence personnel who are suffering as a result of their service. The charity provides respite and rehabilitation through its Wellness Week programmes, which offer psychological support, trauma-informed yoga, nutrition and sleep education, and traditional Māori healing.

Woven Earth

Kerryn Thrupp is the founder and CEO of Woven Earth, a charity dedicated to creating loving homes for family violence survivors and their children. Woven Earth furnishes empty houses and provides practical support so survivors can safely rebuild their lives.

Auckland Down Syndrome Association

Paula Beguely is the community liaison officer at the Auckland Down Syndrome Association (ADSA). After her daughter was diagnosed with Down syndrome, Paula became motivated to help other families. In her role, she provides families with key resources and opportunities for social connection. ADSA works with approximately 500 families across Auckland.

North Shore Centres of Mutual Aid Inc

Robyn Walker is the general manager of North Shore Centres of Mutual Aid (CMA), a charity dedicated to providing companionship and activities for isolated older adults in Auckland. Under Robyn’s leadership, eight CMA centres offer activities designed to foster friendship and alleviate loneliness for older adults, helping ensure they feel connected and supported.

TimeOut Charitable Trust

Resilient Ronda Amende devotes her energy to giving hundreds of families free holidays after a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Ronda is the founder and Chair of the TimeOut Charitable Trust, which enables owners of holiday homes to gift people with terminal illness a temporary sanctuary to share with their family.

Love Soup NZ

Generous Julie King has devoted the past 10 years to providing tens of thousands of meals to hungry North Shore people and keeping tonnes of food from landfill. Julie is the founder of Love Soup NZ, which feeds more than 500 people a week. Last year alone, she saved 500,000kg of surplus food.

Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust

Empathetic Morgan Goodwin is dedicated to helping local young people live their best life. Morgan is a Youth Development Worker at Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust, where she listens and acts without judgment to help people with their overall hauora. She also helps with the practicalities of job seeking, driving lessons and accessing funds.