Westfield Local Heroes

Passion to Profession

Thanks to Toko’s mentorship program, Passion to Profession, young creatives in South Auckland can gain advice, education and industry experience to help them turn their passions into sustainable careers. Passion to Profession equips young people exploring music and fashion with the tools to flourish through workshops, partnerships with local enterprises and exposure to real-world creative projects.

Kindness Collective

Sarah founded The Kindness Collective to support vulnerable New Zealanders with food, warmth, safety and opportunity. Her work reaches over 40,000 South Auckland whānau through initiatives like winter aid, Christmas gifts and community gardens. Driven by personal hardship, Sarah harnesses the kindness of communities to create a fair and equitable life for all.

PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation NZ

Stacey delivers life-enhancing cancer rehabilitation physiotherapy to patients across South Auckland. Inspired by her own sister’s cancer diagnoses, her work restores strength, independence, and confidence to those facing physical and emotional suffering. Stacey advocates for accessible rehab care, so that all cancer patients have the opportunity reclaim their lives.

Te Raranga Charitable Trust

Christian Prescott is the founder and CEO of Te Raranga Charitable Trust, an organisation that strengthens communities, families and individuals. Founded in 2021 as a response to the pressures that families were facing during COVID-19, Christian’s flagship program is a sneaker donation drive.

Life Education Trust Counites Manukau

Carleen Craig has worked with Life Education Trust Counties Manukau for seven years, helping to educate 6,000 tamariki (children) annually. She teaches about mental and physical health, resilience and self-worth using technology and Harold the Giraffe in a mobile classroom. Carleen designs unique learning experiences, addressing issues like vaping and substance abuse, making a significant community impact.

Sweet Louise

Nadine Morton, a support coordinator for Sweet Louise in South Auckland, passionately supports women with advanced breast cancer. The women currently supported are between 32 and 88 years old; many have dependent children and are struggling financially. Nadine’s efforts help make their journey a little bit easier.

Heart Kids Auckland

Compassionate Montee Stehlin helps hundreds of children and family members navigate the life-long journey that follows a childhood heart condition diagnosis. Montee is a family support social worker at Heart Kids Auckland, where she goes above and beyond to look after her clients' practical and emotional needs.

Little Miracles Trust

Big-hearted Oliviera Tavu'i is a warm and gracious supporter of parents who have children in the neonatal intensive care unit at Middlemore Hospital. The Little Miracles Trust Family Support Coordinator has endless compassion despite the confronting nature of her work. As a former NICU mum, Oliviera helps all whānau feel loved, seen and heard.

Otara Blue Light

Police officer Taiaiti (Piho) Tuaiti works tirelessly as Chairperson of the Otara Blue Light’s Te Huringa o Te Tai o Nga Wahine (Turning of the Tide for Young Girls) programme. He leads workshops and mentors vulnerable 14 to 18-year-old women. The programme has helped reduce offending by Maori and Pasifika young women by 28% in four years.