Westfield Local Heroes

Mercy Hospice Te Korowai Atawhai

After a 38-year hospice career, Peter is now a palliative care volunteer. Driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves to die with dignity, Peter fundraises, shares his professional experience, and is also hands-on, providing transport and emotional support. Peter’s work ensures patients and families feel supported, respected, and less alone.

The Disabled Citizens Society Inc

Angela’s volunteering focuses on improving the lives and futures for people with disabilities. Her dedication helps them to learn life skills, make connections and find pathways to employment. Through her work, she advocates for inclusion and opportunity. Angela also gives her time to a community kitchen, providing meals for up to 100 people per week.

New Settlers Family and Community Trust (NFACT)

Dr Fahima Saeid is passionate about supporting former refugees in New Zealand and co-founded New Settlers Family and Community Trust (NFACT). Fahima draws on her experiences of arriving in New Zealand over 20 years ago to provide a unique and empathetic perspective to those she supports.

Mapura Studios

Allyson Hamblett mentors disabled artists and advocates for a more creative and inclusive society. As an artist with cerebral palsy and the disability advisor at Māpura Studios, Allyson is a living example of the benefits of art therapy. She joined the studio in 2002 and has since displayed her art in notable galleries.

Ripple

Michelle Jennings founded Ripple to provide essential clothing for children living in hardship and to divert textile waste from landfill. Ripple distributes ‘Gear Box’ clothing parcels to Women’s Refuge and Oranga Tamariki. So far, Michelle has diverted over 2.3 tonnes from landfill and clothed over 220 children, each for a year at a time.

Deaf Wellbeing Society Incorporated

Empathetic Natasha Jumelet has devoted 22 years to improving the quality of life of deaf people and reducing their risk of isolation. Natasha is the leader of the Deaf Wellbeing Society, a community organisation she co-founded with the sole purpose of empowering deaf people and enriching their lives.

Aktive Zone

Joanne Armstrong is the Programme Lead at Aktive Zone, which gives children of all ages and abilities free movement classes that integrate culture and fun. Jo has worked hard to make the sessions culturally inclusive and has attracted a diverse range of families from different backgrounds as well as children with disability.

Fair Food

Tracey Watene Pirini works tirelessly to provide free fresh food for people in need across Auckland. Tracey is Head of Operations and Relationships at Fair Food, which provides ingredients for 34,000 meals a week. Tracey works with her team and many partners to ensure the correct food gets to where it is needed on time.