Chris Parsons, Jaye Pukepuke,
Greg Williamson, Margie Rees, Steve Reid
Greg Williamson, Chairman
Greg owns a sales and marketing consultancy based in Christchurch that works with hi-tech exporters. He has significant sales and marketing experience in the hi-tech industry, is a guest lecturer at the University of Canterbury and a member of the Institute of Directors. Chairman of Basketball New Zealand, a Board member of FIBA Oceania and Chairman of Agape Street Ministries Trust (now Bros for Change) since 2004, Greg is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, and has completed the IOD’s Certificate in Company Direction. Out of work he spends time with his wife and three children, involved in church activities, basketball, slow-motion triathlon and some very average surfing.
Steve Reid, Board member
Ngati Porou and Pakeha decent, He is married to Gina, together they have 3 young adult children, he has worked in youth work for over 25 years. He started his working career in the NZ Army which gave him a skill set to then work in the area of youth to help prepare them for life. Over the years he has both volunteered and worked professionally in church youth groups, coaching rugby, outdoor education, school kapahaka, men’s groups, also in landscape and construction. For 17 years Steve and Gina managed Agape Trust an NGO that had an Alternative Education school, OSCAR after school and holiday programs, and many other youth focused contracts.
In 2010 he was awarded the New Zealander of the Year local hero’s award for services to the youth community and again in 2011 for his support to young people and their families during the Christchurch earth quakes.
Steve’s core motivation and belief is there is a very rich and rewarding life for anyone who has faith in God, works hard, and helps others.
Margie Rees, Board member
Married with 4 children between 14 and 26
Background of Residential Social Work from 1986, Teaching English to Foreign Students and voluntary connection with many organisations from Operation Friendship to Big Brother Big Sister
Social Worker in Primary Practice in Aranui since 2011
Board Member of Hillview Christian School 2003-2012
Board Member of Agape Street Ministries Trust from 2012 until closing 2017
Current Board Member of Bros for Change Charitable Trust
Facilitator of Building Awesome Whānau parenting courses since 2016 and Early Years Toolbox since 2012
Accredited Clifton Strengths Coach since 2008
Mentoring Adults and young women
Actively involved at Grace Vineyard
My focus is on building hope into individuals and whānau and supporting them in reaching their goals.
Jaye Pukepuke
Founder and Program Manager
Previously a member of the New Zealand Maori, New Zealand Warriors and New Zealand rugby league teams, Jaye Pukepuke is now the director (and founder) of the successful alternative education programme 'Bros for Change'.
With his experiences working with young people Jaye has successfully developed a programme for helping young people labelled as problematic and dysfunctional to learn valuable skills and set realistic goals for the future.
His other experience includes:
-
New Zealander of the year medal recipient 2019
-
Founder/President of the BRO XIII Canterbury Maori Rugby League
-
Change Agent for the Te Papori o Whakatere Incubator programme
-
Studying Psychology as a Social Science at Massey University
-
Nga Okawa a Tangaroa, Certificate in Customary Fishing
-
NZQA Level 3 Chef qualification from the Auckland Hotel & Chefs Training School
-
NZQA Sport and Recreation- NorthTech
-
Former educator at Kaiwhakahaere YMCA Alternative Education Christchurch
-
Education mentor Check and Connect programme Halswell Residential College
-
Youth Worker and Coordinator - Canterbury Youth Development Programme
-
Former NZ Warriors, NZ and NZ Maori rugby league professional
Favourite Quote:
"Its easier to build strong children, than repair a broken man" (Frederick Douglas)
":
Tyron Rapana
Operations Manager
Tyron comes to us with over 21 years of serving in the NZ army as a staff sergeant. His considerable experience in the outdoors and setting up and maintaining systems will be an invaluable asset to our organisation. Te Ao Maori is an important part of who he is and tikanga Maori is incorporated into every aspect of his life. Tyron believes that working with rangatahi is part of his calling and is keen to utilise his training and experience to help challenge and inspire the young men that he works with.
Favorite Quote:
"If Life knocks you down, do a burpee!" The Rock
Gina Reid
Administrator
Previously Funding and Accounts manager for Agape Trust, Gina rejoins the Bros for Change team as their new Administrator.
With over 15 years experience in the Community and Charitable Sector, and a post graduate degree in Not For Profit Management, Gina's knowledge and capability will help free up the rest of the team to get out in the field and do what they do best.
Favorite Quote
"Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve" Martin Luther King
BJ is a qualified builder with 13 years’ experience in the construction industry. He has operated a residential building company here in Christchurch which has given him the opportunity to manage projects, run crews and mentor apprentices. He enjoys challenges and getting his hands dirty whilst sharing the knowledge and skills that he has.
He is also a qualified SCUBA diving instructor and has a passion for underwater adventure. BJ is loving his new role with Bros for Change, working with the team creating rangatahi positive experiences.
BJ Rakena
Senior Mentor
Favorite Quote
"Discipline equals Freedom" Jocko Willink
Karena is a qualified builder with considerable experience in the building and construction industry (over 13 years). He has worked both locally and also in the Chathams as their residential builder.
Karena also has training and experience in outdoor pursuits; particularly bush craft, kayaking and sports activities. His ability to communicate and think outside the box when relating to rangitahi will be an asset to our team. As will his work broking skills.
Favorite Quote
"If you don't look at things differently, from a different perspective, chances are you don't see them as they truly are"
Karena Waretini
Youth Mentor
