CEO
Julie is the CEO and Co founder of KidsCan StandTall with over ten years experience in not for profit management. She is responsible for providing leadership, direction and the coordination of all activities of the Trust in accordance with the goals and objectives of the organisation. Julies role is to direct strategy and create sustainability in order to grow the activities of the Trust to meet its charitable objectives. Julie is also responsible for programme development, key partnerships, Government relationships, public relations and the overall day to day management of the Trust.
Why I’m involved: “I have always been passionate about the opportunities education provides. When you see kids failing for the lack of simple things in their lives, it makes you determined to find a way to past the obstacles.”
Trustee
Based in Auckland, Bill Birnie is the Chairman and Managing Director of private equity firm, Birnie Capital Limited. Bill holds a Bachelor of Laws and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. In addition to being a Director of all Birnie Capital investment companies, Bill is a Trustee of the James Wallace Arts Trust, Deputy Chairman of SPARC and Deputy Chairman of the New Zealand Film Commission. He is a past Chairman and Director of New Zealand’s largest fruit exporter, ENZA and formerly held the positions of Director of the Screen Council of New Zealand, Director of New Zealand Equestrian Sports and Commissioner of the Hillary Commission. Bill was also a Founding Trustee of the Wellington Stadium Trust and was Deputy Chairman of the then government owned Post Office Bank, prior to its sale to the ANZ Banking Group.
Trustee
Rick Shera, Partner, Lowndes Jordan, top niche corporate commercial and ICT law firm. Rick is one of New Zealand's leading ICT, internet and IP lawyers. He is also chair of NetSafe and Hectorsworld, World leading not-for-profit cybercitizenship organisations.
Why did you get involved: "I like being involved in organisations that get things done and by so doing make a tangible difference. KidsCan is one of those - we don't have grandiose aspirations of solving child poverty but the KidsCan programmes, really do box above their weight."
Trustee
Hayley is the Sales Manager for TelstraClear, and has been a part of their sales team for the past nine years, creating business solutions to suit commercial clients’ needs. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business and various qualifications relating to sales and management.
Trustee
Craig is the founder and director of Kinetik Visual Communications, which has been involved with KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust from its conception. He has been in the advertising and marketing industry for over 25 years. With extensive knowledge in all aspects of marketing communications, Craig contributes volumes of experience and ‘know-how’ to KidsCan StandTall projects.
Trustee
Amanda Hotchin became a trustee of KidsCan StandTall in April 2008; with a background in Marketing Management Amanda saw this opportunity as a chance to truly make a difference. Before becoming a Trustee Amanda volunteered her time to KidsCan assisting with the distribution of raincoats and food for children in the low decile schools we support. Having kids of her own makes it all the more real and she feels a passion for being involved with a charity that is making a difference for kids in her own backyard.