ABOUT KIDS IN NEED WAIKATO

OUR PURPOSE

We act, in trust, for children within the Waikato region, who are in the care of someone other than their parents, including support for the caregiver.

OUR VISION

Every child feels valued, and recognises the potential to create a better future.

OUR VALUES

Care with compassion
Act with integrity
Keep an open mind
Empower others

OUR STORY

Graeme and Linda Roil began fostering in 2014 - focusing mainly on the support of newborns, and emergency and respite care for older children. They were deeply concerned with the level of support, for both foster children and also their caregivers.

They began engaging with the community for donations, and providing care packs to kids in need. This included children placed into foster care, and grandparents raising grandchildren.

Originally based out of their home the project quickly took off, and during 2017 donated goods took over their home. Linda aptly described it as a “happy” problem.

Through a request for donations via a Givealittle fundraiser, they set out to buy a container for storage. Through generous donations, they raised enough money to allow a container to be purchased. This included support from ASB, with Linda being chosen for their Good as Gold campaign.

Within six months, donated goods filled up their container and their home. A Charitable Trust was established in early 2018, along with a governing Board.

A decision was made by Graeme and Linda to build a large shed on the property, for both storage and a place for the charity to work from. It was constructed in October 2018, and once again through generous community support - it is now lined, fully insulated and adjoins a repurposed adventure playground for kids.

A new shed for bulk storage and special projects has been added this year (2023). Linda works full time as a volunteer for the charity. Graeme has supported strategy, fundraising and direction of the Trust, with the support of the Trusts capable Governance. Graeme and Linda are still fostering. They set out to make a difference, and they are.

OUR TEAM

Linda and Graeme Roil

Founders

Graeme and Linda founded Kids in Need Waikato in 2017, and have watched it grow exponentially since its establishment.

Linda is a full time Kids in Need Waikato volunteer, connecting with Carers who need additional support in the Waikato region. Graeme is a Trustee on The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust Board.

Carley Fisher

Operations Coordinator

Carley is originally from Surrey in the UK, but moved permanently to New Zealand in 2015, after falling in love with the country on her world wide backpacking adventures. The majority of her working life has been spent caring for animals, firstly horses and then transitioning to dairy cows, when she met her partner Gareth 12 years ago.

Now they are living in Cambridge - raising their two boys/budding football superstars. Carley is passionate about the environment, in particular recycling and repurposing items. She finds being able to use that interest at Kids in Need Waikato very rewarding.

When Carley is not organising the day-to-day running of our shed, she is usually walking the family dog, or standing on the sidelines of junior sporting events.

Rebecca Broadbent

Administrator

Rebecca (Bex) has been living in Cambridge with her husband Josh and three boys, since 2010. Originally from Auckland, Bex has previously worked in the education and charity sectors, and admired the work of Kids in Need Waikato for many years.

Bex is passionate about the community, volunteering and young people. When Bex isn’t at the KIN office, driving her children to sport training (or folding washing), she spends her time with family and friends, cooking or reading a good book.

Nicola Silcock

Shed Assistant

Nicola (Nic) moved from Hamilton to Cambridge around 15 years ago, with her husband Alistair and baby daughter. They welcomed a son a couple of years later, and the family of four love living in Cambridge.

Nic has a background in marketing, public relations and photography. She has enjoyed being actively involved with her kids’ school and sporting endeavours over the past 10 years. Having followed Kids in Need for several years, Nic was excited when the stars aligned with an opportunity to join the team in early 2023. She is passionate about helping others, and encouraging people to believe in themselves and reach their potential. In her spare time (if there is such a thing when you’re a Mum!), Nic loves reading and going to the movies.

Pauleen Fernandez

IT Support & Fundraising Coordinator

Pauleen returned to New Zealand in 2021, after living in Hong Kong for 21 years. Together with husband Manny and children Alec and Chloe, they are settling into life in the Waikato.

Pauleen has extensive experience working in a child-based non-profit in China, and combined with her technology background, she brings specific skills to Kids in Need Waikato - helping to digitise and streamline processes. A self-confessed “Career Volunteer”, she feels honoured to contribute and be a part of the organisation.

OUR GOVERNANCE BOARD

The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board meets regularly to ensure the smooth running of the Trust by providing strategic leadership and direction.

Amy Banks

Chair

Amy Banks took up the Chair role in 2020, after sitting on the board as a member since the Charity’s inception in early 2018.

Amy is a successful business owner, co-founding Tag Business Services with fellow board member Joel Boyte in 2016. Her background in marketing and experience with managing her own business and people has made her a valuable asset to Kids In Need Waikato.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to sit on the Board for Kids In Need Waikato, and offer help and guidance to this amazing charity.”

Graeme Roil

Trustee

Graeme has been involved in fostering for over 25 years. The development of the Kids in Needs Waikato Charitable Trust was the result of a shared passion of Graeme and Linda. While Linda has been the driving force behind the set up and operation of the Trust, Graeme has used his skills and experience to support the strategy, direction and funding through working collaboratively with the other Trustees. This has included the engagement of other professional support as necessary.

Graeme has significant experience in governance, having served on school Board of Trustees including as Chairman. In his current role, he works closely with the Boards of Trustees of a network of over 30 schools. For the past 7 years, he has been a Director on the Boards of New Zealand Catholic Education Ltd and New Zealand Catholic Education Finance Ltd.

Family is really important to Graeme and Linda. They have permanent care of an energetic and thriving 5 year old girl, plus they share 7 adult children and 10 grandchildren between them.

Joel Boyte

Trustee

Joel Boyte is a local Chartered Accountant who joined the Board in 2018.

Joel’s skill set and experience are vital to Kids In Need Waikato. We were very thankful when he offered his time to help on the board, and oversee the Charity’s financial records. Joel co-founded Tag Business Services in 2016, and with his business partner Amy, they have established a very successful business consultancy firm.

“If we can make a change to help a child in our community feel some self worth, through gifting them a pack to show someone cares, that difference could impact their whole life. It’s an honour to help Kids In Need Waikato.”

Marie Day

Trustee

Marie has lived in Cambridge for most of her life, since moving here from the UK.

After 13 years working overseas, Marie returned with her husband James and three children. Marie met Linda at Bunnies Early Learning Centre where they both worked, and struck up a friendship. Since then Marie has been a huge support to Kids in Need Waikato, and was honoured to be asked to join the board of trustees.

"I feel very privileged to be part of this amazing charity, working alongside an amazing team to support our tamariki and their whānau."

Matthew Ockleston

Trustee

Matthew has been practising as a lawyer for over 20 years, specialising in property law and providing strategic advice to clients. He is a Partner at law firm Dentons Kensington Swan, where he is also a Board member and practice group leader.

Matthew has extensive experience with charities, having previously held a range of legal, financial and governance roles at local, regional and national levels in the Anglican Church for over 20 years. He is currently Chairperson of the Board of the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist School, a trustee of another charitable trust, and a member of a Law Society Standards Committee.

Joining the Board of The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust in July 2022, completes a journey that began in 2018 when Matthew first met Linda and Graeme, and helped them establish the charitable trust. Matthew and his wife (who also volunteers with Kids in Need Waikato), and their young daughters moved from Auckland to Tamahere in January 2021. They love the country lifestyle, and being able to contribute to their new community.

“I am hugely impressed with the growth and professionalism of the charity and the Trust Board, and am delighted to join the Board to support this valuable work.”

Carrie Eady

Trustee

Carrie is a local Life & Health Advisor for PIC Insurance Brokers, who joined the board in late 2022. She has lived in Cambridge for most of her life.

She has been involved with Kids in Need since the beginning, and has supported KIN right the way through.

Her skill set and networking abilities are an asset to Kids In Need.

“I feel very humbled and privileged to be a part of Kids In Need and working with an amazing team. Together we can make a difference, now and in the future”