The Project

Karen is a returned resident of Te Puke, having moved back to the area in 2014. Presently self- employed as a Community Development Specialist. She has experience in the establishment of community social infrastructure, environmental programmes and place-making. As a former Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor she understands civic and RMA processes and, due to her recent work with SmartGrowth BOP, the projections and impacts of future growth in the Te Puke area.

Karen was a founding trustee of the Tauranga Environment Centre Charitable Trust (Envirohub), a current Founding Trustee of the Sustainable Endeavours Trust and several other community governance positions, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by, and the opportunities for the not-for-profit sector; in particular social enterprises and community led development In the past Karen has managed large scale sustainability and social projects which involved the supervision of a diverse range of contractors. She is presently completing her Masters of (community) Education and has a deep passion for empowering communities through the development of Community Plans.

Monique is an event planner, co-ordinator and volunteer who strongly supports the community through connections and providing platforms to strengthen district wide organisations, businesses and groups.

Currently resigned after her 5th term as President of Te Puke Toy Library, she has lived in Te Puke for over 8 years and is lucky enough to be a home owner, where she brings up her 3 boys along with her Husband.
Monique is a proud supporter for the community of Te Puke because of the sense of belonging she feels with her family, she plays her part in creating this for other families and individuals across the town through events and other activities.

Currently working with Tauranga City Council as a Community Liaison Co-Ordinator she is enjoying being out and about in the district and making further connections across all sectors.
Monique serves on the Community Response team, Community Garden and also facilitates the Te Puke Community Markets, Brick Kids and other Community events which develops her skill set further and provides great opportunities for community development as a volunteer and role model.

Jenny has worked as an Electorate Agent in Te Puke for several respected Members of Parliament since 2001 and been a Justice of the Peace since 2002. 

In her other, part-time role, she is an Executive Officer for a NZ statutory body (Council). Jenny is a diligent and efficient team member with a variety of skills gained from her previous work experience including Executive Officer for Tauranga Hockey Assoc, Financial Controller for a medical practice and public servant in Canberra for 13 years. 

Jenny’s volunteer roles started in Canberra as President of a large Social Club, organising activities for staff. On arriving in Te Puke in 1997, she took on many new roles mostly relating to her children’s activities as they grew up including Kindergarten Treasurer, school PTA member and President, Focus Te Puke committee, Secretary Neighbourhood Support and the local It’s Not Ok Campaign in which she is a Champion against family violence.

In her spare time, she is involved in the local Squash Club as the Communications Officer (previously Secretary then President). Jenny holds a General Manager’s Licence and is the Bar Manager at the Te Puke Squash Club.

While Jenny is a busy mother of 3 now grown up children, she still finds time to help with activities like fundraising, feeding the homeless and other volunteer roles. She is a very giving person who doesn’t think twice about pitching in to help the community.

Dale has lived in Te Puke for 17 years with her husband 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Dale is employed by Plunket as the Community Services Coordinator for the Western Bay of Plenty. She has close connections with many Health Providers and Social Services throughout the WBOP rohe, from Whakatane through to Katikati, and in particular within Te Puke.  Dale is an active member on the committees of Te Puke It’s Not Okay, Te Puke War Memorial Hall Society, Te Puke Community Response Plan and the Te Puke Community Events group.  Previously Dale had a 10 year association with Te Puke Primary School, as a Trustee, Chairperson of the PTA and netball management. She still offers her services to the PTA for their major fundraisers. 

Dale has a 15 year history as marketing manager/Administrator for a group of financial advisors in Mount Maunganui, including running business networking groups.  She is admin to a variety of Social Media programmes and is involved in organising and managing many local community events, both for Plunket and in her volunteer capacity for Te Puke.  

Dale and her family spend most of their weekends helping out other community groups and digging in to working bees. Dale’s enthusiasm is contagious and her drive to complete projects makes her a valuable team member.