Our People

Lance is a Private Banking Manager at ASB Bank, and is proud to have the support of ASB behind him. Lance formed Life Education Trust in Auckland Central 9 years ago, and with the help of his fellow Trustees, has seen the Trust grow into a respected community asset with strong support from personal, business, corporate, and community groups. A past president of a number of Lions Clubs, he was heavily involved in a variety of youth projects, and saw the exceptional value that Life Education adds to the young people of the community. A Justice of the Peace and Civil Marriage Celebrant, Lance is committed to the growth of Life Education in Auckland Central and to achieve the mission of " Leaving No Child Behind". His wife, Kim, provides huge support to his work in the community.

Adrienne is a foundation Trustee of the Trust. She is also a past president of Remuera Lions Club (the first female to hold the office of President since the Club's Charter in 1963!). Since moving to Waiheke Island Adrienne has still been able to be a very active Trustee, and plays a major role in all aspects of the Trust including our big fundraising project, "Harold's Big Day Out at Ellerslie Racecourse and, of course, our five-week stint teaching on Waiheke Island. Her husband Kevin is a huge supporter and is very active with the Trust while we are working on Waiheke Island.

Kate has been teaching in a low decile school since 2008 with year one and two children. She has a passion for learning and making a difference in children's lives. Kate has seen the benefits of the Life Education programme through the children in her own class, helping them to become more confident happy children who are aware of how to look after their bodies. Kate has volunteered at the previous four Harold days as well as the charity ball, and is looking forward to continued involvement in fundraising events for Life Education Trust.

It is really difficult to believe that I have had the privilege of working for the Auckland Central Life Education Trust for two years. I must admit that the second year was much easier than my first with regard to visiting many different schools, as it is always more comfortable to return to familiar surroundings. I continue to be inspired by the wonderful children who visit the mobile capsule and have some precious memories of special moments.

Mark is a company director and has been involved with the Trust for six years. A strong family person, he recognises the value Life Education provides to the young people of today as they grow and mature into young adults. Mark continues in the role of Secretary, and remains committed to the development of the Trust and its growth into intermediate schools of Auckland Central. Mark contributes to the Trust by his knowledge and experience of more than 37 years within the NZ business community.

Geoff is Principal of Saint Kentigern School, where Life Education programmes have been an integral part of the curriculum for a number of years. Geoff is also a Foundation Trustee, and his school acts as the "mentor" school for our Trust. He has been a School Principal for 27 years in three independent schools, and has a passion for promoting safe and friendly environments for children's learning. Saint Kentigern School encourages its students to serve the community through a wide range of charities including World Vision and Presbyterian Support Services. He offers the Trust an educational perspective and is keen to support the extraordinary work of its Educators Lynn Klapporth and Cindy Bain.

Colin has a keen interest in all sports and is still active in Australian Rules to a senior level. He enjoys taking "Harold" and our brand into schools and events, and has earned a real following from the young people of Auckland Central. Colin has been assisting the Trust since its inception, and takes pride in the growth achieved over the past nine years. His son Jordon, born in 2008, is also getting to know Harold very quickly

Ben works at the National Bank of New Zealand, who have recently begun a nationwide partnership with Life Education. Ben joined Life Education in 2010, with great enthusiasm and great memories of Harold from his youth. The annual visit from Harold and the educators became a highlight of his primary school days, and he hopes that Life Education will continue to provide such positivity to our youth. He has a four-year-old son who will be part of the next generation of youth to see and learn from Harold and the educators, bringing with them valuable life skills and making them better citizens.

Sarah has completed a B.Com in Accounting & a B.Sc in Psychology from Auckland University and now works for Gosling Chapman in Auckland. Sarah has worked in the community since high school and has completed her Duke of Edinburgh medal requirements. Sarah is particularly interested and concerned, through her studies, with the effects that drugs have on the brain development of our young people.

As a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, Debra sits on a number of commercial boards as a professional director as well as being a trustee for the not for profit board of the Life Education Trust, Auckland Central since 2007. A sales and marketing management professional by trade, Debra tutors and lectures for the New Zealand Marketing Association and also works as a business mentor for Business Mentors NZ, helping New Zealand businesses grow and prosper. Debra is passionate about helping people become the best that they can be, so when she was first introduced to the Life Education Trust through its Auckland Central chairman, Lance Hutchison, she was blown away by the programme and what it does for Kiwi kids. She jumped at the chance to work with the board to help the Auckland Central Trust ensure it reaches its goal of visiting every child in Auckland. "Life Education Trust has shown that it really can make a difference and I'm truly excited and proud to be part of such an awesome programme."

Deborah is a Personal Account Manager with ASB, and also a mother of three teenage boys. All the boys have gone through the Life Education programme since their first days at school, and Deborah has seen the positive influence Harold and his messages have had on their attitudes and behaviours. In fact, all the boys (or young men as they are now) have "given back" to Harold by volunteering at a variety of events for Life Education. Deborah is keen to assist the work of the Trust as it continues to grow, and looks forward to her involvement as a Trustee.