OUR TEAM
Our team consists of a General Manager and eighteen Mentors. Our work is governed by a dedicated board of trustees.
Board
Glen Paddison – Chairman
Glenn is the minister of Abide Community Church Auckland, based in East Manurewa. He is married with 3 children. Glenn holds a Masters in Theology and a Batchelor of Education and was previously a Deputy Principal in West Auckland, before becoming a Youth Pastor and then an ordained minister. Glenn has worked with youth and children in these various capacities for over 20 years at local and regional levels both in and outside the classroom.
Bill Grayson BSc, FNZIC – Trustee
Bill currently practises as a Consultant Chemist and Forensic Analyst; his skills are frequentlysought throughout NZ. He was formerly the principal of W. Grayson and Associates Ltd, one ofthe largest private analytical laboratories in New Zealand. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science from Auckland university and he is also a Trustee for The Village Charitable Trust and Brothers in Arms (which he co-founded).
Philippa Scott – Trustee & Treasurer
Philippa has a background in business management, administration, and financial management. In recent years she has worked for several Christian charitable trusts in the area of administration. Philippa is married to Murray and is a proud mother of three children. Since leaving Manurewa, she now resides in the South Island and still has a passion to support at-risk youth in South Auckland in their life journey.
Rupert Ross – Trustee
Rupert has over two decades of people management and leadership experience. He is highly regarded as an engaging public speaker, trainer and facilitator. Particularly interested in growing capacity in people; business planning; coaching; team building and organisational change – he went back as an adult student, gaining a degree in applied management with a major in business transformation and change. Strong on relationship building and partner engagement, he has wide organisational experience from corporate, government, through to not for profit and for-purpose.
New Foundations Team
New Foundations Trust is a Christian‑based youth organisation dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing, resilience, and future pathways of young people in our community. We employ committed, purpose‑driven staff who bring professionalism, heart, and a desire to serve. Together, we work alongside schools, whānau, and community partners to create safe, supportive environments where young people can grow, learn, and succeed.
Management
Sunia Pasi - General Manager
Sunia has been a Transition Mentor for NFT since 2013 and brings a vast cross-cultural and life experience as a youth worker in Manurewa, an Assistant Pastor at a local church, a sports coach and a Board of Trustees member at a local school.
Sunia has a background in business management, a Graduate degree in Sports Management and Coaching, Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling and is currently completing his Masters in Counselling.
“I’m passionate about the youth of New Zealand. A lot of young people have no hope and it’s our responsibility as adults to pass it on. Showing them someone believes in them; they are worth something."
Contact details: sunia@newfoundationstrust.org.nz
Michelle Pahulu - Admin and Operations
Michelle is a proud South Auckland local with a deep heart for mentoring young women in her community. After several years of walking alongside rangatahi, she brings wisdom, compassion, and a steady presence to every relationship she builds. Her desire to help young people grow into their full potential is grounded in her Christian faith, which shapes the way she serves, encourages, and leads. Alongside her mentoring work, Michelle plays a vital role in the administration and operations of New Foundations Trust, ensuring our programmes run smoothly and our team is well supported. Active in her community and committed to seeing young people thrive, Michelle is an anchor of both care and capability within our organisation.
Contact details: office@newfoundationstrust.org.nz
Monique Kauri – Program & Mentor Manager
I’m Monique Kauri. I have been married for 10 years and have 5 daughters. I have always had a heart for the under-dog and the hurting. After leaving school I joined TEAM EXTREME teaching life skills to young people through drama, games and stories. I left there to have my children.
I am married to a Maori who is passionate about his culture and through him I have gained an understanding of the needs of Maori young people. In 2014 I felt my heart calling me back into working with young people and came across New Foundations Trust who work extensively with vulnerable Maori young people in South Auckland. I am motivated by seeing how advice and encouragement can assist a young person to make positive decisions that impact their life.
Aaron M – TEM Center Manager
Originally from Mosgiel in Dunedin, Aaron brings a rich blend of global experience and local heart to his role. After completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership and teaching ESOL in Korea, he has now stepped into leading our South Auckland centre with humility, strength, and vision. Aaron is deeply passionate about helping young people grow in their confidence, identity, and learning ability — creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of thriving.
Contact details: TEMC@newfoundationstrust.org.nz
Amy Shen – TEM Center Mentor
Originally from China, Amy brings a rich teaching background and a global perspective to our team. Passionate about her Christian faith, great food, and seeing young people flourish, she has been a valued part of New Foundations Trust for over three years. Amy’s sense of humour, cultural insight, and genuine care make her a steady and uplifting presence for the students she supports. Her commitment to helping young people grow in confidence and capability shines through in everything she does.
Keanu – TEM Center Mentor
Keanu is a gentle, funny, and easy‑going mentor who connects naturally with the young people in our centre. With youth work experience across different organisations and settings, he brings both skill and heart to every interaction. His passions for basketball and music shine through in the way he engages with rangatahi, using his gifts to build trust, spark confidence, and create meaningful moments of growth. Keanu’s calm presence and genuine care make him a valued part of our team and a steady support for the young people he serves.
Jenny S – NFT Mentor
Jenny, of Laos descent, brings a warm and gentle presence to our team, with a natural gift for encouraging and uplifting others. Highly skilled in administration, she keeps our systems running smoothly while remaining deeply connected and relatable to the students she mentors. Jenny currently works in high schools across South Auckland, supporting young people through their challenges and offering hope, stability, and genuine care. Her blend of organisational strength and heartfelt compassion makes her an invaluable part of New Foundations Trust.
Nela T – NFT Mentor
Nela, proudly Tongan, brings a unique blend of experience in education and frontline policing in South Auckland to his work with young people. His firm yet reassuring presence creates a safe space for rangatahi — especially young Pasifika men — to open up, build confidence, and navigate the challenges they face. With a heart for service and a deep understanding of the realities our youth encounter, Nela walks alongside students with strength, humility, and unwavering support, helping them move toward a more hopeful future.
Nephi Popata – NFT Mentor
Nephi is a proud South Auckland local who understands our rangatahi and the real challenges they face every day. His commitment to learning and growing is driven by a deep desire to be a steady, guiding light for young people in his community. Grounded in his faith in God, Nephi brings hope, encouragement, and a sense of possibility to those going through difficult times. His calm presence, genuine care, and lived understanding make him a trusted mentor and a valued part of our team.
Lapa Tokotaha – NFT Transition Specialists Mentor
Lapa is a proud South Auckland Tongan local who understands firsthand the challenges many of our rangatahi face. Having worked with young people in a range of youth settings, he brings life experience marked by empathy, resilience, and a genuine desire to give back to his community. His calm presence and relatable nature make him a steady support for students navigating difficult stages in their education journey. As a father, Lapa knows the importance of education, belonging, and being surrounded by a loving community.