Life Changing Experiences for young people with Disabilities.
Since 2002 Recreate NZ has been providing outstanding social and recreational services to the disability community of Auckland. Now also serving Christchurch, Waikato & Bay of Plenty,
we have grown from humble beginnings into a provider of over 400 programmes each year.
With four exciting programme streams consisting of ten different programme types ranging from ½ day to 6 days in length, we have plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy.
OUR STAFF
Recreate is run by a team of dedicated staff who all bring different skills, interests and personalities to the table.
AUCKLAND
WAIKATO
BAY OF PLENTY
WELLINGTON
Holly Stokes
Programme Coordinator
WAIKATO
Hamilton-based Holly is excited to be the Programme Coordinator and Facilitator for the Waikato region. She is passionate about youth, hamilton and seeing people make meaningful connections.
Sophie McLaughlan
Lead Programme Coordinator
BAY OF PLENTY
Sophie has been with Recreate for 3 years and she has seen incredible growth in the Bay of Plenty. Sophie brings experience, professionalism and thoughfulness to her role and she has seen so many meaningful moments happen on Recreate.
Emma Dalton
Programme Coordinator
BAY OF PLENTY
Emma has joined Recreate from being an amazing volunteer with the right stuff! Emma is studying Sociology and she is looking forward to getting out and about in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, and to doing it with some amazing people!
Holly Graves
Programme Coordinator
WELLINGTON
Holly has returned to Recreate after being a volunteer a few years ago. Holly is currently studying Health Science and is super excited to be jumping on board in Wellington and working in the industry she is passionate about!
Sarah Mauer
Programme Coordinator
Sarah has been part of our Recreate community for a while as a volunteer. After her studies at Victoria University, she has returned to Auckland and oversees our bookings role as well as Holiday Programmes, Urbans and Mothers Retreats.
Grace Cussell
ADSA Programme Coordinator
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After many years as a volunteer and facilitator, Grace coordinates our Auckland Down Syndrome Association (ADSA) Social Club, where they meet up monthly for social gatherings.
Damien Ducloux
Programme Coordinator
After graduating in Bachelor of Arts at AUT which included an internship with us, Damien is part of the Holiday Programme and Urban team alongside Sarah and Jasmine.
Josephine Siggaard
Programme Coordinator
Josephine is our newest addition to our Auckland team, and she is responsible for a range of Short Breaks and Junior programmes. She brings a vibrant and positive attitude to the team and we are thrilled to be working with her.
Danielle Moore
Onboarding Coordinator
Dani first met Recreate through her AUT placement alongside Martina, and she has progressed from a Programme Coordinator through to Onboarding Coordinator. She oversees Auckland volunteering and new participant management.
Sheridan Jackson
Head of Moxie and Lead Programme Coordinator
Sheridan came to us through an AUT placement in 2014, and is now part of our senior leadership as Auckland Lead Programme Coordinator. She also leads Moxie including a range of work experience and employment opportunities, and she oversees our Youth Board
Sarah Ferens
Moxie Employer Liason
Funding Manager
Sarah has been involved with Recreate over the years through various programmes, and we are so pleased to have her part of our Moxie team. She will be aiming to grow our network of employers who can work with the amazing Moxie participants
Jasmine Davey
Programme Coordinator
As of July 2020, Jasmine has joined us in Auckland as a facilitator and she has now progressed to be a Programme Coordinator. She oversees Holiday Programmes, Urbans and Short Breaks.
Brent Jenkin
General Manager
An enthusiastic outdoorsman on the track and the seas. Brent has just celebrated 11 incredible years as the General Manager of Recreate NZ.
Sandra Dang
Lead Accounts Officer
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Sandra finished a New Zealand Diploma in Business – Accounting in 2021 and joins Recreate to oversee the accounts in Auckland.
Lisa Wenzel
Regional Accounts Officer
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Lisa has arrived at Recreate from Germany via Australia, and is hugely passionate about helping people live the best lives they can. Lisa oversees the regional accounts and is based in our Head Office in Auckland
Matt Alpe
National Programmes Coordinator
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Matt has over 9 years’ experience with Recreate from volunteer, facilitator and now National programmes Coordinator overseeing all programmes and coordinators
Sally is from the States and she has recently moved from Dunedin after completing her studies in Sociology and Spanish. She is very excited to be working in a field she is passionate about!
Rosie Jerard
Programme Coordinator
CHRISTCHURCH
Rosie joined Recreate September 2020 and she comes with a recently earnt Bachelor in Sustainability and Outdoor Education. Rosie grew up in Christchurch, and she is passionate about getting outside, surfing and tramping!
Martina Post
Programme Coordinator
CHRISTCHURCH
Martina completed her AUT internship with Recreate during 2017 alongside Dani, and after three years in our Auckland office, she has now made the move south to Christchurch. We are thrilled that she brings so much experience and joy for the role to Christchurch.
CHRISTCHURCH
"Just came back from the Mother’s Retreat’ weekend and had to write to you to thank you sooooo much. Can’t rate the weekend enough! It was wonderful! Everything about it was fabulous. Thoroughly enjoyed all the sessions, the relaxation, the sharing with other mother’s, the food and venue – fantastic! Can’t WAIT for the next one!" - Linda
Governance
Recreate NZ is a registered charity - CC41375. We are a youth based organisation who believe in young people supporting young people. We do this by enlisting an amazing team of age appropriate staff and volunteers to manage all of our programmes. Recreate NZ is overseen by the following board of trustees, who provide support to the wonderful staff.
Craig Wheatley
Chair
Craig is proud to be part of Recreate and is committed to using his private sector experience to make a difference to the inspirational youth that we represent.
Ezekiel Robson
Deputy Chair​
Ezekiel looks forward to contributing his disability sector strategic advocacy experience, to help youth with disabilities to further achieve their dreams.
Sue Small
Treasurer
Sue is passionate about supporting the extraordinary work of Recreate staff in positively changing the lives of our young people.
Carol Chouhfeh
Trustee
Carol was Recreates founding Chairperson and is now enjoying the journey as a regular Trustee.
Heather Alford
Trustee
Queens Service Medal recipient after many years in the disability sector, Heather is still as passionate about Recreate as ever.
Holly Sutich
Trustee
Holly is immensely proud to be a part of Recreate and the amazing work that makes a difference in the lives of youth. She has communications, events and marketing experience.
Helen Cussell
Treasurer
Committed to seeing the disability sector maximise all of the financial opportunities available, Chartered Accountant Helen has recently joined Recreate as treasurer.
Trevor Lowe
Trustee
Trevor has worked in a variety of public and private sectors as a Chartered Accountant, as well as in the Health and Disability sector.
Rob Byrne
Trustee
Former operations staff member Rob has extremely valuable experience within many facets of Recreate over the years.
Our Locations
There's hardly a part of beautiful Aotearoa that we haven't explored with participants! Recreate NZ operates out of three locations, and runs programmes for clients in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty & Canterbury regions. We hope to expand further in the near future, so if you live outside of these areas but would love to see Recreate come to your region, drop us line.
To register for our services or to get in touch with our Auckland, Christchurch or Bay of Plenty/Waikato offices - See below.