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.
Brent Jenkin
General Manager
An enthusiastic outdoorsman on the track and the seas. Brent has been at the helm of Recreate for 9 Years.
Nicola Keyworth
Funding Manager
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Nicola has been the heart and soul of Recreate for many years. Formerly the National programmes Coordinator and coming back from Maternity leave, Nicola is now our Funding Manager.
Alana Omundsen
National Accounts Manager
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After spending some time overseas Alana has returned back to New Zealand, based in Auckland and she oversees all finances throughout our four regions.
Lisa Wenzel
Regional Accounts and Office Manager
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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 office operations and regional accounts as well as facilitating programmes.
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
Lily Wheeler
Waikato Programme Coordinator
Lily is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing and Psychology. She has a passion for working with vulnerable youth and is excited to be a part of recreate.
Martina Post
Programme Coordinator
Martina completed her AUT internship with Recreate during 2017! Martina oversees Short Breaks, Urban Youth and Holiday Programmes!
Damien Ducloux
Programme Coordinator
Fresh from graduating in Bachelor of Arts at AUT which included an internship with us, Damien is now the Holiday Programme coordinator in Auckland alongside Martina
Bea has recently joined Recreate, with a background in theatre and youth work. She can't wait to get started in Christchurch!
Katie Burson
Casual Facilitator
Katie has enjoyed many roles at Recreate as a volunteer, facilitator, National Programmes Coordinator and is now staying on as a casual facilitator in Auckland
Grace Cussell
ADSA Programme Coordinator
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After many years as a volunteer and facilitator, Grace is the new Coordinator for our ADSA schedule of events as well as Mothers Retreats
Nicola Cronin
Our Harvest Facilitator
Nicola manages the Our Harvest team in the kitchen. SHe has years of experience creating delicious jams, chutneys, relishes and sauces, and the youth love working with her!
Molly Mclaren
Programme Coordinator
CHCH
​As of August 2019, Molly is our newest team member for Christchurch. She comes with plenty of youth work and outdoors experience. Molly will be overseeing the adventure stream in the South Island.
Sophie McLaughlan
Programme Coordinator
With a passion for both people and adventures, Sophie is excited to combine the two and deliver fun programmes for the Bay of Plenty!
Danielle Moore
Programme Coordinator
Dani completed her AUT internship with Recreate throughout 2017! She is back on board to oversee Seeking Summits, Youth Adventure Programmes and Getaways
Sheridan Jackson
Programme Coordinator
(Currently on leave)
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Sheridan came to us through an AUT placement in 2014, and is now heading up Moxie, Life Skills and Our Harvest, our midweek educational and work experience offerings
Amy Mauer
Programme Coordinator & Volunteer Coordinator
Amy has been an incredible advocate for our youth over so many years with us. She is managing a range of programmes and also our volunteers.
"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.
Sarah Whetter
Trustee
Sarah is proud and passionate to be part of such a fantastic cause and looks forward to contributing to the wonderful work Recreate NZ does for the youth of NZ.
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.
