Our Team
The team at Life Education Trust Auckland Central consists of two Educators who are supported by thirteen dedicated Volunteer Trustees. Find out more about our Educators and Volunteer Trustees below.
Our Educators
Sylvia Parke
educator
Originally from Ireland, I have been living in New Zealand for the past 15 years. My husband, Tony, is a Kiwi and works as a plumber and gasfitter in Ellerslie. We currently live in Greenlane and are fortunate to only be a five-minute walk from the beautiful Cornwall Park.
I have an Honours degree in Environmental Science, which lead me to volunteer work in a rainforest in Indonesia. I then got bitten by the travelling bug and so I taught English in S. Korea and travelled extensively around Asia.
I got my Grad Dip. in Primary Teaching when I came to Auckland and taught in St. Joseph’s School in Otahuhu for five years. After seeing how excited my previous students used to get before and during a visit to the Life Ed classroom, and how the messages taught resonated with the children long after their visit, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of in the future. I wish I had had the same exposure to Health Education when growing up in Ireland, as it is so important that children are equipped with the tools to manage problems and learn about their developing bodies.
I feel very privileged to have been chosen as an educator for Central Auckland and I can’t wait to meet the children and teachers in this area and get to know Harold better, of course.”
Audrey Calkoen
Educator
Hi I’m Audrey! I have been a teacher for 11 years and I am passionate about watching children grow and become life-long learners. I am of Filipino descent and have called NZ my home since 2003. I value family and spending quality time with them. Besides that, outside work, I love using my creativity to paint and draw. I also love to cook and travel with my husband.
My role as an educator is to give students an unforgettable experience that they enjoy and talk about for years to come as they go on as awesome citizens of the world. I can’t wait to work alongside Harold, visiting schools around Central Auckland!
Lara Van Vuuren
Educator
Hello, I’m Lara!
As an educator with 18 years of experience both in New Zealand and abroad, I am deeply passionate about inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning. I am thrilled to begin my journey with Harold and the Life Education Trust, where I’ll have the privilege of empowering children to stand tall and celebrate their uniqueness.
As a mom to two sporty boys, I understand the importance of valuing whānau time. Life is about making memories, and I strive to bring that same sense of joy and connection into the classroom. Living close to the beach, I find inspiration in weekend walks along the seaside, which fuels my creativity and enthusiasm for teaching.
I look forward to teaching and inspiring the next generation.
Our Volunteer Trustees
Lance formed Life Education Trust in Auckland Central 21 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. Lance was awarded Life Membership of Life Education Trust NZ in 2012, to go with his Life Membership of Lions Clubs NZ.
Lance was humbled to receive the Queens Service Medal (QSM) in the Jubilee Queens Birthday Honours in 2013.
Lance hutchison QSM JP
Chairman | Trustee | Life Member
Chloe is a Financial Crime Manager at the ANZ Bank and a busy mum with 2 young children. As a former Girl Guide leader, she has seen HAROLD helping young girls to reach their potential, respect their own bodies and others’.
After visiting one of the mobile classrooms she was astonished by the popularity of HAROLD among children and how contagious the energy of the educators was.
A Trustee since 2011, Chloe is joint Treasurer of the Trust.
Chloe received a Service Trophy at the Annual Life Education New Zealand Conference 2016.
Chloe lear
treasurer | Trustee | Life Member
Hamish currently works for ASB Private Bank. He has completed study in the Waikato at both the University of Waikato in Economics, and in private education studying Music. In 2018 he completed an 8 day course at Outward Bound in Anakiwa.
He spent his childhood years visiting the mobile classrooms experiencing and learning first hand from Harold and the Educators. He has a strong belief in education and equal opportunity for youth, and wants to ensure that our kids grow up with the knowledge and confidence to be the best they can be.
Outside of ASB and Life Education Hamish volunteers for Birkenhead United, coaching teams and refereeing games in his spare time.
Hamish Young
Trustee
A First Foundation Alumni, JC joins the trust to give back to the community and carrying out the First Foundation 'ripple effect'. A graduate of Life Education Trust West Auckland, JC has had fond memories growing up with the program and looks forward to seeing his son Gabriel go through the program as a well.
JC holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) with First Class Honours specialising in Operations and Supply Chain Management. Currently works for his First Foundation Scholarship partner Douglas Pharmaceuticals as a Supply Chain Transformation Engineer.
JC Favier
Trustee
With 22 years in education, and as the current principal of Howick Primary School, Michael has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. He is eager to contribute his expertise to the fantastic work the Life Education Trust does for our children. Michael supports the Trust by sharing his knowledge and experience and supports the educators, helping them create impactful learning experiences for children.
Michael Earl
Trustee
I am honoured to be the Deputy Chairman and Volunteer Trustee for Life Education Central Auckland.
I currently work at SENZ as a Commercial Manager after 9 and a half years at ASB. After completing my study at Massey University, finishing with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, Majoring in Management and Coaching in Auckland, I found my beautiful wife here and we have a 1 year old, Viaan.
I grew up with Harold during my schooling years. Working on the Trust provides the opportunity for me to provide the same, if not better, experience for the youth of today that I experienced during my school years.
I have a keen interest in building the ‘life-blood’ of the Trust – The Help Harold Help Kids Club. This is vital to helping us to keep the rubber hitting the road.
In 2017, I completed an eight day “Connect” Course at Outward Bound in Anakiwa. I am also a Registered Marriage Celebrant and spent 8 weeks on telly for GoggleBox.
dylan patel
Dep. Chairman | Trustee
Heather became involved with the Life Education Trust while working for the National Bank. When Heather resigned in 2012, she was asked if she would like to become a Trustee for Life Education Trust Auckland Central , of which she was delighted to accept.
She realised this was an amazing worthwhile Charity to be involved in and what a difference it makes to the Students who are fortunate enough to have Harold visit their School and to be part of their on-going development and growth.
heather samu
trustee | Life Member
Matthew was born in England but has been in the NZ Education System for the last 20 years. Formally Principal of Orakei School he is now the Learning Manager at Auckland Museum.
He is passionate about giving children access to the highest quality teaching, so that they develop a love of learning and have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
Matthew aids the Trust by using his vast knowledge of education and educational leadership to support our wonderful educators in their role.
MatThew Crumpton
Trustee
Mike currently works at ASB Private Bank. Prior to starting in the bank, he completed a Bachelor of Business at Massey University, majoring in Finance and International Business. Mike moved to New Zealand from Luxembourg in 2006 and grew up speaking 4 languages.
While he did not get to experience the mobile classroom experience with Harold growing up, he is a big believer in the values and messages that the Trust teaches the youth. He has seen the positive impact that Harold has had on the kids who have gone through the programme and wants to help continue spread the message to make sure the youth of today can be set up for success in the future. All while feeling confident in themselves and to make the right decisions in life.
In 2022 he completed an 8 day course at Outward Bound in Anakiwa.
Mike Becker
Trustee
Mark owns and operates a private investment company. He has been involved with Life Education Trust for over 15 years.
A strong family person, he recognises the value Life Education Trust 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 to reach every child with a unique message. Mark contributes to the Trust by his knowledge and experience of over 40 years in the NZ Business Community.
Mark has served many community organisations over the years especially groups focused on child welfare. Mark is also a committed Rotarian, and served as President of the Rotary Club of Auckland East Inc. 2012-2013 and District Secretary 2019-2020, Rotary District 9920.
Mark was made a Life Member of the Trust, celebrating the work he and his wife, Ruth, have done for so many years, and continue to do for this Trust and the children of Auckland Central.
Mark Biggs
Secretary | Trustee | Life Member
Debra joined the Trust in 2007, after she sat next to Lance Hutchison at a Sales & Marketing lunch & he invited her to view the Life Education Trust Capsule.
She was blown away by what Life Ed does for Kiwi Kids & given that she is passionate about making a huge difference in people’s lives, being part of the Life Education Trust fits perfectly with her own values. She runs her own Business, Business Action that is all about helping Entrepreneurs lead better lives.
Debra received Life Membership to Life Education Trust Auckland Central.
Debra CHantry
Trustee | Life Member
Barry saw the great work that was being done by the Life Education Trust and wanted to be a part of the movement to help children make well thought out and informed decisions based on the tools and skills taught to them by Harold and the Educators. In Barry’s opinion, it is all about the value learnt from them that will help shape the Children’s decisions for full and productive futures.
Barry is from a Sales and Military background. He is married to Heather who is also a Trustee and is one of the reasons for him becoming a Trustee. He loves watching the joy on the children’s faces and their fascination with Harold. To him, Harold is a true Hero because of what he does for Children through the Educators.
Barry is our health and safety expert providing a safe environment for our Educators and Children.
barry samu
trustee | Life Member
Kunal grew up in the St Johns area and has a double degree in Business & Science.
He recently completed a Post Grad Diploma in Business from the University of Auckland Business School.
He is currently a Relationship Manager at ASB Private Bank, having started his career as a Business Development Manager for an advertising company.
Kunal enjoyed volunteering and helping with fundraising projects for Life Education over the past 2 Years, he passionate about giving back to the community, and looking forward to his new role as a volunteer for the Trust commencing in September 2023.
Outside work, he enjoy running, and is training to run a full marathon.
Kunal Sharma
Trustee
Retired Foundation Trustees
Geoff began his apprenticeship at the chalk-face as a school Principal for 30 years.
He has seen the benefit of Life Education programmes for students and applauds the way the Trust’s Educators work with classroom teachers to integrate those programmes with each school’s curriculum.
Geoff believes that the combination of a mobile classroom with the skills of the Trust’s dedicated teachers is HAROLDS best kept secret.
Geoff is a foundation Trustee and was made a Life Member of the Trust in 2012. He was awarded the CNZM in the Queens Birthday Honours List in 2013 for his services to Education.
Geoff retired as a Trustee in 2016 but he and his wife Barbara remain loyal supporters and friends of the Trust
geoff burgess cnzm
life member
Adrienne is a foundation Trustee and Life Member 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, including our five-week stint teaching on Waiheke Island.
Her husband Kevin is a huge supporter of the Trust while we are working on Waiheke Island.