As Maxim Institute’s work on social justice grew we played a pivotal role in the establishment of a Trust in Manurewa. Te Whakaora Tangata (restoration of the people) works with several hundred families struggling with intergenerational poverty. Our approach of intense counseling and very practical assistance has assisted hundreds of people to rebuild their lives, and those of their families.

Bringing together several educational initiatives – including the previous Maxim Internship, and Compass Foundation conferences – we created Venn as both a provider of unique educational contexts for young adults, and an incubator for social innovation.

From a desire to contribute to the ideas and policies shaping New Zealand I co-founded a public policy think tank. Over the next twelve years I lead Maxim Institute as we researched and published in education, welfare, foreign aid, taxation, and criminal justice.

Joining the organization in its founding years I was responsible for the fundraising and strategic & programme development as we grew to $2m+ and 25 staff.The impact I witnessed on families convinced me that this was where I wanted to spend my life: delivering the ideas, formational education, and practical support that shapes both lives and communities.