With over 15 years of experience in community development, youth empowerment, and partnership leadership, I am passionate about creating positive, lasting impacts for communities and organizations. Originally from the UK, I’ve called New Zealand home since 2005, with the beautiful Hawke's Bay serving as my base since 2019.Currently the Community Grants and Partnerships Advisor at Hastings District Council, managing the annual grants portfolio. I have spearhead strategic initiatives like the Hastings Youth Development Strategy, and lead the initial accreditation efforts under Immigration NZ's Welcoming Communities Scheme. I have a proven track record in fostering collaboration between local government, NGOs, and community stakeholders to achieve shared goals.Highlights of my career include:Leading community recovery efforts as Community Recovery Team Leader following Cyclone Gabrielle.The successful administration of the $7,000,000 Regional Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Fund.Overseeing a 40% increase in youth program participation during my tenure as Community & Youth Development Manager with YMCA Auckland.Driving transformative change through strategies like the Hastings Multicultural Strategy and Provincial Growth Fund applications.My core strengths lie in relationship management, project delivery, mentoring, and strategic planning. I’m deeply committed to empowering communities—especially young people—to achieve their aspirations while ensuring accountability and innovation in grantmaking and program delivery.Outside of work, I actively contribute to the community as a key part of the Hawke’s Bay Funders Forum, administrator of www.hbfunding.co.nz, a board member of YMCA Hawke’s Bay, and part of the Mahora Primary School Board.Let’s connect to collaborate on building stronger, more resilient communities!📩 Contact: kevcarter123@gmail.com | 📱 027 286 3735🌐 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevcarternz