Based in the heart of Putaruru, South Waikato, our community centre is a place of belonging and support. All our programmes are free of charge and are designed to meet people where they’re at. We work closely with local social services and government agencies to ensure those who need support most are connected to the help and opportunities available.
We’re committed to walking alongside people in their journey of personal growth. Our term-based group programmes are deeply relational, fostering connection, shared learning, and community support. Delivered by our dedicated team and incredible local volunteers, these programmes offer not just tools for life, but a space to be heard, supported, and encouraged.
At Transform Aotearoa, people are at the heart of everything we do.
We’re passionate about building strong, healthy whānau and offering real, practical support to help individuals and families thrive—especially in our provincial communities. We believe that when we strengthen the home, the positive ripple effects reach far beyond, creating lasting change throughout the wider community. Our vision is to see whole, connected communities flourishing across generations.
Brett was born in the Waikato and raised in South Auckland and on a farm outside Te Aroha. He has worked mainly in education as a teacher in economics and accounting and as a careers advisor. He also had a role in the BCITO as an accessor.
He is interested in learning and completed a Diploma in Maori indigenous studies at Canterbury University. He is married with three adult children and a Crusaders supporter. He really enjoys talking to people and wants to help them reach their full potential.
Gwen was born in the Waikato and resides in Kiwitahi Morrinsville, where she farms with her husband.
Gwen has a background in accounting working as a chartered accountant. She likes to use those skills to help community organisations transform the lives of people.
Gwen loves to travel and spend time with her family.
Kim is originally from Queensland Australia but has kiwi roots in the Waikato with a mother born and raised in that district. She came to New Zealand nearly 30 years ago. Her plans to return home two years later went west when she fell in love and married a kiwi gentleman.
They have been married for over 25 years and have four lovely children. Kim is an early childhood teacher by trade. Together with her husband they pastored a church in Taupo until 2015. She is fuelled with a passion to use her many talents and abilities to help others make positive lifelong changes in their own lives. Kim has been the manager of the Putaruru Transform Aotearoa’s Centre since mid-2017.
Lamen was born and raised in Putaruru in the mighty South Waikato and he’s a staunch Chiefs rugby supporter. Lamen has had a successful career in the department of Corrections for 28 years and was heavily utilised by Police as a liaison for work with gangs.
An elder in his church for 10 years and strongly involved in men’s ministry work, Lamen has also been involved with Canterbury Maori and New Zealand Maori rugby for 25 years. Now, Lamen’s passion is in turning the tide, which sees so many young men end up in prison and broken families left behind. Whānau restoration and community transformation is his core business.
Belena, originally from Christchurch, has worked in the hospitality industry in a family-owned and managed business for 16 years. She loves to serve people and loves being around whãnau. Belena is a kiwi gal with that true blue pioneering spirit.
She has worked as a landscape gardener, hair dresser, nail technician, painter, artist and she also helped build her own house!
Married to Lamen, she has four adult children and seven grandchildren. Belena recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of travelling around the Carribean nation on a cruise boat, she lives by the saying that “Life is an adventure that’s meant to be lived” Belena has an Advanced Certificate in Christian Leadership from the Every Nation Leadership Institute and now works as the Women’s Community Liason in Putaruru and absolutely loves what she does – to her it’s more than just a job.
Danny is new to the Transform team. He grew up in the South Waikato and calls Putaruru his hometown. He is Married and blessed with two beautiful daughters.
Danny has had a rough past involving gangs, drugs, and prison.
He has turned his life around and has a real passion for journeying with people in the community and assisting them in transforming their lives and becoming better versions of themselves.
He is involved in several programs we run here involving men and youth, bringing a different perspective to the team with not only his past experiences but education in these areas also.
Danny fellowships at the Putaruru Gospel Chapel and is involved in different ministries within the church and the youth group. He completed an internship there and has a Diploma in Christian studies.
He believes God gets the Glory for his transformation and is the pinnacle to his success.
Amber is originally from Christchurch. She resided in Australia for 13 years working in mental health before returning home to New Zealand.
She started working for Transform as a contractor in 2016 facilitating the women’s personal development programmes with her mother Belena. Her position developed over the years and now includes youth and parenting programmes.
A new development to her role since gaining an ‘I’ endorsement in 2023 has been license theory and driving instruction for South Waikato high schools. She is passionate about working with people to reach their potential. Her community work spans over 20 + years and it is in this arena that she thrives and her cup overflows.
Peter Bassett (Board Chair)
Kent Crawford (Secretary)
Ross Bay
Bruce Bevins
Hadleigh Putt
Andrew Crosbie
Melody Thompson
Transform Aotearoa Charitable Trust is a registered charity. Our Charities Services registration number is CC53205.
