In every community, there is someone who quietly stitches people together.
Someone who gives their energy, their time, and their heart so that young people feel supported, uplifted, and safe.
In Beachlands, that person is Charne, our I Am Hope x Moko Pounamu Community Hero.
The Kind of Person Who Shows Up – Always
When we asked Aotearoa to nominate the unsung heroes in their communities, the response was overwhelming. Hundreds of entries poured in from across the country. But it was Jenna’s nomination that stood out first.
Charne wears many hats in the Beachlands community:
Mum. Wife. Sister. Daughter. Friend. Coach. Mentor. Advocate. Hero.
As Jenna wrote in her nomination:
“Charne is the beating heart of our community, a sanctuary where tamariki and rangatahi find more than just sport, they find hope, healing, and whānau.”
Choosing to Lean In
Some people step back when things get hard.
Charne steps closer.
She listens to the stories that many adults shy away from – the hurt, the fear, the struggles that so many of our young people carry quietly. She listens, and then she acts. With compassion. With purpose. With the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe and seen.
Jenna captured this beautifully:
“In a world where many turn away from hard stories, Charne leans in. She is a light in the darkness, a fierce protector of our youth, and a true community hero.”
Charne was also nominated by Amy, a solo mum who experienced Charne’s kindness first-hand:
“Charne took the stress off an awful situation and has been nothing but amazing to me and my boys. She goes above and beyond for every community kid so they’re not left out. She is a true hero and deserves recognition.”
Honouring a Heart Full of Aroha
We were honoured to present Charne with a Moko Pounamu Porohita, a taonga that represents unity, strength, and connection. Surrounded by her community – the very people she lifts up day after day – the moment was filled with emotion and pride.
Because while Charne may not see herself as a hero, everyone around her does.
She is the person who leans in when others step back.
The person who listens when others turn away.
The person who builds confidence, belonging, and hope in the hearts of the young people she works alongside.
Why This Matters
New Zealand is full of quiet heroes like Charne – people who give without expecting anything in return, who show up for our youth again and again, and who make their communities stronger in ways most of us will never see.
Together with Moko Pounamu, we wanted to honour the everyday heroes who put compassion into action and help build a future where our kids feel valued, supported, and never alone.
Thank you, Charne – and thank you to the hundreds of people who were nominated.
Aotearoa is lucky to have you all.
