Lesley is the current Chairperson of the Challenge 2000 board and has been a board member since 2008. Lesley is the Director of Charitable Services for the Archdiocese of Wellington. Lesley believes the team who work for Challenge are inspirational in the way they live the gospel to help bring positive change to so many young people’s lives and feels privileged to be part of Challenge 2000.

Paul brings a decisive mix of Government and business savvy culminating in 25 years’ experience as a manager, consultant and company director with expertise in relationship management, service delivery, facilitation, training, board governance, negotiating, international marketing and leadership. He is currently a Director of 2 businesses – Natural Exports NZ Limited and Universal Distributors Ltd. He also operates a local residential development company. Paul was a social worker in the 1980s and 1990s with Catholic Social Services and the Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind.

Angela has a background in operations management in the Health Sector. Angela joined the board in February 2014. Angela is a registered medical laboratory scientist with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Chemistry and a Masters of Business Administration from Victoria University of Wellington. Angela has experience in human resource and financial management. Angela strong believes in the value of a community working together to support our young people. Angela feels privileged to be involved with Challenge and help give as many young people as possible the opportunity to reach their full potential.

I am the Founder of Challenge 2000, which I established in 1988 as a local youth initiative to support young people to develop and achieve their potential and older people to serve and thrive not just survive. I did not expect Challenge to reach thirty years of age! But here we are and here I am!

For the past forty years I have worked with young people, families, agencies, businesses and interest groups to assist them to overcome challenges positively and to function in a life giving, participative and just way.

At the moment I manage a lot of Challenge projects and also do a fair bit of troubleshooting and advice at a local and national level. I also provide training programmes, facilitation services and supervision on a myriad of topics. The money goes back to Challenge to support those who struggle.

My philosophy is that “love works” sooner or later. So with a bit of that and a bit of knowledge and professionalism all things are possible.

Finn started his career as a youth worker at Challenge, and has since gone on to be involved in the international humanitarian and development space.

Finn joined the Board in July 2021. His experience includes supporting and evaluating education, training and employment programmes in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Finn is currently a Relationship Manager within the Refugee and Migrant Support Team at Immigration New Zealand, and has a particular interest in social justice and community development at the local level.