About

The Gloriavale Leavers’ Trust employs 4-part time staff to deliver the Trust’s Aims. It’s a growing work which aims to help provide love and care for the leavers in their journey to independence.

Liz is the Manager of the Trust and leads a dedicated team ensuring leavers receive necessary support post-commune life. With a passion for aiding leavers, Liz utilises her talents and connections to secure improved opportunities for them. Drawing from her experience as a teacher and business owner and driven by her Christian faith, Liz’s active and engagement with leavers, supporters, volunteers, and external agencies reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. Liz is an “ideas girl” and has the energy and drive to make a difference in people’s lives one at a time.

Caro’s main task is to ensure the smooth operations of the office and admin tasks and to help everyone keep on top of the workload. But she contributes more than just admin skills to the team. She is a woman with initiative, creativity and energy. She has a pastoral heart and develops effective and caring relationships with leavers. To top it off, Caro is a connector, bringing leavers and social services together to ensure people get the help they require.

Janina is a valuable team member, bringing a diverse range of skills to the Trust. She will be working with Gloriavale leavers and advocacy groups to ensure they are being well represented. Janina’s past profession as a NZ Police Detective involved working with high level and serious offending. Her experience includes communicating effectively with victims, offenders, courts, Women’s Refuge, CYPS (now Oranga Tamariki), the Serious Fraud Office and more. Janina has also worked in various other roles – e.g. with Statistics NZ, the Electoral Commission and Farming. Currently she and her husband own a lifestyle block and run an Agricultural Engineering business. She has also been involved in many small community groups and has a strong Christian faith which guides her.

Bronwyn Kempf is a key player in the establishment of the Trust – but she likes to stay in the background! Bronwyn ministers quietly and effectively to the leavers, showing them love and grace. Her gentle nature and practical skills are valued by everyone she meets. She is like a mum and grandma to many of the leavers, helping to lovingly guide them in this unfamiliar world, and nourishing them spiritually. Bronwyn and her family have had many Gloriavale leavers through their home, and she really understands and loves them. Bronwyn is a gift to the world 🙂 She is employed for a few hours a week to help with the smooth running of the Trust and its various operations, including working with fundraising and volunteers. She has initiative and works hard to ensure Liz stays on track!

Tony Bunting has bundles of energy and many giftings that make him perfect for this contract role! His experience as a counsellor at Timaru Boys High School for over 20 years and his ability to communicate with young and old in an effective manner makes him well-loved by Gloriavale leavers. He has an infectious personality that makes you want to tackle the world with a smile. Tony mentors and counsels in creative ways – it might be while on a bike ride, or while cutting someone’s hair. He may also be the person who arrives on your doorstep with a trailer to help you move house. His passion for life is fueled by his faith.

The Trustees are committed to the welfare of Gloriavale Leavers and in providing a solid vision moving forwards. Many of the Trustees live in South Canterbury and are personally involved in the lives of ex-members on a day-to-day basis. They come with a range of skills which enables them to direct the activities of the Trust and oversee the employment of the staff. All trustees are involved in local churches.