We create projects & programs
to support migrants,
connect the community, celebrate diversity,
and give back as one.
Our Team
Our small team is working hard to support the community through The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
In order to have an inclusive, diverse, and safe community, we always aim to also include members of the community, local agencies, and other stakeholders to be part of our vision. Join us!
Kelsey Powell
Jane of All Trades
"Captain of Compassion"
Kelsey is a registered mental health counsellor at The Therapy Project and a Licensed Immigration Adviser (provisional) at her Aotearoa-based company, The Kiwi Kit.
Both are endeavours that aim to make people's lives better and to equip people with the skills and tools they need to navigate their situation with confidence and support.
Kelsey helped to co-create The Kiwi Kit Community Trust to always give back to the local community as a migrant herself who has felt welcomed and accepted along the way in her journey.
"Liz" Illizannate Kaloudau
Operations Manager
Hailing from the tropical paradise of Fiji, Liz brings with her a wealth of warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness to the Kiwi Kit Community Trust. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, Liz's journey to Queenstown was serendipitous, finding herself embraced by the community since her arrival in 2018. From managing prominent shops to engaging with people from all walks of life, Liz's passion for fostering connections and understanding different cultures shines through.
A true advocate for cultural awareness, Liz believes that embracing diversity leads to more meaningful interactions and a stronger sense of community. Fondly nicknamed 'Mother Theresa' by her family for her unwavering dedication to helping others, Liz's compassionate spirit fuels her commitment to giving back. She finds immense joy in making a positive impact in the lives of those around her, embodying the belief that collective efforts can create a more compassionate and supportive community.
In her role with the Kiwi Kit Community Trust, Liz aspires to foster a positive and supportive environment where migrants feel welcomed, valued, and connected. She envisions creating opportunities for cultural exchange, networking, and community building, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety. With Liz's dedication and warmth, the Trust is poised to create a more inclusive and connected Queenstown community for all.
Dani Mercado
Migrant Support Manager
"Little Spark Activator"
Dani, originally from Mexico, has made New Zealand her home since 2018. With a Bachelor's in Laws obtained in Mexico, she delved into the private sector, specialising in Antitrust law. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to international studies in human rights at Ottawa University, a testament to her dedication to understanding global legal frameworks.
Her passion for human rights and international law ignited during her social service in a legal clinic both in Mexico and Canada. Now a permanent resident of New Zealand, she serves as a Legal Assistant with aspirations to become a lawyer in this country.
In 2021, she received an invitation to join TKKCT alongside the founders, Kelsey & Franco. Her contributions to the team included the development of innovative programs, migrant support, translator and she has remained an active member within the community ever since.
Dani has also served as a part of the Welcoming Communities Advisory Group for Queenstown Lakes District. The advisory group offered leadership and advice for the implementation of the council's Welcoming Plan 2024-2027.
As our Migrant Support “Little Spark Activator,” Dani is part of The Kiwi Kit Community Trust to help build connectedness and resilience as well as to help communities feel more connected in order to find the spark in their lives.
"Life Is Full Of Possibilities. You Just Need To Know Where To Look."
Laura Palmieri
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Originally from North Carolina, USA, Laura began her life 'down under' doing a semester at Sydney University in 2009, and never looked back again. Eventually arriving in Queenstown in early 2011, Laura found herself captivated by life in the mountains and the warmth of the diverse multi-cultural community. Her journey to kiwi citizenship was not a linear one, but she is so proud to now call NZ her "forever home."
Laura's background in Marketing & Events is a tapestry of diverse experiences. Armed with a degree in Graphic Arts and Communications, she developed a strong background in Sales, Marketing, Events & Production roles over the last 13 years, by working in Queenstown's vibrant Tourism, Hospitality, Wedding & Film industries. Additionally, Laura ventured into entrepreneurship, founding her own local Photobooth business and a marketing & photography sole-tradership.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Laura's passions are grounded in connecting with others through adventure, creativity, and community. Her "happy places" are either deep in nature, or deep on a dance floor, and she finds joy in embracing new experiences while pursuing personal development & growth through pushing boundaries.
In her role as the Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Kiwi Kit Community Trust, Laura is driven by a profound sense of purpose. She is committed to leveraging her skills and experiences to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and welcoming Queenstown community. Laura aspires to create meaningful connections, foster a sense of belonging, and extend her network to support those in need of community.
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The Kiwi Kit Community Trust is a local charitable trust on a mission to support and empower migrants, unite the whole community, and celebrate diversity in the Queenstown Lakes District, through events and ongoing programs that fill the gaps identified across the community.
OUR CORE VALUES:
WHANAUNGATANGA | Sense of Belonging & Connection
TIAKI | Taking Care of People & Nature
MANA MANAAKI | Building the Mana of Others, Through Nurturing, Growing, and Challenging
What We Do
We will achieve our mission by creating and leading event projects and ongoing programs, while also taking practical actions that make a difference to people's lives in our community.
As a grass-roots movement, The Kiwi Kit Community Trust, aims to grow organically step-by-step, by starting small and following the breadcrumbs of what is needed.
By listening to our community and collaborating with agencies and stakeholders, we can co-create the biggest positive impact the Queenstown Lakes District has ever seen.
Upcoming Events
Multiple DatesTue, 08 OctBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown08 Oct 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300- Multiple DatesTue, 12 NovBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown12 Nov 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
- Multiple DatesTue, 10 DecBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown10 Dec 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
Date and time is TBDQueenstown Community Harvest GardensDate and time is TBDQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens, 6866576, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandDate and time is TBDQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens, 6866576, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin the Kiwi Kit Community Trust in the Queenstown Harvest Community Gardens as we work together throughout the year to develop and nurture a fruitful garden. Learn new gardening skills or share your own, while connecting with nature and new friends from the multi-cultural community of Queenstown!
Past Events
Tue, 01 OctHappiness House, Queenstown01 Oct 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand01 Oct 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to USA 🇺🇸 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
Tue, 17 SeptHappiness House, Queenstown17 Sept 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand17 Sept 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to Nepal 🇳🇵 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
Thu, 12 SeptThe Hub @ Whakatipu Youth Trust12 Sept 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmThe Hub @ Whakatipu Youth Trust, 4a/15 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand12 Sept 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmThe Hub @ Whakatipu Youth Trust, 4a/15 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandRelease tension and promote overall well-being in this relaxing stretching session. Emphasising breathwork and full-body relaxation, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels looking to find a renewed sense of balance and inner peace.
Wed, 11 SeptQueenstown Council Chambers11 Sept 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pmQueenstown Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand- Multiple DatesTue, 10 SeptRhyme X Reason, Wānaka10 Sept 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmRhyme X Reason, Wānaka, 17 Gordon Road, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Tue, 03 SeptHappiness House, Queenstown03 Sept 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand03 Sept 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to England This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.- Tue, 20 AugBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown20 Aug 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
Tue, 20 AugHappiness House, Queenstown20 Aug 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand20 Aug 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
Sun, 18 AugTe Atamira18 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmTe Atamira, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand18 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmTe Atamira, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandEmbark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace while creating art. Guided by instructor Melina Shabel, you will engage in a series of meditative practices and intentional breathing exercises that calm the mind and open the door to creativity.- Multiple DatesTue, 13 AugBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown13 Aug 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
Thu, 08 AugQueenstown Council Chambers08 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pmQueenstown Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand08 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pmQueenstown Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for the third edition of the International Storytellers Film Series as we screen "To Us the Ashes: Indigenous Shorts." This powerful collection of documentary shorts highlights the stories and resilience of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
Tue, 06 AugHappiness House, Queenstown06 Aug 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand06 Aug 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to Chile! 🇨🇱 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
Sun, 21 JulQueenstown21 Jul 2024, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pmQueenstown, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand21 Jul 2024, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pmQueenstown, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandGet ready to dance your heart out with Melina Shabel! This community dance class focuses on Afro Dance, promoting joy, physical activity, and warmth during the winter months. No prior dance experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to move!
Wed, 17 JulQueenstown Council Chambers17 Jul 2024, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmQueenstown Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand17 Jul 2024, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmQueenstown Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandCelebrate Nelson Mandela International Day for July's edition of the International Storytellers Film Series. We'll be screening "Living the Change" a documentary that showcases inspiring stories of individuals and communities pioneering sustainable solutions.
Tue, 16 JulHappiness House, Queenstown16 Jul 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand16 Jul 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to Taiwan! 🇹🇼 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.- Thu, 11 JulBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown11 Jul 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 930011 Jul 2024, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmBeech Tree Craft Beer Queenstown, 11/13 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300This dynamic language exchange event is designed to bring people together through the love of languages. Whether you're new to Queenstown or a long-time resident, The Language Lounge offers a unique opportunity to practice languages, meet new people, and enjoy a culturally enriching evening.
Wed, 10 JulThe Rees Hotel10 Jul 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pmThe Rees Hotel, 377 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Tue, 02 JulHappiness House, Queenstown02 Jul 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand02 Jul 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us for bi-weekly cooking sessions hosted in collaboration with the diverse ethnic communities of Tāhuna. Learn a new recipe whilst celebrating community togetherness. This week we're going to Taiwan! 🇹🇼 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
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Would you like to make a donation to support our trust?
We are all currently volunteers, so any contribution is greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate, please use the Paypal button or you can utilise direct transfer to our trust account. Thank you for your support!
ASB Bank | The Kiwi Kit Community Trust | 12-3405-0053091-00
Contact Us
LOCATION: Queenstown, New Zealand
PHONE: 021 082 52279
The Kiwi Kit Community Trust is a registered charity in New Zealand
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