We create projects & programs
to support migrants,
connect the community, celebrate diversity,
and give back as one.
We are 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
Our Team
In order to have an inclusive, diverse, and safe community, we always aim to include members of the community, local agencies, and other stakeholders to be part of our vision.
Our small team is working hard to support the community through The Kiwi Kit Community Trust. 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.
Gemma Peacock
Operations Manager
Gemma is an incredibly active community contributor who is an important driver behind building our connections with organisations and stakeholders that care about migrants.
Originally from the Scottish Borders, Gemma's dedicated over 10 years to the Social Service Sector, supporting and advocating for vulnerable people from all walks of life across the world.
Gemma is committed to creating more equal opportunities, safer communities and cultivating a deeper sense of belonging for all under-represented people.
We are so fortunate to have Gemma on our team doing the amazing things she's doing to give back to the community.
Dani Mercado
Migrant Support Manager
"Little Spark Activator"
Daniela, originally from Mexico, is passionate about the quest for human rights and human purpose.
She has a Bachelor of Laws with 5 years of experience working as a lawyer and 3 years in the community. During her legal social service, she realized the lack of information that people have and wanted to create something to help them.
Nowadays, she has been studying human rights and believes that we are way more powerful when we turn to each other and not on each other when we celebrate our diversity.
As our Migrant Support “Little Spark Activator,” Daniela 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."
What We Do
We will achieve our mission by creating and leading event projects and ongoing programs, 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, 07 MayHappiness House, Queenstown07 May 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmHappiness House, Queenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand07 May 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 event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
- Wed, 15 MayQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens15 May 2024, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pmQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens, 6866576, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand15 May 2024, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pmQueenstown 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
- Multiple DatesTue, 23 AprQueenstown23 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand23 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 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 traveling to Fiji 🇫🇯 This event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
- Mon, 22 AprQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens22 Apr 2024, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pmQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens, 6866576, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand22 Apr 2024, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pmQueenstown 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!
- Multiple DatesTue, 09 AprQueenstown09 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand09 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 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 event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
- Multiple DatesFri, 05 AprQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens05 Apr 2024, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pmQueenstown Community Harvest Gardens, 6866576, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand05 Apr 2024, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pmQueenstown 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!
- Multiple DatesTue, 19 MarQueenstown19 Mar 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand19 Mar 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 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 event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
- Multiple DatesTue, 05 MarQueenstown05 Mar 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand05 Mar 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 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 event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
- Multiple DatesTue, 20 FebQueenstown20 Feb 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 4 Park Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand20 Feb 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pmQueenstown, 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 event is brought to you by Happiness House and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.
- Sun, 17 DecThe Komunal Cafe + MYDC Community Centre17 Dec 2023, 3:30 pm – 18 Dec 2023, 8:30 pmThe Komunal Cafe + MYDC Community Centre, 1/13 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand17 Dec 2023, 3:30 pm – 18 Dec 2023, 8:30 pmThe Komunal Cafe + MYDC Community Centre, 1/13 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandA nurturing event to celebrate our multicultural communities, migrants, newcomers and community leaders who have given so much to create cultural expression, connection and belonging in Tāhuna this year!
- Thu, 14 DecQueenstown14 Dec 2023, 9:30 am – 3:30 pmQueenstown, ASB, Shop 47, Five Mile Centre, 20 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
- Thu, 24 NovQueenstown24 Nov 2022, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmQueenstown, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand24 Nov 2022, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmQueenstown, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandJoin us in a welcoming and inclusive workshop to learn and understand, Your rights at work. Presented by our local speaker David Buckingham, an experienced Employment Relations Consultant.
- Sun, 25 SeptTE ATAMIRA25 Sept 2022, 10:30 am – 1:30 pmTE ATAMIRA, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand25 Sept 2022, 10:30 am – 1:30 pmTE ATAMIRA, Building 11, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandCome and share your current reality, struggles, desires, ideas, and dreams. Our goal with this event is to grow together by listening to your concerns, celebrating our diversity, and empowering the community. Who this event is for: migrants & anyone who cares about and wants to support migrants.
- Sun, 18 SeptWanaka Community Hub18 Sept 2022, 10:30 am – 1:30 pmWanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand18 Sept 2022, 10:30 am – 1:30 pmWanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandCome and share your current reality, struggles, desires, ideas, and dreams. Our goal with this event is to grow together by listening to your concerns, celebrating our diversity, and empowering the community. Who this event is for: migrants & anyone who cares about and wants to support migrants.
- Sat, 01 May26 Hansen Road01 May 2021, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm26 Hansen Road, 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand01 May 2021, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm26 Hansen Road, 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandWe believe everyone has a story to tell but often they go untold and unheard. We believe that if we challenge the stigmas and stereotypes and share our stories like an open book, we can create a safe, inclusive and welcoming community for everyone. What's your story?
- Thu, 25 MarWanaka Community Hub25 Mar 2021, 11:00 am – 8:30 pmWanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand25 Mar 2021, 11:00 am – 8:30 pmWanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wanaka 9305, New ZealandCome and share your current reality, struggles, desires, ideas, and dreams. Our goal with this event is to grow together by listening to your concerns, celebrating our diversity, and empowering the community in the Queenstown Lakes District to co-create the next chapter of our shared narrative.
- Thu, 18 MarThe Buzzstop Honey Centre & Cafe18 Mar 2021, 11:00 am – 8:30 pm NZDTThe Buzzstop Honey Centre & Cafe, 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand18 Mar 2021, 11:00 am – 8:30 pm NZDTThe Buzzstop Honey Centre & Cafe, 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9371, New ZealandCome and share your current reality, struggles, desires, ideas, and dreams. Our goal with this event is to grow together by listening to your concerns, celebrating our diversity, and empowering the community in the Queenstown Lakes District to co-create the next chapter of our shared narrative.
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
FOR UPDATES ON WHAT WE'RE UP TO AND
TO KEEP A PULSE ON THE MIGRANT COMMUNITY
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 The Kiwi Kit Community Trust
TEAM LOCATION: Queenstown, New Zealand
PHONE: 021 082 52279
The Kiwi Kit Community Trust is a registered charity in New Zealand
CC58496