OUR MISSION & VISION
BLUES YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua’
The pathway to leadership is through service
Blues Charitable Trust
Empowering rangatahi to make good choices for great lives.
From our General Manager
High-performance sport and the notion of leadership shape our approach to empowering rangatahi; helping them make positive choices that benefit their communities and create great lives.
At Blues Charitable Trust (BCT), we create opportunities for young people to make informed decisions that lead to brighter, more successful futures. This partnership overview pack outlines how we foster youth leadership and development through collaboration — and how you can be part of this impact.
“In a world deeply affected by economic, political and climate uncertainty; fake news; peer pressure around alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, drugs, and youth crime; and the effects of social media on mental and physical wellbeing, the Blues Charitable Trust works to give rangatahi the knowledge and tools to make good choices for great lives.”
Rob Woodley ONZM
General Manager, Blues Charitable Trust
Blues Charitable Trust
Empowering rangatahi to make good choices for great lives. The Blues Charitable Trust (BCT) is a youth development charity with a mission to empower rangatahi (young people) to make informed choices for brighter, successful futures.
Registered as a charitable trust, BCT is legally and financially independent from the Blues rugby organisation, operating with its own constitution, governance, and strategic plan. However, BCT partners with the Blues to harness their mana (prestige and influence) and strengthen its community impact.
ABOUT BCT
Who We Are
The Blues Charitable Trust (BCT) is about more than a mission—it’s a movement. Rooted in the heart of Auckland, BCT exists to empower rangatahi across the region, from the Bombay Hills to Cape Reinga, to find their voices, build resilience, and step confidently into their futures. Founded by the Blues’ own leaders with external expertise and evidence-based review, BCT unites young people, schools, and community organisations to create real, lasting change.
Our Mission
We believe every young person deserves the tools and support to navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential. BCT’s mission is to build leadership and well-being to bridge the gap between school, community, and career, empowering rangatahi to make informed choices that lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Our Goals
Empower Leadership: Develop leadership qualities in youth, equipping them with skills that build confidence and self-discipline.
Support Career Paths: Prepare students with practical tools like personalised career plans, CV workshops, LinkedIn networking, and job readiness skills.
Champion Well-Being: Promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being, helping rangatahi make positive lifestyle choices.
Our Values
Guided by integrity, respect, and inclusiveness, we bring diverse groups of young people together to grow through shared experiences. We champion a future where every rangatahi has access to opportunities, role models, and a sense of purpose
OUR REACH
From modest beginnings in 2022 of 1 pilot school and 20 students from Onehunga High, to BCT expanding its flagship Youth Emerging Leadership Programme to support students from 47 schools and ~460 young leaders in 2025 across the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region, creating a ripple effect of growth and inspiration that reaches beyond the classroom.
Supporting Schools to Empower Future Leaders
At Blues Charitable Trust, we collaborate with schools across the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Region and our Blues region to identify and nurture young leaders. Our goal is to provide students with the skills, confidence, and real-world readiness needed to make positive choices and create meaningful futures.
Our School Partnerships
BCT partners with schools to deliver our Youth Emerging Leadership Programme, a 12-month journey that supports rangatahi with workshops, mentorship, and career-building opportunities. We work closely with each school’s leadership who select students who will benefit most from our programme, ensuring an experience that supports both personal and academic growth.
Rugby for Life Partnership
Expanding BCT’s reach into Northland, this partnership provides direct learning, mentorship, and leadership training to support rangatahi in making positive life choices.
What Our BCT Students and Schools Experience
Tailored Programme Support: Our Youth Emerging Leadership Programme is designed to complement school initiatives, equipping students with skills in self-leadership, well-being, and career readiness.
Collaborative Planning: We engage with teachers and administrators to align our goals and support student needs, ensuring that our programmes have a natural fit within the school environment.
Student Success: Partnering with BCT means providing students with an opportunity to thrive, fostering their development into confident, resilient leaders.
OUR TEAM
Connect with Us
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, potential sponsor, or volunteer, we’d love to hear from you! BCT’s work thrives on community support, and there’s a role for everyone in creating brighter futures for our rangatahi.
Get in Touch
Rob Woodley – General Manager, BCT | rob.woodley@blues.rugby
Rosey Nathan – Early Career & Development Manager | rosey.nathan@blues.rugby
Harrison Sanders – Blues Community and Fan Engagement Manager | harrison.sanders@blues.rugby
Follow UsFollow the Blues on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-blues/) and Instagram, incorporating BCT’s journey. Connect with our community and be inspired by the stories and achievements of our youth leaders.
Support BCT
Help us bring BCT’s programmes to more schools and young people. Every donation, sponsorship, or volunteer effort contributes to a larger mission: empowering the next generation to make great choices and lead with purpose.
“Whether you’re looking to support our work, partner with us, or simply learn more about what we do, we’d love to connect.” (link to Rosey’s LI page https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarienathan/)
BOARD & GOVERNANCE
Leading with Purpose
The Blues Charitable Trust (BCT) is governed by a board of leaders who are deeply committed to fostering a brighter future for New Zealand’s rangatahi. With diverse expertise across industries like transportation, technology, hospitality, and sports, our board brings valuable insights that drive BCT’s mission to empower youth through leadership, well-being, and career readiness programmes.
Our Commitment
Together, our board members guide BCT with a shared dedication to empowering youth, shaping programmes that reflect our values of inclusiveness, integrity, and respect. Their leadership ensures that BCT’s work remains impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of New Zealand’s communities.
Meet Our Board Members
Peter Reidy – Chair, CEO at KiwiRail
With a strong leadership background in New Zealand’s transport sector, Peter is dedicated to community development and sustainable growth, guiding BCT’s mission with a focus on structure, efficiency, and meaningful impact.
Nikhil Ravishankar – Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand
Nikhil brings expertise in digital transformation and technology, helping BCT leverage innovative approaches to support and connect with youth. His focus on future-readiness aligns perfectly with BCT’s goals for rangatahi.
Peter Thompson – CEO at Barfoot & Thompson
As a leader in one of New Zealand’s largest real estate companies, Peter offers strategic insights into community engagement and business growth, adding value to BCT’s partnerships and outreach efforts.
Shana Malio-Satele – Manager at SouthSeas Healthcare Trust
Shana’s background in healthcare and community service provides BCT with invaluable knowledge of holistic well-being. Her commitment to supporting diverse communities strengthens BCT’s capacity to serve rangatahi effectively.
Andy Roberts – CEO at Star Hospitality Group
Representing the Blues partnership, Andy brings extensive experience in hospitality and community engagement, bridging the worlds of sport and business to create new opportunities for BCT’s growth.
Patrick Tuipulotu – Captain at the Blues & All Blacks XV
As a prominent figure in New Zealand rugby, Patrick embodies leadership, resilience, and dedication. His role on the board amplifies BCT’s message, inspiring youth by showing that positive choices lead to great lives.
Jason Chandler – Director at Procurement Partners
Jason’s expertise in procurement and organisational strategy supports BCT in maintaining sustainable practices and strategic partnerships, ensuring resources are optimised for the Trust’s long-term success.
Roger Mortimer – General Manager at Athletes Federation
With a background in athlete management and development, Roger adds a unique perspective on youth mentorship, helping BCT integrate leadership principles from high-performance sports into its programmes.
Get Involved
Interested in supporting BCT’s initiatives or learning more about us? Reach out to connect with us, discover partnership opportunities, or find ways to make an impact alongside BCT.
