Jonathon Davies, a naturally talented and deeply committed professional, has demonstrated exceptional skill in his role as a Communications and Marketing Volunteer for Samaritans Wellington, and now as their Fundraising & Marketing Officer. In his time with the organisation, Jonathon has breathed fresh life into their communications, crafting thoughtful, human-centred content that has significantly improved their connection with the community, particularly with the 60+ helpline callers. He has also managed the organisation’s digital presence, grown awareness of their services, and produced captivating photography and videography for their 2023 Parliament function.

In his current role, Jonathon continues to make a profound impact, building donor relationships with empathy and professionalism, and designing campaigns that resonate deeply with their supporters. His belief in the transformative power of effective fundraising and storytelling guides his work, and his natural problem-solving abilities continue to make him an indispensable asset to the team. Jonathon’s efforts are not only elevating the organisation’s outreach but also amplifying its mission to transform the lives of those they serve.

In recent years, Deepak Kumar has passionately dedicated himself to empowering New Zealand’s youth through cooking. After graduating in hospitality, Deep moved from India to Aotearoa in 2011 for training opportunities at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua. His fascination with authentic cuisine sparked his career as a pizzaiolo. At just 25, Deep became restaurant manager and head pizzaiolo at Rotorua’s Capizzi Pizzeria, earning high praise including from MasterChef judge Ray McVinnie. In the past year, he has organised numerous cooking demonstrations and free classes, including the inaugural Junior MasterChef Rotorua, which later expanded to become the nationwide Junior Chef of Aotearoa.

Deep’s innovative approach to addressing child obesity concerns has seen him utilise food as a pathway to better health. He has co-authored a cookbook with competition finalists, donated 1,000 meals to Rotorua’s Whakaora community, and launched a petition for tighter controls on junk food advertising. His ongoing mission is to teach Kiwi kids to cook from scratch, making healthier choices easy and accessible.