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ABOUT US

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ABOUT US

We've always been BIG on community

Established in 2020, the Warriors Community Foundation strives to connect, educate and inspire our local communities.

Our Vision-Moemoeā

To be THE catalyst for positive social change through physical & mental wellbeing in Aotearoa.

Our Mission -Tau korero

To connect, educate and inspire our community through the mana of the One New Zealand Warriors.


Our Purpose -T ā t ā t o u wh ā i n g a


We tackle social issues with programmes and community initiatives that support mental health, anti-bullying, literacy, and other wellbeing skills that support success for our tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

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Our Sponsors and Partners

We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from our partners'. Our partners generous financial support helps fund community programmes that deliver positive social outcomes. Partnering with the Warriors Community Foundation gives organisations an opportunity for rich engagement with New Zealanders through relevant and meaningful connections.

Team

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Lincoln Jefferson

CEO- Tumuaki

lincoln@wcf.kiwi

I’ve been with the Warriors Community Foundation since 2021 and have over 20 years of experience in community engagement, sport management, and education in the non-profit sector. Before moving to Aotearoa, I worked in the UK as a primary school teacher and helped lead a school sports partnership that delivered physical activity and wellbeing programmes to more than 180 schools. That experience shaped my belief in the power of sport and education to change lives. At the Foundation, I’m proud to lead a passionate team delivering high-impact, community-focused programmes across Aotearoa. Every initiative, whether supporting literacy, mental health, inclusion, or physical wellbeing is designed to empower tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau to thrive. The social impact we’re creating is something I care deeply about. It’s a privilege to be part of a Kaupapa that supports communities through meaningful, engaging, and culturally grounded programmes. Outside of mahi, I’m married to Jenn, a dedicated primary school teacher, and we’re proud parents to our four beautiful children, Miguel, Emilio, Alba, and Milagros. Whānau is at the heart of everything I do, and it inspires the work we lead through the Foundation every day. I love to cook, listen to music, and I’m an avid vinyl record fan.

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Charlotte Scanlan

Community Manager I Pou Whirinaki Hāpori

charlotte@wcf.kiwi

I coordinate and facilitate events and programmes for the Warriors Community Foundation using the One NZ Warriors’ brand as the vehicle to inspire our tamariki. Through my football career in both rugby league and rugby union plus previous employment, I have had plenty of opportunities to engage with the public. I enjoy the diversity and pride myself in having the ability to build a rapport with a variety of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. I am strongly committed to team-building and professional development. I take pride in my personal appearance and am regarded as a leader with a strong sense of personal motivation. I have proven ability to build and work collaboratively in a strong team environment, and independently. My passion and dedication to see the development of the Warriors Community Foundation is the driving force to every aspect of my work. I am committed to working alongside other members of our team and I understand that without the people behind the scenes doing the mahi that the business wouldn't be as strong.

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Shonté To’a

Lead Community Activator I Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka

shonte.toa@wcf.kiwi

As the Lead Community Activator for the Warriors Community Foundation, I work directly with schools and communities to deliver programmes that use the power of the One NZ Warriors brand to engage, inspire, and uplift our tamariki and rangatahi. I’m a proud Tongan-Māori wāhine who grew up in Ōtara, and I bring that with me into every space I enter. With over four years of experience working with young people in schools, my focus has always been on using sport and physical activity as tools to build confidence, connection, and positive outcomes. I bring high energy and genuine passion to my mahi and enjoy working with diverse groups and building meaningful relationships across cultures and communities. I’ve played rugby union since I was 10 years old and am now in my second year of playing rugby league. My sporting background has given me valuable experience in leadership, resilience, and teamwork—skills I apply in both professional and community settings. I’m committed to supporting the growth and development of the Warriors Community Foundation and take pride in contributing to a kaupapa that genuinely makes a difference. I believe in the strength of collaboration and know that it’s the people behind the scenes doing the mahi that truly drive success.

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Casey Gribble

Community ActivatorI Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka

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Ella Bussey-Timo

Community Activator I Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka

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Zavier Inu-Bailey

Community Activator I Kaiwhakahaere Hōtaka

Board

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Danielle Dodds

Trustee

I am the global marketing manager for Autex Industries, my family business which I (along with Michelle) are third generation employees! My role in the Warriors Community Foundation is to build our recognition within the community using my marketing background, help conceptualise and deliver new community projects and bring a lot of passion and fun to our team. Being a Robinson, I am naturally a die-hard rugby league fan but enjoy nearly every sport and spend a lot of my spare time either playing or watching it. Being raised in both Melbourne and Auckland, with a stint in the UK, I now live in Auckland with my partner and Golden Retriever, Freddy.

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Marcel van Vliet

Trustee

Hi there, I am the Autex CFO or chief bean counter. Born and raised in Holland I did not grow up with league or the Warriors. I have had the opportunity to come close to the team and the great community work they do. It was easy to become very enthusiastic about being involved in the Warriors Community Foundation. One of my greatest passions is to help educate the next generation. Key in any learning process is understanding. Without understanding what you are being taught, very little will be retained. The way the foundation presents and runs its programs is a fantastic way to help with the understanding and involvement of young people. It is a great opportunity to reach out and encourage passion and the right attitude.

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Michelle Robinson

Trustee

I am the manufacturing manager at our family business Autex Industries and have just hit my 10-year anniversary. The nature of my job means I look after a large chunk of the business which involves managing and helping a lot of different people. I am very passionate about my role. With all our family being huge league fans, it was a no brainer to jump on board when the opportunity arose. I am also on the board of the Rosebank Business Association, so with my experience I am hoping to contribute where I can to the Warriors Community Foundation and being part of the positive change this will make to so many people’s lives.

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Wayne Pearson

Trustee

I am a lawyer in the private client team at Glaister Ennor. I worked with the One New Zealand Warriors to establish the Warriors Community Foundation and along with the other trustees, my role is to ensure the foundation meets it charitable purposes and complies with any legal requirements as well as overseeing its charitable activities. I have worked in the area of trusts and foundations in many jurisdictions around the world including the United Kingdom, Cook Islands, Channel Islands, Canada and New York. I’m married with five children and of course a long time Warriors supporter!

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Warriors Community Foundation

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