Since 2019, Taranaki Women’s Refuge has been recognising outstanding commitment and contribution to our cause by rewarding our Champions with Community pins. It is our pleasure to honour these heroes.
Evan Davies
From the first time we reached out to him, Evan Davies was 100% in, committed, enthusiastic and ready to support the mahi and the people of Taranaki Women’s Refuge.
As the Head of Culture at New Plymouth Boys High School, he has encouraged a fleet of students to get involved in their community, fuelled by his passion for good. Whether he is volunteering for every Annual Appeal, prepping info packs for mail outs, volunteering, entertaining or MCing at our events, creating his own fundraising events on our behalf, or supporting education and awareness of Domestic Violence, Evan is a consistently dedicated Champion for our Refuge. He has been involved in almost every fundraiser we have had since we connected with him, lifting the awareness and raising funds to help support women and children in Taranaki who face Domestic Violence. No job is too big or small and every need is always met in Evan’s ‘above and beyond’ way. Evan believes the work of Refuge is critically important. His ongoing dedication to our cause made presenting him with our first ever community pin a very special occasion.
Dame Trelise Cooper
Celebrated New Zealand fashion designer, business woman and icon, Dame Trelise Cooper is well known for creating gorgeous garments that make women look and feel fantastic.
Few people would be aware of the dedication and length of time Dame Trelise Cooper has given to the Women’s Refuge movement in New Zealand. Dame Trelise first volunteered for an Auckland Refuge in the 90s as a call-out worker, collecting women from safe meeting points at any hour of the night and admitting them into a safe house. She continued to gift to Refuges throughout New Zealand and in 2017 Dame Trelise became a committed friend of Taranaki Women’s Refuge. Making considerable donations to our annual Pop-Up Clothing Shop fundraiser, she has most certainly supported the growth and popularity of this event. Her strong belief in the empowerment of women has significant influence and continues to raise awareness of the need for Women’s Refuge services. It was an honour to award Dame Trelise Cooper with our second Community pin, acknowledging her support as a Taranaki Women’s Refuge Champion. Taranaki Women’s Refuge is endlessly grateful for Dame Trelises’ dedication to our cause and for her active leadership for women.
Annalee Kemsley
In 2016, Annalee delivered a box of make up to our office to be gifted to clients. At the time, none of us could have guessed how much of an impact this small gesture of kindness would have.
From providing clients with a sense of care and welcome during the most vulnerable of times, Annalee has become one of our most dedicated supporters. Annalee is an incredibly talented Make Up Artist, Social Media guru and creative who uses her considerable platform to champion awareness of Domestic Violence in our region to a local, National and International stage. Whether she is presenting, attending or hosting her own fundraiser Annalee is consistently committed to supporting positive change for our women. Her passion and drive has invited a whole new generation into the movement where the rights of women and children to live free from violence are at the center. It was an absolute pleasure to present Annalee with our third Community pin acknowledging her varied contributions, on-going efforts and her choice to use her voice for change.
Anna Richardson
Anna Richardson is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a dedicated supporter of Taranaki Women’s Refuge (TWR). Born under the watchful gaze of Mount Taranaki, and after spending her schooling years in the South Island, Anna’s journey came full circle, bringing her back to her roots in the region she loves.
With a background in radio broadcasting, Anna spent 15 years as a beloved breakfast radio host at MediaWorks NZ, where she first forged a strong connection with TWR. During this time, she used her platform to amplify TWR’s message, promoting their events and championing their cause with unwavering enthusiasm
Now, Anna has transitioned into a new role as a content creation specialist at Smokeylemon, a creative agency in New Plymouth. Despite this career shift, her commitment to TWR remains steadfast. For the past few years, Anna has had the honor of serving as the MC for the Runway for Refuge fashion show, a key fundraising event for TWR.
Anna’s support for TWR stems from her firm belief that “women uplift women,” which she sees as the core principle of the organization. Through her involvement, she has gained a deeper understanding of domestic violence, recognizing that it manifests in various forms beyond just physical abuse
If Anna could share one message with women, it would be a simple yet powerful affirmation: “You are enough”. This message encapsulates her dedication to empowering women and aligns perfectly with TWR’s mission to help women and children live free from domestic violence.
Anna’s journey from radio personality to content specialist, all while maintaining her role as a vocal supporter of TWR, showcases her versatility and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in her community
Ken Swan
Born in Wellington, Ken and his wife have been here 18 years, raising their family and calling Taranaki home. Ken is a familiar voice across Taranaki as the More FM Taranaki Breakfast show host. His role on-air has placed him at the heart of community conversations, giving him a strong connection with the people and stories that shape the region, an opportunity he uses to support those who need it most.
Ken has played a key role in helping raise awareness by using his platform. Through on-air conversations, interviews, and campaign support, he has helped share our stories and communicate important messaging to the wider community. His willingness to speak about the work of Taranaki Women’s Refuge has helped reduce stigma, encouraged help-seeking, and brought attention to the realities many local families face.
Beyond awareness, Ken has actively supported our fundraising efforts, helping promote appeals and events that directly contribute to keeping our services running. His involvement has strengthened community engagement and expanded the reach of our campaigns, ensuring that vital resources are available where they’re needed most. He could also be seen lending a hand at Annual Appeal or creating a video while helping sort at Pop Up Shop or make a Christmas ornament for Deck the Rooms for Refuge.
Ken’s recognition as a Community Champion comes down to the commitment he has shown to supporting the Refuge and the people we serve, and we are grateful for the difference he continues to make across Taranaki. His ongoing involvement, amplifying the work of Taranaki Women’s Refuge — reflects his belief in using media for good.
Rebecca Johnson
Taranaki locals may know Rebecca from her involvement across a variety of activities throughout Taranaki. Many may not know that she was the model for our first ever NZ Fashion Designer donation for Taranaki Women’s Refuge Pop-Up Shop – a kimono from Trelise Cooper in 2018. That same year she modelled in an early rendition of what was to become Runway for Refuge and since then Rebecca has been involved in both Runway for Refuge and the Pop-Up shop fundraising events every year.
Rebecca has done everything from the catwalk, delivering fliers, organizing all forms of media coverage and promotion, clearing out her own wardrobe to sharing with conviction the importance of the why behind our fundraising initiatives. Rebecca is a firm advocate of our cause in all areas of her life, believing in the rights of all women to live safe and happy lives.
Rebecca has been enthusiastic about bringing new ideas and strategic planning to the organization of Pop-Up making and creating opportunities wherever she can. She brings her dedication, strong work ethic and passion for raising funds and awareness, weaving ways of connection between the community and the cause.
Importantly, Rebecca always has the best interests of Taranaki Women’s Refuge and our clients at heart. Her long-standing support, incredible amount of hours and effort contributed to our fundraising events and readiness to help where she can made her a deserving recipient of this award and recognition as a Taranaki Women’s Refuge Community Champion in 2024.
Brooke Barrett
Brooke first became involved with Taranaki Women’s Refuge in 2017 when our Pop-Up Shop events committee reached out to her for input into their pre-sale fashion show event. Quick to get on board, Brooke has continued to be involved every year since in a growing capacity. She was a key member of the team who began what is now a standalone, sell out fundraising event, Runway for Refuge.
It may have been Brooke’s background in fashion which led to her initial connection with Taranaki Women’s Refuge, but her passion for supporting the rights of women to live a life free from violence was evident from the first meeting. Brooke is often found promoting insights, information and awareness raising campaigns around Domestic Violence across her social media. She regularly walks the talk, actively promoting change, learning about the work of women’s refuge and its challenges and creating opportunities to speak to this.
As the glue between TWR and our NZ fashion designers and the stylist for our Runway fashion show, Brooke has volunteered an enormous number of hours to help support successful outcomes for our fundraising and ultimately support the work of Taranaki Women’s Refuge around the region. She has contributed to TWR through her business and as an individual donating funds, product or services whenever she is able. Her generosity has been above and beyond and almost always without request.
Brooke uses her platform to encourage women to seek support and advocate for societal change. Her kind, caring nature and genuine desire to want for better for women in Taranaki and beyond make her a very deserving recipient of this award. She is a Champion for change and for our Refuge.
