Birthright Kapiti

06/10/2026

🌟 Meet the Team: Jess! 🌟

This week, we’re introducing Jess — our administrator, coffee maker, fundraiser, project-jumper-inner and general all-round good sort! 💚

Jess has been part of the Birthright Kapiti team for the past three years and is often the very first person our clients meet. Whether she’s greeting someone at the door, making them a coffee or helping them settle into our space, Jess helps make Birthright feel welcoming from the moment people arrive.

Behind the scenes, Jess is the one keeping on top of all that very important paperwork and admin that keeps us running. But her role definitely doesn’t stop there! Throw a project, fundraiser, event or slightly random idea her way and Jess will happily jump in and help make it happen.

She brings warmth, humour and a genuine willingness to help wherever she’s needed — and we’re incredibly grateful to have her as part of our team.

Thanks Jess, for keeping us organised, caffeinated and generally heading in the right direction! ☕💚

05/10/2026

We are looking for stair gates/baby gates. If you have any in good working order (with all the parts) and are willing to donate to another Kapiti family, please drop them to the social work office or the shop. Thank you!!

04/10/2026

♻️ We are currently taking donations of Kapiti & Paraparaumu School Uniforms 💚

01/10/2026

🏀⚽️🏉 $1,967 getting kids into winter sport! 🏑🏐

In 2026, Birthright Kāpiti spent $1,967 helping tamariki and rangatahi from our families take part in winter sports.

That money helped remove some of the financial barriers that can make sport difficult to access — things like registration fees, uniforms and other costs that quickly add up, especially in a one-income household.

But this support is about so much more than sport. 💚

Being part of a team gives kids opportunities to move their bodies, build confidence, make friends, develop new skills and feel like they belong. And importantly, it means kids don't have to miss out simply because their family budget can't stretch far enough.

We think that's $1,967 very well spent. 💚

A huge thank you to everyone who supports Birthright Kāpiti and helps us create opportunities like these for local kids. And is anyone would like to support kids for the 2027 winter season, get in touch!

28/09/2026

🌟 Meet the Team: Leonie! 🌟

This week, we’re introducing Leonie — although after 27 years at Birthright Kāpiti, “introducing” her might be a bit of a stretch! 💚

Leonie’s Birthright journey began way back in 1999, when she joined the team as a Whānau Worker. Over the years, her role grew alongside the organisation, and today Leonie is the Manager of Birthright Kāpiti, overseeing both our social work service and our Op Shop.

For Leonie, one of the best parts of those 27 years has always been the people. She has met and supported countless families, worked alongside some wonderful staff and volunteers, and seen plenty of changes along the way — with lots of challenges, laughs and memorable moments thrown in!

When Leonie first joined Birthright, she was a solo mum raising three daughters who certainly kept her on her toes. Fast forward to today and she’s now a very proud Grandma to three granddaughters and one grandson. ❤️

And Leonie has learnt something important along the way…
Being a grandparent is MUCH easier than being a parent! 😂

After more than two and a half decades, Leonie remains incredibly grateful for the people, experiences and memories that have made up her Birthright journey — and there are hopefully plenty more still to come.

We think 27 years supporting Kāpiti families is something pretty special. 💚

24/09/2026

🌟 Meet the Team: Catherine! 🌟

This week, we’re introducing the wonderful Catherine, who keeps our Birthright shop — and an amazing team of 45 volunteers — ticking along!

Born and raised in Lower Hutt, Catherine made the move to Kapiti 13 years ago and has well and truly made it home.

Catherine joined the Birthright team 17 months ago and, despite being brand new to retail, quickly discovered that she absolutely loves it! For Catherine, it’s all about the people — chatting with our clients and customers, getting to know our community, and making the shop a place filled with laughter, love and connection. 💚

Before joining us, Catherine spent more than 30 years working as a Project Coordinator across the public, private and NGO sectors. So, while retail might be new, organising people, juggling a million things at once and building great relationships definitely isn’t!

Outside of Birthright, family is at the heart of Catherine’s world. She’s a proud mum to twin daughters and an even prouder grandmother to two gorgeous granddaughters.

We’re very lucky to have Catherine as part of our team — bringing her warmth, experience and love of people to Birthright every day.

If you pop into the shop, make sure you say hi! 👋💚

23/09/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to one local whānau who have committed to supporting Birthright families with food every single week. 💚

The impact of this regular support is huge. Knowing that food will be there week after week brings consistency, reduces pressure on stretched budgets, and provides a little more food security for families who are doing it tough.

It’s not just a one-off donation — it’s ongoing support that families can rely on, and that makes such a difference.

Thank you for your incredible generosity and commitment to our Birthright community. 💚

22/09/2026

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Send a message to learn more

21/09/2026

Our social work team connect with lots of other local services. Grateful for their mahi 💚

21/09/2026

We love connection💚The support that comes from birthright absolutely comes from the staff, but also from the other parents accessing our services.

“I came for the support and stayed for the community. I’ve made friendships here that have become part of my life outside Birthright too.”