Meet our Board
John Scutter
Chair
John operates a business turnaround and restructuring consulting company in Paraparaumu Beach. He has been a long-time resident on the Kāpiti Coast, attending secondary school at Kāpiti College and obtaining his first full time employment opportunity as an Accountant, after completing his degree at Victoria University, on the Kāpiti Coast.
John is passionate about giving back to the community and encouraging employers and employees to grow together, maximising the opportunities available to them. As a Chartered Accountant, with over 25 years’ experience in public practice and completing his MBA studies on the elements required for a successful business, John provides a good understanding of business and business growth opportunities to employ to the Trust.
Meet John!
Julia Palmer
Board member
Julia is the Director at Star People HR & Recruitment - curating a talent pool of star people for businesses on the Kapiti Coast and beyond.
Julia's desire to make the world a better place is reflected in her business purpose - to grow business and employment in the communities we work in.
Top accomplishments: raising three pretty awesome humans, creating a sustainable business, and giving back to the communities she is part of through various projects in sport and her local residence of Reikorangi.
When not helping others to improve the quality of their lives, Julia is happiest in gumboots on the farm, riding horses, motorbikes, skiing in the winter and e-biking to work when she can. Julia secretly enjoys baking way too much!
Meet Julia!
Tracy Nyhan
Board member
Over 20 years of experience in the banking and financial sector, leading and developing people to personal success. Currently Senior Customer Engagement Manager for Kiwibank supporting teams to build capability.
Tracy’s passion is helping young people to develop skills, confidence and resilience as they prepare to join the workforce. Having been involved in youth development for many years including Girl Guiding and the Gateway programme with local colleges the work of the Trust sits with her personal values of ensuring that all young people are given a chance to succeed. Tracy Is also currently Chairperson of Kapiti Coast United and President of the newly formed Horowhenua and Coast Football Club.
Meet Tracy!
Board member
Kim Kelly
Kim Kelly is a Student Engagement Manager at the University of Waikato and formerly the Head of Careers and Transition at Paraparaumu College. With 20 years’ experience across primary, secondary, tertiary and careers education, she is dedicated to helping young people become future‑ready with equitable access to real‑world work experiences and higher‑education pathways.
Kim has been working with Work Ready Kāpiti programmes since 2019, supporting students to build confidence and employability skills.
She lives in Waikanae with her husband John, a tradesman, along with a mini schnauzer, and a huge ragdoll cat. She also has two adult children, Jackson and Anika. In her spare time, Kim enjoys dog walking, Pilates, the gym, camping, thrift shopping, reading, and creative projects.
Meet Kim!
Joanna Humphries
Board member
Joanna is an experienced educator and community leader based on the Kāpiti Coast, with expertise in Literacy, Food & Nutrition Technology, and inclusive education. She currently teaches at a primary school and works part-time as an online curriculum designer.
She is passionate about empowering others through relationships, hands-on learning, and sustainability. In 2023, she led the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme at Horowhenua District Council. She also actively volunteers in initiatives focused on food accessibility and community wellbeing.
Meet Joanna!
Board member
Chris Spring
Chris Spring joined Forsyth Barr in 2020, and has over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry having worked in business, commercial and private banking.
Chris is registered as a financial adviser and is accredited as an NZX Adviser. Based out of the Kāpiti office, Chris also works closely with clients and the advisory team in Wellington.
Outside of work, Chris spends his time with his young family, and as time allows on the golf course and ski fields.
Meet Chris!
Board member
Levi Hampton
Levi was born on the Kapiti Coast and attended both Primary and Secondary school here. He furthered his growing passion for events by attending Toi Whaakari: NZ Drama School studying Performing Arts Management. Now, at 28 years old, he’s a dedicated member of a small full time staff running Southwards Car Museum where he oversees the functions/events wing of the Museum.
Levi has been instrumental in fostering positive change within the organisation, driving investment in core infrastructure that has allowed Southwards to expand their offerings and enhance their operational capabilities.
Since joining Southwards he has contributed to a steady rise in revenue, ensuring that the events division is financially stable with promising future potential.
Levi is particularly passionate about employing young people and providing them with opportunities to grow and succeed in their careers. In addition to his professional achievements, he is well-known for his active involvement with various community groups and charities, where he strives to make a positive impact. He believes in the power of collaboration and supporting initiatives that benefit the Kāpiti community.
