My journey into advocacy began with the Foster Child Support Network down in Ōtepoti reflecting my roots having grown up in Taieri Mouth. For several years after that I was then a part of the National Youth Advisory Group at Oranga Tamariki, which further spawned my passion to make change in this space, especially in light of my personal experience facing difficulties accessing tertiary education due to financial barriers.

Tertiary study has always been an important component in my life. Currently, I am based at the University of Oxford where I work as a Research Fellow working on climate change, reflecting my PhD in climate change law, gained from Victoria University of Wellington. I am an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and hold an LLM in Environmental and Energy Law gained as a Fulbright scholar from the University of Colorado-Boulder, an LLB (First Class Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington and a BSc in Physical Geography and Economics from the University of Otago. I have worked for a number of governmental & non governmental organisations. Highlights include working for the Ministry for the Environment, as the National Administrator for Generation Zero and as a youth advisor to the New Zealand Commission to UNESCO.

When I’m not working on climate or care-related issues, my passion is exploring the world (aiming to get to 100 before 30), looking for the best cup of coffee out there & getting up to crazy adventures with my wonderful friends.

Injy Johnstone, Co-Founder & Board Member

Isaac Heron, Co-Founder & Board Member

I have been involved for some time in the foster care advocacy space through VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, TE4CL-Kia Eke’s key partner organisation. This was first as one of its National Youth Council members and then until recently as a board member. Having in many ways had a more positive experience in care and then tertiary education, I now always aim to use my connections and lived experience to advocate for more positive outcomes for people in care. I want to ensure opportunity and aspiration become the default for Aotearoa’s care system.

Otherwise, I am currently studying a Master of Philosophy in Economics at the University of Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship. Before I left for the UK, I worked as a graduate analyst at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. I have an LLB(Hons) and a BSc in Economics and Genetics from the University of Otago and have an interest in working to mitigate the risks from emerging biotechnologies.

When I’m not working or studying, you’ll most likely find me spending time with my friends, playing board games or listening to audiobooks while out on a run. There’s nothing I love more than an interesting conversation!

Stevie-Jean Gear, Board Member

As a proud graduate of Waikato University, I started out as a frontline Social Worker. My career took many pathways, with my current role being the Strategic Lead for Youth Wellbeing for the Clare Foundation. I bring a hands-on approach within my role as a funder which translates into my role as a board member of TE4CL.

With my lived experience of being raised by a parent and grandparent with care experience, I am driven by a desire to ensure people with care-experienced backgrounds are given an equitable chance in life and education. I am living proof that education holds the keys to unlocking opportunities and pathways to healing intergenerational poverty.

When I’m not behind my desk, you can find me singing ‘baby shark’ or looking for insects in the garden with my children.

Stella Pennell, Executive Director

As a sociologist who completed her PhD ‘a little later’ in life, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education. University wasn’t an option for me when I left school. As an adult and a solo parent, I encouraged my children to pursue the tertiary education I’d missed out on, only to have my youngest throw that challenge back at me. Terrified, but determined, I took the plunge and enrolled at Massey University. It was profoundly transformative academically and prompted a personal shift in self-esteem and self-belief. A particular highlight was being selected as the inaugural Fellow for an exchange programme between Massey University and Wageningen University SADE in the Netherlands. These experiences fuelled my passion for education and ignited a desire to create similar opportunities for others.

As a sociology lecturer at Massey University, I focused on pastoral care for students facing barriers to education. This led me to the role of Executive Director of TE4CL, where I focus on increasing participation and success for care-leavers in higher education. I’m passionate about fostering environments where every student, regardless of their background, can flourish and enjoy a positive university experience.

When I’m not advocating for equity in education, you’ll likely find me in or near the ocean—spearfishing, boating, camping, or simply enjoying life by the sea.