Who We Are
Pucks for Progress is a community-led trust dedicated to growing and supporting amateur ice hockey across New Zealand. We’re here to back players, strengthen communities, and make the sport more accessible to everyone, from grassroots to representative level.
How we are making a difference for our Community
Every dollar raised through Pucks for Progress goes straight back into the community.
Our goal is to strengthen amateur ice hockey and the people who play it. Through development, inclusion, and opportunity.
Growing Amateur Ice Hockey
We help players and teams cover the costs of tournaments, training, and development programmes, from travel and accommodation to coaching and gear.
Supporting Youth Development
We’re passionate about creating pathways for young players to grow by funding training camps, coaching, and leadership programmes to inspire the next generation.
Building Better Facilities
We invest in the spaces and equipment that keep our sport alive, from rink upgrades and safety glass to training gear and maintenance support.
Giving Back
All our efforts are charitable and community-focused. No funds ever go toward private benefit — every cent helps build a stronger, more connected hockey community in Alexandra, Otago, and across New Zealand
From the Rink to the Radio
Listen to our latest radio feature to hear how we’re backing our players!
Meet Our Team
Behind Pucks for Progress is a group of passionate people who share a love for ice hockey and a commitment to helping it grow across Central Otago and New Zealand. Each trustee brings their own experience — as players, parents, supporters, and community members — united by a shared goal: to create opportunities, reduce barriers, and build a stronger future for the next generation of athletes.
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I’m passionate about bringing people together and turning good ideas into action. I love building strong teams and creating a sense of purpose and connection around a shared goal. As Chair of the Pucks for Progress Trust, I aim to lead with positivity, collaboration, and heart — helping our Trust grow in a way that truly supports our players, families, and the wider ice hockey community.
Why I wanted to help form the Pucks for Progress Trust:
I’ve been involved in ice hockey with my family for the past eight years and have experienced all the incredible things that come with it — from the early morning starts to countless hours spent rink-side supporting my family, and more recently, playing myself. Watching the continued development and passion for the game grow in our community has been truly inspiring.
Over that time, our local rink and the Alexandra Flames Ice Hockey Club have gone from strength to strength, and I can only see that momentum continuing. I’m deeply passionate about the sport and the genuine connections it creates — the people you meet quickly become family. My fellow trustees have been part of this journey with me, and together we share a vision to support our local community, club, and the wider New Zealand ice hockey community to continue to grow and thrive.
What I hope the Trust will achieve:
Ice hockey in New Zealand is growing at a rapid pace, and I want to see that growth continue. As players progress, the financial barriers to higher-level training, development, and national or international play can become significant. I envision the Pucks for Progress Trust helping to reduce those barriers — supporting players and their families so they can continue to grow their skills, pursue their goals, and ultimately give back to their local clubs and communities.
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Why I wanted to help form the Pucks for Progress Trust:
I fell in love with ice hockey years ago, never realising that one day we’d have the chance to actually play — especially living miles away from any rink. When my kids started playing for the Alexandra Flames, we had no idea about the warmth and sense of community that existed within New Zealand’s ice hockey family. The old saying “you get out what you put in” 100% applies to everything about this sport, no matter where your club is — it takes people, passion, and teamwork to make it all happen.
Every club we’ve encountered across the country has been the same — kids are friends off the ice and fiercely competitive on it. The challenge is that as the coaching and development in this sport improves, players excel, often beyond what their families can financially support. The Pucks for Progress Trust was created because we believe wholeheartedly in these kids and in this sport. If we can help even a few families reach that next level — in any club across New Zealand — then we’ve achieved something worthwhile.
What I hope the Trust will achieve:
I hope the Trust can provide financial support to ice hockey players who are striving to gain more experience in the game — whether that’s through funding travel, training opportunities, or tournament participation. My goal is for the Trust to help remove some of the financial barriers so that every player, no matter their situation, has the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
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I’m a proud mum of three awesome kids and have spent most of my career in tourism management — which basically means I get to spend my days helping people have a great time! I absolutely love connecting with others, sharing experiences, and making sure everyone walks away with a smile and a few happy memories. Working in tourism has made me a bit of a “memory maker,” and I’m really excited to bring that same passion and people-focus into the work of the Pucks for Progress Trust. Ice hockey has become such a big part of our family’s life, and I can’t wait to help others discover the fun, friendships, and sense of community that come with this awesome sport.
Why I wanted to help form the Pucks for Progress Trust:
My youngest daughter, Tayla, has been playing hockey with the Flames Ice Hockey Club in Alexandra for over eight years, and during that time I’ve developed a real love for the game and the incredible people involved in it. Ice hockey has such a special community spirit, and I’ve seen firsthand how it brings people together and builds confidence, resilience, and teamwork—both on and off the ice. I wanted to help form the Pucks for Progress Trust to give back to that community and play a part in supporting the continued growth of a sport that’s given our family so much.
What I hope the Trust will achieve:
I hope the Trust will help make ice hockey more accessible and sustainable for players of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s through funding opportunities, better resources, or community initiatives, I’d love to see more people discover the joy of the game and feel the same sense of belonging that comes with being part of this sport. Ultimately, I want the Trust to help nurture the next generation of players and strengthen the future of ice hockey in our region.
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Why I wanted to help form the Pucks for Progress Trust:
Ice hockey has been a huge part of my life for 18 years now. From watching my partner play for the local Alexandra Flames, then he got all 3 of our children into as well.
The travel, the time and the costs over the years have increase with them playing and now that our youngest plays Representative Ice hockey the costs and all the rest is increasing a lot.
I've seen a lot of talented children throughout the rinks, and some don't or can't trial for the next level up Ice hockey because of the expenses. This is why us local parents want to help try make it so these children can reach their goals or dreams and help them get there.
What I hope the Trust will achieve:
I hope that the trust will allow many more talented young ice hockey players the ability to access development opportunities that they might not have been able to apply for before, due to financial restrictions. If a youth wants to trial and get into representative-level I hope the trust is able to help with some costs.
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I have a passion for ice hockey and enjoy seeing others improve when given the opportunity.
I have had a huge passion for the sport ever since 1996 when I started playing ice hockey at the age of 10, during this time played for my home club, Alexandra Flames and representing our southern area, Southern Knights and New Zealand as well as coaching our local club teams and more recently our southern U16 team in an Australian tournament, Having the support from my parents for this was incredible but I also know the cost involved as now my children also play Ice Hockey at club and Representative levels.
Why I wanted to help form the Pucks for Progress Trust:
I wanted to get involved with Pucks For Progress because I could see how this simple idea could help so many young kids get involved and strive towards their dreams of playing Ice Hockey for their club, province or even country.
What I hope the Trust will achieve:
My dream for Pucks For Progress is that we can help as many people in our community and around New Zealand and support them to reach their goals. In turn this will grow clubs within the community's and ice hockey as a sport.
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My love for ice hockey began through supporting my younger sister, Tayla, who now plays for the New Zealand U18 Women’s team. Seeing her dedication and the opportunities the sport created for her really inspired me to help other young athletes chase their goals as well.
The Trust’s work to build a future for Central Otago’s players really resonates with me. Being able to use my design skills to support a cause that’s close to home has meant the world — it’s a way to give back to the community that’s given my family so much. As Brand Manager, I’m focused on creating visuals and campaigns that reflect the heart of Pucks for Progress and the people who make it all possible.
What I hope the Trust will achieve:
I hope the Trust continues to open doors for young athletes, helping them access all of the resources, experiences, and opportunities they need to grow. We are all about building pathways to make sure that the sport can be more accessible to everyone. So passion and hard work are what shape a player’s future, not financial barriers.
Want to get the puck rolling on your next design project?:
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