Rachel grew up on a beef stud farm with 8 siblings and lots of animals. With a Pony Club background, her first jobs were on thoroughbred stud farms and later as a riding coach for beginners. She has travelled and lived overseas including the UK and Melbourne for over 20 years. 

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For about 5 years, Rachel and her husband opened their home to teenagers and young adults in need. They were foster parents with Open Home Foundation for about 3 years which had a profound impact on the way Hope Rising Farm was formed.

 

Rachel loves walking and enjoying the great outdoors, drawing, vegetable gardening, a wide range of music, live theatre and a good film!

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“I love young people and have a powerful desire to see them grow and to become all they can be. I love seeing a change in their thinking about what’s possible and to see ‘the lights go on’ in an area of their lives."

Rachel was awarded 'Volunteer of the Year' in the 2022 Volunteer Excellence Awards!

Hi, I’m Nico de Witt. Over the past year I’ve had the privilege of being involved with Hope
Rising Farm. I began as a Business Consultant, and more recently as Board Chair.

 

I chose to step into this work because I believe deeply in what HRF does. More than that, I believe this is where God has called me to invest my skills, experience, and leadership.

It’s an honour to support an organisation that is changing lives in such a tangible and hope-filled way. I love a good challenge, and I’m energised by leading meaningful change.

Continuous improvement comes naturally to me. When I commit to something, I see it
through, no matter how big the job or how complex the journey. My leadership style is collaborative. I value trust and respect, and I prefer to work alongside people rather than above them. That’s where the best ideas and the strongest teams are
built. At the heart of everything I do is one enduring belief: when we invest in people, we
build the kind of success that truly lasts.

Steven has a diverse background in business ownership, start-ups, sales and management; with a sincere desire to raise outcomes and the value of organizations.

This has led Steven into numerous roles as consultant, advisor and managing director for small and large organizations.

The Hope Rising mission statement resonates with Steven’s values and heart for reaching youth and making positive changes in the lives of people and the community at large.

Brittanie was born and raised in Nawton, Hamilton, Brittanie had a privileged upbringing but was always aware many around her didn’t share the same opportunities. That awareness sparked a deep desire to give back and support community-led change. 

With a background in marketing management, communications, consulting, and mind management training, Brittanie co-runs Gratitude Habit, helping people reshape their thinking and build self-belief.

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Brittanie is passionate about what Hope Rising Farm stands for. Brittanie believes the community cannot keep relying on the government to meet the overwhelming needs of young people — it is up to the people to step up. Hope Rising Farm is a powerful, God-led response to this call, and Brittanie is honoured to contribute to shaping its future.

 

Brittanie brings corporate experience, a heart for community, and unshakable faith that when we stay tuned in to God’s leading, the mission becomes clear and the path forward reveals itself.

Andy trained as a Youth Worker and initially worked in this field for about 12 years with a number of youth employment organisations, ranging from local councils, churches, and community groups.

 

He has had experience working with unemployed young people, people struggling with substance abuse, and low-income families.

 

Andy transitioned to computer training in large organisations for a while and returned to youth work to establish and coordinate a series of youth unemployment projects. He is currently in a role where he is able to invest in troubled young lives.