There Are Some Incredible Social Entrepreneurs

24 June 2024 . 1:00 PM

2 min read

Alwyn Poole
Founded and was the head of Mt Hobson Middle School in Auckland for 18 years. MH Academy is now an in person private school for Years 11–13. There is now a nationwide online provision called Mt Hobson Academy Connected for Years 1–13.

Justifiably, Louise Upston was challenged [last week] before the Social Services and Community Select Committee for changes that could see a significant number of disable workers worse off.

Sometimes highlighting people and organisations that do an incredible job is the best way.

I became are of www.downlightsnz.com/ when they employed a student who had been at Mt Hobson Middle School while I was principal there. She is an incredible adult now and throughout her life has been supported by brilliant parents.

Downlights founder Jennifer del Bel is a remarkable person and a part of her story is told here.

She sent me this note earlier in the week:

Downlights is a NZ owned luxury artisan candle & fragranced products company that creates meaningful employment opportunities for young New Zealanders with Down syndrome learning disabilities.

A multi-winning social enterprise, Downlights also pays our staff the Living Wage and we donate NZD1 from every Downlights candle sold via the Downlights Charitable Trust.