BLUES CHARITABLE TRUST CELEBRATES THREE YEARS
The Blues Charitable Trust (BCT) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating three years of positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people across our region.
What began as a vision from Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu, and was brought to life by General Manager Rob Woodley, has grown into something far bigger.
The idea was to use the Blues’ platform to give back in a way that creates real, lasting change.
Three years on, BCT has supported over 3,000 rangatahi across Te Tai Tokerau and Tamaki Makaurau to build confidence, learn life skills, and discover what’s possible for their future.
At the recent HR Leaders Network Summit, Rosey Nathan shared the BCT story with learning and development professionals from around the country.
BCT creates space for young people to be seen, heard, and supported. When they first join the programme, many rate their confidence in areas like leadership or career direction at just 6 or 7 out of 10.
It’s not a lack of ability, just a lack of opportunity. They haven’t had the chance to practice real communication, think on their feet, or picture themselves in leadership roles. BCT helps them grow by creating those chances.
Since starting in 2022 with just one school, BCT has grown to partner with 52 schools and reach thousands of students.
In 2025 alone, more than 400 students are part of the flagship programme. The impact has been huge. Students’ leadership confidence has jumped from an average of 5.22 to 8.26, and they’ve rated their overall experience a massive 9.22 out of 10. According to Treasury’s social impact model, every $1 invested in BCT delivers $17 of value back to the community.
In one 2024 pilot with Mainfreight, 40 students were given the chance to take part in job interviews with 11 were offered positions. These are life-changing opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to get a foot in the door.
Rosey Nathan and Rob Woodley
The programme itself has grown stronger and more refined with each year. It now includes five face-to-face workshops at Blues HQ, over 30 online learning modules, a networking session with key partners, and personalised career plans for every student. The focus is always on connection, care, and meeting each young person where they’re at.
Rob Woodley has played a central role in guiding the Trust’s vision, and his commitment to our youth has helped shape BCT into a respected and effective programme.
He’s supported by a board of leaders who bring expertise from across business, sport, health and education, including Peter Reidy, Nikhil Ravishankar, Peter Thompson, Shana Malio-Satele, Andy Roberts, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jason Chandler and Roger Mortimer.
Together with the dedicated BCT team - Rob, Harrison Sanders, Heather McCrae and Rosey Nathan, they’ve created something truly special.
Although BCT operates independently from the Blues, it still carries our club’s mana and spirit. We’re proud to support the Trust and back their mission to help rangatahi make good choices for great lives.
The world our young people are entering is changing fast. Costs are rising, tech is evolving, and expectations are shifting. But what hasn’t changed is the need for confidence, clarity, and connection. That’s what BCT is delivering.
If you want to be part of this journey, there are plenty of ways to get involved from sponsoring a student or school, to offering workplace experiences or simply sharing the kaupapa. Every bit of support helps build stronger futures.
To learn more, CLICK HERE