Meet The Team

Hugo Fitzsimmons
DIRECTOR, BCOM, BA
In 2016 Hugo founded and launched the School of Hard Knocks education course and Television series in New Zealand bringing together multiple government and corporate organisations including ACC, NZ Rugby and NZ Police. In late 2018 SOHK was a recipient of funding from MBIE’s He Poutama Rangatahi fund to run for 2 years in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Jonty Fernandez
DIRECTOR, BCOM
Jonty joined the School of Hard Knocks coaching team in 2019 and remains committed to evolving the coaching support that is offered to rangatahi on their journey towards employment and a meaningful life. He is the author of the curriculum Mindfit – Equipping Youth for Their Employment and Future ©, professional coaching program The Resilience Model™ and is co-founder of The Community Leadership Platform initiative.

Davina Thompson
SOHK Coach

Joe Harawira
STRATEGIC ADVISOR

Sir John Kirwan
STRATEGIC ADVISOR