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.
Ngaire Swainson
SOHK Coach
My role as a rangatahi coach is based around one-on-one support for 2019 and 2020 SOHK students ensuring they reach their full potential. I aim to do my best in getting rangatahi to their best.
Davina Thompson
SOHK Coach
Nick Hoete
Program Consultant/Coach
My journey with SOHK begins, and with this new opportunities abound, commitments are made, motivators are recognised and dreams are realised. Thank you, whanau, I am wholeheartedly
Joe Harawira
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Sir John Kirwan
STRATEGIC ADVISOR