Who We Are

 

Silver Fern MotorSport Charitable Trust is a registered, not-for-profit charity which provides educational programmes and activities in the area of automotive and motorsport.

Mission

To inspire and empower youth to make positive changes in their lives through educational programmes and activities in automotive and motorsport.

Purpose

To provide training, education and mentorship to people, particularly young people who are identified as “at-risk” or disadvantaged, focusing on the automotive and motorsport based industries, and to better place them for future employment and for self-development.

Values

Core values of the Trust are:

Our History

Silver Fern MotorSport Charitable Trust was established in July 2010 to inspire youth with a passion for cars and motorsport with an opportunity to learn new skills and motivate youth to pursue long term pathways into employment or career based training. 

The inspiration to develop the Trust was spearheaded by founders Ted Jarvis and Marie Person following competing in the 2007/2008 NZV8 National Championship Series. They identified an opportunity to establish a training and mentorship programme for youth to provide them with an opportunity to learn basic skills in automotive and motorsport trade based activities.

The development of the programme was targeted to working with disadvantaged and at-risk youth passionate about cars, with the purpose of channelling this passion into positive future pathways.

Establishment of the Trust infrastructure and resourcing of the training and mentorship programme was possible through funding support from ASB Community Trust and partnerships with local community, local government and industry. 

Click here to view history photos.

Our Board

Ted Jarvis (Chairman, Trustee)

Ted is co-founder and Chairman of the Trust and has a long standing background in working with youth in motorsport. Ted also holds four National racing titles in 0-1600cc Touring Car Series and has competed in many endurance races, including twice at Bathurst 1000 Australia, Benson & Hedges, Nissan Mobil and North Island Endurance races. Professionally, Ted is a former New Zealand MotorSport Licensed Examiner of 23 years (resigned in 2013), a former Pro Drive youth driver instructor for the Motorsport Trust, and is a member of the Auckland Car Club.

Ted has also worked as an official in a number of capacities including a Briefing Officer for new race drivers. Former positions also included: Club Captain, Executive Officer, Vice President and President of the Auckland Car Club, member of The Motorsport New Zealand Training Programme and member of Taupo Car Club. Ted has been involved in helping as a volunteer for a number of car clubs in New Zealand, and has led a number of charity events and fundraisers for youth initiatives. Professionally, Ted holds a background in sales, marketing and business and resides in Auckland.

 

Marie Person (Secretary, Trustee)

Marie is co-founder and Secretary/Treasurer of the Trust. Marie holds a Masters Degree in Science (University of Auckland graduate 1995) and professionally has a background in science research and development.

Marie has worked in the health sector as a professional Grants Manager for the  past 15 years and is passionate about developing new initiatives that will benefit the community, particularly for youth. Marie was born and raised in Auckland where she currently resides.

 

Ben Thompson (Trustee)

Over 13 years experience in project management across NZ, UK, Australia and Asia delivering solutions to meet business needs, including strategic planning and new product launches.

Ben has high level experience in delivery of Business to Business and Business to Customer solutions, and has a postgraduate degree in Political Studies, and is Qualified in Waterfall (Prince2 Practitioner) and Agile Certified.

Ben brings his business experience as well as social media knowledge.

Ben is married with a young family and resides in West Auckland. His personal interests include fitness and marathons, and spending quality time with his family.

Annah Augustowicz (Trustee)

Annah Augustowicz recently joined the Board in July 2020, and is passionate about helping people and supporting her local community.

Annah has a background in electrical engineering and worked as an electrician for 20 + years. She was also a business owner for ten of those years, founding ‘Apex Electrical Limited’ in 2010.

In her spare time she enjoys music, running, and spending time with family.

She has always had an interest in old cars, especially Toyota’s and is slowly restoring a 1991 Toyota MR2

Joe Boyle (Trustee)

Joe joined the Board in April 2022. He is the Learning Experience Manager (Health and Safety) for the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). Joe holds a National Certificate in Adult Education and is currently completing a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Joe also holds certificates in performance nutrition and personal training.

Previously history includes 20 years in the fitness industry managing gyms and providing fitness and nutrition advice to members. Joe was also very involved in his earlier years in soccer both as a player (for 20 years), Coach of under 12 squad (at the age of 18) and club committee member (age of 19). Joe is interested in all forms of motorsport and is proud to be able to utilise his passion and skills as a Board member of Silver Fern MotorSport Charitable Trust.