Julie has a passion for education and health starting her early career as a teacher. She has also qualified as a social worker, counselor and is now a barrister and solicitor, and is currently involved in post-graduate work in education and health. She is passionate about community well-being and has worked in a volunteer capacity in many roles – with the mantra and hope that kindness will be paid forward.

In 2002, she was the co-founder of the Fulfil A Dream Foundation with a vision of strong and happy families, strong and vibrant communities and wise and visionary leadership – empowering individuals, family and communities. Fulfil A Dream Foundation was fortunate to work with high profile musicians, sportsmen, politicians, community, education and health leaders. Julie was also the chairperson of a Maori learning centre (indigenous Kohanga reo).

Currently, Julie is a volunteer with community law’s programme of community justice panels. The Community Panel process aims to repair the harm caused by the offender promptly, using restorative justice processes. She has been a volunteer on United Nations executive in her Canterbury region as Board Secretary, and presently with the inception of Women of Hope Wake up, and Help Ourselves Trust Board.

She has been involved over the years with Women’s Refuge and several other NGO/charitable institute nongovernmental organisations – COGS (Community Organisation Grants Scheme). She was vice president of International Community Organisation (Wairarapa International Communities Incorporated) Society, and was involved in community radio doing local, national and international broadcasts. She has also worked with the homeless nationally and internationally.

Julie has been part of many community lead initiatives to strengthen communities, in sometimes complex situations, weaving together storytelling and music, and empowering youth and community talent.

She has represented sport and has coached at high school, as well as being a physical education and health teacher and tutor; and she has further qualifications in design. In her high school, she was awarded best allround person.

Julie Meates is a quiet leader, able to inspire, influence, coordinate and empower people to achieve desired goals. Julie is experienced in working in partnership with organisations, with local communities and individuals to make a difference. She is empathetic, positive, non-judgmental and kind, with an ability to relate to a wide range of people.