Meet your celeb ambassadors for this year's challenge!
Stan Walker
Meet Stan Walker – a true legend known for his powerhouse voice and deep connection to his Māori roots. Stan is proud of his Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Rangi, and Ngāti Porou heritage, and is all about sharing Te Reo Māori with the world, inspiring others to connect with their own culture and language, too. Stan Walker is more than just a singer – he’s a force of positivity, culture, and change.
“Everybody has an opportunity to make their mark on this world. And what better way than helping someone? The more we come together, the better we can be. Join me and be a part of this year’s World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.”
Dallin Watene Zelezniak
Meet Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – aka “the flying mullet” (yep, those EPIC locks are impossible to miss!)
Dallin is a fan-favourite player for The Warriors, (Up the Wahs!) and it’s not just his signature hairstyle that gets fans hyped – it’s his jaw-dropping skills on the field.
Off the field, Dallin’s heart is all about family and faith. He often says his three young children are his biggest motivation in life. Dallin’s proud to support this year’s campaign, which is close to his Pacific roots. "I’d love to see as many rangatahi and their families as possible take part in this fun Challenge for a great cause.”
Paige Tapara
From singing in her bedroom at just 12 years old to taking on the world stage, Paige has won Best Māori Female Solo Artist at the Waiata Māori Music Awards, released two EPs and an album, and even performed with the Jonas Brothers at Spark arena. Paige also got the ultimate stamp of approval from none other than Billie Eilish, who shared one of Paige’s videos on Instagram!
Paige believes in the power of collective action, saying, "It doesn’t take a huge amount of effort for me, or for the rest of Aotearoa, to put 40 hours aside to help the people that really need us. And yet 40 hours from all of us, collectively, can make such a huge difference. If you have the opportunity to help, you should."
Wallace Sititi
Meet Wallace Sititi (aka Wally) – a rising rugby star who’s taking the game by storm! Recently named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, Wally is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Fun fact about Wally: He was named after the legendary Scottish knight William Wallace from Braveheart because his parents were huge fans of the movie.
Even with all his success, Wally stays humble. His Christian faith plays a big role in his life, keeping him grounded and focused. “Taking part in the WV40HC is a lot of fun – especially when you get your friends involved!"
Brianna Fruean
Meet Brianna Fruean – a passionate Pacific climate advocate who’s been changing the world since she was just 11 years old!
At 16, Brianna made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Climate Change, Environmental Protection Award at the Commonwealth Youth Awards! Whether she’s visiting schools or speaking at major UN Conferences, she’s always inspiring others to be part of the solution.
Brianna says, "For anyone wanting to join the fight against climate change, this is a great start. It begins with just 40 hours..."
Caleb Clarke
Meet Caleb Clarke – our favourite powerhouse winger who is loved for his blistering runs across the try line! Off the field, Caleb’s all about leaving a legacy bigger than rugby, inspiring young people like you and using his platform to spread positivity.
This is Caleb's fifth year working with World Vision to support the 40 Hour Challenge. He even travelled to Malawi in 2023 to see the impact of the campaign firsthand. After seeing it up close, Caleb’s more fired up than ever to get involved and make a difference!
He says, “The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is special because it gets New Zealanders on board to help people around the world who are in need. The coolest thing is giving back to those who are less fortunate than yourself.”
Your 2025 Youth Ambassadors
The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is more than just a weekend. It's a movement that kiwis have been taking part in for more than 50 years. This is our time.
Holly
Holly is from Whakatū Nelson and loves all things arts, especially music. Holly could get lost in the bush forever with the birds and trees to keep her company. Holly is very passionate about social justice and creating a world that is equitable for all. She loves to travel and connect with new people and is extremely excited to meet everyone!
Asher
Asher loves everything outdoors, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and even sleeping outside. He is actively involved in his church, Equippers City, where he serves, grows, and is challenged daily. Asher considers himself an average joe with a big heart for young people and is willing to put in the hard yards to give them a voice.
Joel
Joel is proudly born and raised in the mighty Manawatu and attended Cornerstone Christian School for 15 years. Prior to joining the team as a Youth Ambassador Joel completed his first-year as a Biology and Health student at AUT. Joel loves gardening, cooking, and singing. Hawaiian pizza is his favourite, and he enjoys all things savoury.
James
James has raised over $6000 for World Vision. He was also a youth leader through World Vision at his school in Wanaka, where he learned the importance of giving back through the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. James has received several awards, both for himself and his school. James is very excited to see what we can all achieve together this year!
