Our Story &
Re-entry Mission
The LACE Foundation was founded by people who understood firsthand the immense challenges facing those leaving the prison system.
We saw the gaps — in housing, in employment opportunities, in mental health support — and we decided to fill them with something more than services: genuine relationship.
Our name, LACE, speaks to our approach: weaving people back into the fabric of their communities — strand by strand, relationship by relationship. We believe that when one person rises, they lift those around them.
We work across all demographics but place particular emphasis on including Māori, Pasifika, and minority ethnic communities, recognising that systemic barriers are often compounded for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Rooted in our community and guided by compassion, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to make changes.
Levi Teleiai
Founder, Chairman & Operations Manager
Levi is a New Zealand-born Samoan raised in South Auckland.
Having survived trauma at a young age, he spent many years struggling with resentment and substance abuse. Despite the challenges he faced at home, Levi eventually self-referred to rehab in 2017 to begin the difficult process of healing.
Levi is proud to share that he has now been clean for nine years.
Levi's personal journey inspired a deep desire to help other men facing similar struggles, leading him to open a recovery home in January 2023.
To support this mission, Levi is a graduate from Punawhakata, the Salvation Army (Manukau and Mt Eden), Wings Trust, and Higher Ground Phase 2.
Levi has also completed his NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) Level 4.
Together with his wife Ann, Levi is committed to using his life experiences and qualifications to support others on their journey to recovery.
Annmatilda Teleiai
Elenoa Berkhout
Angus Malietoa
Administrator & Finance Controller
Board Member & Secretary
Board Member & Advisor
Ann is a New Zealand-born Tongan raised in South Auckland. The second oldest in her family and the first to graduate from university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences.
Annmatilda has spent over 10 years in the government sector with a focus on service delivery.
Beyond her professional career, she has served the community at a grassroots level for more than 26 years.
Guided by a strong faith and a deep love for her community, she is passionate about restoring families as the cornerstone of our society.
Elenoa is a New Zealand-born Tongan who is unapologetically passionate about faith, family, and community.
Born and raised in South Auckland, she has dedicated much of her life to serving others through volunteering in schools, churches, and community initiatives focused on the wellbeing of families and strengthening communities.
Elenoa has built a diverse professional background, gaining valuable experience across a range of industries including catering and hospitality, health and safety, corporate administration, and community development.
Her commitment to service, leadership, and people remains at the heart of everything she does. Above all, Elenoa considers her greatest achievement to be her family.
She is proud to be the wife of Janwillem and mother to their son, Tominiko, who continue to inspire her purpose and passion each day
Angus is a New Zealand-born Samoan from South Auckland but moved to and raised in Hornby, Christchurch.
Angus has an elaborate and successful background in the corporate and private sector and brings his experience, heart and business nous to LACE Foundation.
As a young man, Angus was raised in a severe domestic violent household, one well documented through his younger brother's organisation 'She's Not Your Rehab'.
Although Angus has lived through levels of trauma only seen in movies like 'Once were warriors', his desire to see men and families restored and reconnected to societies is what inspires and drives him to support the LACE kaupapa.
Angus has been married to Sharon for 21 years. They have three children and are based in Christchurch, NZ.
OUR TEAM
The Hearts Behind the Mission
OUR CORE VALUES
We stand for LACE - Love All Care Endlessly
Dignity
First
Every person is treated with unconditional respect, regardless of their history or circumstances.
Community Wholeness
We restore individuals so that whole whānau and communities can be strengthened.
Equity &
Inclusion
We actively remove barriers for those who face compounded disadvantage.
Leadership Development
We believe the people we serve will become tomorrow's community leaders.
Join Our Journey
Connect, partner, or support the work today.
Every person deserves the chance to rebuild, to lead, and to belong.