Supporting Franklin’s Tamariki, Rangatahi, and Whānau for over 15 years
Creating safe, nurturing environments for families to heal, grow, and thrive.
A Legacy of Care and Compassion
Since 2008, Kidz Social Services has been at the forefront of addressing the lack of child-focused social services in Franklin.
Founded by Diana Bush on the belief that every tamaiti and rangatahi deserves the chance to thrive, we began by providing social work and counselling services and were the first to place counsellors in Franklin schools.
Over the years, we’ve expanded our services to include ACC Sensitive Claims counselling, supervised contact, and holistic support for individuals and whānau of all ages.
By building strong relationships with local schools, community organisations, and government agencies, we’ve ensured our support is tailored and accessible to those who need it most.
Beyond our direct services, we contribute to the professional growth of our community by offering training opportunities to other local organisations, and mentoring and placement opportunities for aspiring Counsellors.
Kidz Social Services remains committed to empowering whānau toward independence and creating better outcomes through resilience, adaptability, and care.
Our Mission
Accessible, Child-Centred, Family-Focused Support
We are dedicated to providing services that uplift tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau by focusing on safety, healing, and empowerment.
Our Impact
Making a Difference in the Community
15+ Years
Of service to the Franklin and wider community
1000+
Individuals & Whānau supported annually
200
Free Counselling Sessions provided each year through generous donations
Trusted and Accredited Support Services
Working with respected organisations to deliver quality care
Meet the Team
Dedicated professionals with a shared passion for supporting our community.
Jody
Agency Manager/Supervised Contact Coordinator
I work as part of the management team and coordinate the supervised contact services for KSS. I have been working in the Franklin community for 23 years and have developed a passion for working with whanau to improve connections with each other, community and support services. Our community has grown over the years, this growth has brought with it diversity of need and unique challenges. I am commited to supporting our community to grow, develop, thrive, engage and evolve within the environment that is Franklin.
Casey
Business Manager
Kia ora, I’m Casey, Business Manager at Kidz Social Services and a committee member of Community Networks Franklin. I ’ve lived in Franklin most of my life – aside from a n 8 year stint in Perth – so this community means a lot to me. I’m passionate about supporting better outcomes for whānau and tamariki, especially as I’m raising my own children here. At KSS, I focus on funding, strategy, financial management, and building strong relationships with our stakeholders. I love connecting with people and working together to make Franklin a stronger, safer place for everyone. Always happy for a chat – let’s kōrero!
Janette
Counselling Coordinator
I’m Janette, the Counselling Coordinator at Kidz Social Services. I’ve been part of KSS since 2012 and stepped away from counselling in schools to focus on my role here. With over 15 years of experience, I oversee the triage of all referrals, ensuring clients are matched with the right counsellor, and also maintain and develop relationships with the 12+ local schools we support, helping to make counselling accessible for tamariki. Mentoring counsellors and student counsellors is a passion of mine – I love sharing my knowledge to support their growth and contribute to the continual development of counselling competency across Franklin
Kat
Office Administrator
As the Administrator at Kidz Social Services, I provide essential support to our team, helping them make a real difference for some of Franklin’s most vulnerable. No two days are the same, which keeps my role dynamic, rewarding, and full of purpose. I’m passionate about supporting local initiatives and making sure our services run smoothly so they can reach those who need them most. Knowing that my work contributes to the well-being and resilience of our community is incredibly meaningful. I love being part of our team, we’re dedicated to creating positive change right here in Franklin
Our Board of Trustees
Diana Bush
Founder
John Lamborn
Chairman
Trevor Gill
Treasurer
I’m Trevor Gill, one of the trustees. I’m proud to be part of KSS because of the work it does, keeping our community and the people in it safe. We’ve been doing this mahi for a while now, but life is getting more and more hectic and complex. I’ve watched our town grow since I first came here in 1977. But watching doesn’t change anything, that’s why I asked to join the board to help our wonderful staff focus on their work. The trustee role is a support role, it’s also the eyes and ears. If you ever want to contact me, you can do so through the off ice.
Helen Pulman
Trustee
I trained as a nurse at Auckland hospital, and on coming to Pukekohe I Joined the District Nursing Team. I just loved connecting with people in their own home and their community environment – that involved many adventures and experiences. Following the arrival of our family I felt the call to train for counselling and developed the Family Support Centre in Pukekohe (now known as Mai Lighthouse). As there was no counselling training then I did a BTheol with a focus on pastoral care, followed by B Soc Sc and a Dip Trauma & Violence. I led the FSC for 40 years and have been involved in many community organisations – Pukekohe Youth Centre, Community Network Franklin, Counties Manukau Homecare Trust, Christian Budgeting NZ, and ST. James Presbyterian Church Pukekohe. My role now is to support KSS and others to carry on the important role of caring for our families as our community changes and grows.
Kay Gilbert
Trustee
Kia ora, I am a Registered Social Worker with more than 30 years ’ experience working in various areas of the social sector. For the past 14 years I have worked in the Franklin area and am very a ware of the need for the services Kidz Social Services (KSS) provides in this community. I have recently joined the Trust Board as I believe the KSS vision of helping Tamariki and whanau achieve positive outcomes. As a Trustee I am pleased to be able to pr ovide support to the hardworking team doing the valuable work.
Shree Kumar
Trustee
I am invested in supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau, which aligns with the important work Kidz Social Services does in the community. With my background in community engagement, governance, and advocacy, I bring experience from roles at GirlGuiding NZ and Youthline, where I worked directly with young people and supported their development through various initiatives. KSS’s holistic approach to nurturing and empowering tamariki and whānau resonates with me, and I am committed to using my experience to help strengthen its services and contribute to its strategic direction for long – term impact.
Nicky Smith
Treasurer
I am thrilled to recently take a role as one of the Trustees of KSS. I have been a proud resident of Pukekohe since 2002, raising three wonderful children with my husband. I am a civil engineer with a solution-focused approach and many years of experience on project boards and governance groups. I am excited about bringing these skills to the mahi of the Board. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of KSS and am committed to supporting our tamariki and their whanau to ensure our community thrives.