ABOUT US
The goal from launch in 2018 was simple:
Bringing charities and businesses together in a sustainable, value-adding partnership to create lasting funding and keep essential work with young people across Aotearoa thriving.
By partnering with businesses in a new way, everyday sales generate Upstream Contributions that support our Charity Partners and help children and young people across Aotearoa to thrive. Its a smarter, more sustainable way to fund impact.
Tired of knocking on doors for funding, and facing constant rejection, youth workers James and Mitch created Upstream, a model that replaces handouts with a value-driven supply chain, allowing everyday business to generate consistent, sustainable funding for their community, from common expenses they are already spending money on.
Turning Everyday Business into Lasting Good
Our Vision
We aim to create a sustainable income stream that innovatively contributes towards improving the well-being of children and young people in New Zealand.
What we strive for
Triple Win Transactions
When a transaction occurs, Supporters make an impact through everyday purchases, Suppliers grow with purpose, and Charities gain sustainable funding so young people can access the support they need.
Everyone Connected
At the heart of everything we do is connection. Uniting people, businesses, and charities through trust, creating meaningful, lasting social impact.
Collaboration
When we work together, our collective strength multiplies. Upstream exists to enable businesses and charities to collaborate in ways that achieve far greater impact than any one organisation could on its own.
Purpose beyond Profit
We believe success is measured by more than the bottom line. Upstream enables business to grow with purpose and create real change for young people.
Meet the team
Our strength lies not just in what we do, but in the people who do it - a team united by purpose and integrity, who believe business can be a powerful force for good and work tirelessly to turn that belief into real-world impact.
Mitch leads the development and execution of Upstream, bringing with him a strong foundation in youth work and lived experience of the funding barriers many charities face, he set out to create a new community that enables charities and businesses to collaborate in a smarter, more sustainable way.
Managing Director & Co-founder
Mitch Shaw
James co-founded Upstream with Mitch in 2018 after 11 years on the front line as a youth worker. Now leading a team supporting young people across Christchurch, he brings lived experience of the challenges facing youth services and a strong understanding of the powerful impact Upstream creates for both youth workers and the young people they serve.
Board member & Co-founder
James Harris
Natasha brings over 18 years’ experience across both the public and private sectors to her role at Upstream, providing executive support and coordinating projects across the organisation. She plays a key role in ensuring the team can operate effectively and continue making a meaningful impact for youth across New Zealand.
E.A & Project Coordinator
Natasha Livingstone
Ashleigh looks after the financial services of Upstream, overseeing accounts with care, precision, and integrity. She is also responsible for collecting the Upstream Contributions that power the impact for our charity partners and the young people they support.
Accounts Manager
Ashleigh Pamflett
Charlie is often the first point of contact for new Upstream members, supporting them through onboarding and beyond. With a friendly, people-first approach, he helps build strong relationships and smooth pathways into the Upstream community.
Member Support & Onboarding
Charlie Spenceley
Tristen Nash
Tristen brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the team. From serving as Art Director of a Canterbury magazine to leading large teams on global marketing projects, he is passionate about using his skills to positively impact young lives.
Head of Marketing
Olivia is a social media strategist and founder of Marketing with Liv, working with businesses across New Zealand to build their online presence through content, strategy and paid advertising. She works with Upstream to expand its reach and help more people discover the impact it’s making through social media.
Social Media & Marketing Specialist
Olivia Hay-Smith