Our Team
Founder and Board Member
mgoodwin@tamaisports.co.nz
+64 27 524 9212
Max founded Tamai Sports with Stephen Dods in 2018 and ran the program for its first two years. Max is passionate about sports and the ideal that every child should have the opportunity for extra curricular education. He remains actively engaged with the program as an executive director and coach, and is determined to use his experience to expand the program to make sure that this ideal becomes a reality.
When not helping with Tamai, Max is in his final year of studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
Max Goodwin
Program Manager
kyla@tamaisports.co.nz
+64 22 594 1913
Kyla, a proud Māori from Ōtautahi, has been immersed in sports since childhood, representing herself at provincial and national levels. Kyla is involved in touch, rugby, rugby league and basketball. Sports play a significant role in Kyla’s life, as she cherishes the opportunity to cultivate relationships with new people through her involvement. She believes all tamariki deserve equal opportunity to be involved in sports. Kyla is currently pursuing a Bachelor if Social Work with Honors at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha with her aim being to assist troubled individuals, particularly within the Māori community. Her primary focus lies in youth work, where she aims to provide support and guidance to those from underprivileged backgrounds, empowering them to succeed.
Kyla finds joy in blending her two passions of sports and assisting young tamariki to excel, helping them surpass goals they never imagined possible.
Kyla Lynch-Brown
Matt de Vries
Program Director
matt@tamaisports.co.nz
+64 21 191 1197
Born and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, predominantly in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Matt has always led an active life, deeply involved in sports and physical activities. Sports have profoundly influenced his life, providing a sense of belonging, fostering close friendships, and imparting valuable life lessons.
Through his experiences, studies, volunteer work, and professional roles, Matt has come to understand the positive impact sports can have on individuals and communities. He is passionate about ensuring that all tamariki (children) have the opportunity to participate in safe, inclusive, and engaging sports environments.
In January 2025, Matt joined Tamai Sports, following his role as a Community Connector at Sport Canterbury. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Physical Education and minoring in Sports Management.
Founder and Executive Director
sdods@christscollege.com
+64 27 212 5505
Stephen knows first-hand the power of sport to transform lives.
Growing up with a challenging background, Stephen found hope, purpose, and belonging through sport. It gave him more than just a game to play — it gave him role models to look up to and a community that believed in him.
Now, his dream is to pass that gift on — to open the same doors for tamariki who are facing their own barriers in life.
We have an incredible opportunity.
In this country, we’re rich in resources, experiences, and potential. Our tamariki deserve the chance to discover all of it — the strength of teamwork, the joy of achievement, and the power of self-belief.
All it takes is a good team of people to lead them on that journey.
In the future they will become a part of that team.
