Four gutsy New Zealanders, one big mission: to make a difference.
We asked. They answered.

The World of Difference programme threw open the doors to anyone who believed they could really make a difference to the world around us. All they had to do was tell us what their dream was and which charity they'd be working through. And as part of our enthusiasm for positive change, the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation would make it happen. By paying their full salaries, travel and living expenses and providing them with all the Vodafone technological support they need.

Hundreds of passionate Kiwis put up their hands. The ideas were inspirational, ambitious - and humbling. Congratulations to Annette, Jane, Hilary and Graham, winners of the first NZ Foundation World of Difference programme. Read on to find out why they chose the charities they did, and how they coped during their year out.

Annette Culpan, working with the Bali Community Health Trust
When Kiwis Sue Cotton and Julia West went to Bali early in 2001 they were shocked.
Read more about Annette

Jane Denton working with The Back-up Trust
In 1985 Mike Nemesvary was at the peak of his athletic career: World Cup champion freestyle skier, James Bond stunt double. Then one day...
Read more about Jane

Hilary Price working with the Homes of Hope
Hilary Price wanted children who needed foster care to get the best possible start in life. Her response? Fresh thinking.
Read more about Hilary

Graham Nobbs working with the Association of Christian Resource Organizations Serving Sudan (ACROSS)
Sudan is a country in chaos: civil war, famine, genocide. Hope is a little known commodity in this beleaguered African nation.
Read more about Graham