Before she was 20, Jazz Thornton had already faced more battles than most people do in a lifetime. But instead of giving up, she got louder. Instead of hiding, she stepped into the spotlight—not for fame, but to fight for young people who feel like giving up.
She’s not a celebrity because of selfies or singing. She’s known for something way bigger: hope. And trust me—you’re going to want to know how she did it.
Born on March 29, 1995, in Timaru, she grew up in a single-parent household and faced significant challenges during her early years.
These challenges faced a pivotal movement when Jazz met Dr. Stephanie Taylor, a general practitioner in Auckland. During a critical appointment, Dr. Taylor provided Jazz with hope, challenging the negative beliefs she held about herself. This encounter marked the beginning of Jazz’s commitment to recovery and her decision to “stop surviving and start fighting.”
Jazz enrolled at South Seas Film & Television School in Auckland. There, she found her skills in filmmaking, leading to the creation of impactful projects such as the award-winning documentary series “Jessica’s Tree.”
In 2014, Jazz Thornton co-founded Voices of hope alongside Genevieve Mora, a New Zealand-based mental health charity. Voices of hope believes in the transformative power of sharing personal journeys through various media. They strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, promote understanding of mental health challenges, and encourage people to seek support. Thornton and Mora connect with young people through school programmes, delivering presentations to schools. Voices of hope has achieved significant reach and engagement with over 45 million billboard views and engaging with 20,000+ young people through school talks.
Jazz’s tireless work has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including:
Young New Zealander of the Year (2021)
Commonwealth Points of Light Award (by Queen Elizabeth II)
Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2022) – Recognised in the Social Impact category
Winner of Dancing with the Stars NZ (2022) – With partner Brad Coleman
Jazz Thornton is an inspiration to New Zealanders—especially young people—because she shows what it means to keep going when everything feels impossible. She speaks openly about her struggles, making it okay for others to do the same. Kids see someone who’s walked through pain and come out the other side, not just surviving but thriving.
These days, Jazz continues to make a difference. Through her podcast Hope Is Real, global speaking events, and digital content, she’s reaching even more people with messages of resilience and recovery. She remains deeply involved in Voices of Hope and regularly collaborates on campaigns aimed at youth mental health, both in Aotearoa and around the world.
Jazz Thornton is proof that your past doesn’t define your future. She turned her darkest moments into a powerful mission, and now, she’s helping thousands of others find light in theirs.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What was the turning point in Jazz Thornton’s journey toward recovery, and how did it change her life?
2. Why is Jazz Thornton considered an inspiration to young people in New Zealand?
Activities for kids:
- Create a Hope Poster
Design a poster with an inspiring quote from Jazz Thornton and include images or symbols that represent hope, resilience, and kindness. - Timeline Challenge
Create a visual timeline of key moments in Jazz Thornton’s life. For example, you could go from childhood in Timaru to co-founding Voices of Hope and winning Dancing with the Stars.
