“Our youth workers are awesome, skilled, committed and caring – as well as being a little bit crazy!” NEM, Outwest Youth Director

I am the Kaitohu / General Manager of Outwest Youth and I truly love my job.  I have the opportunity to work alongside a passionate group of youth workers who are dedicated to journey with rangatahi, helping each one to discover just how amazing they are.  Before joining the Outwest team 8 years ago, I worked as a drama teacher, actor and playwright.  I have also travelled extensively in a theatre group, managed a retreat centre and run a small stationary business. In 2019, I completed a PG Certificate in Professional Supervision and this has significantly shaped how I lead my team.  I believe that good supervision is key to supporting awesome youth workers to remain awesome youth workers for the long-term.   This is one of my highest priorities at Outwest Youth.   Outside of work, I like the beach, the bush, akoako te reo Māori, and spending time with my whānau.

Malo E Lelei, Kia Ora, I’m Davita and I work at Outwest Youth as a youth development mentor | coach. I have always been emphatic & passionate about working with young people and I believe in encouraging & empowering them to achieve the best for themselves. Furthermore, I believe that every young person is unique in their own way and they have so much to offer. I find the best way to connect with them is through humour. Humour breaks the ice and creates a safe space between you and the young person to connect.

I run the Alternative Education program at Outwest Youth along with a couple of part time tutors who support me. I decided to take up this role after years of wanting to have a more people oriented role and thinking I had something to offer as either a teacher or a youth worker. I just wasn’t sure exactly which direction to take. Working in Alternative Education is a nice combination of both of these things so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it! I particularly love the relationship building and all the fun that goes along with that. Outside of this role I love being outdoors, especially surfing, playing and listening to music and relaxing with friends and family. Faith, family, friends and fun are the main things that shape me and inspire me to serve our local young people.

Kia ora koutou, ko Thomas tōku ingoa. I’m from the great city of Wellington, moved up North and found an amazing job working with rangatahi! I do a few different roles but in essence I get to know youth and support them in whatever way they need! Outside of mahi I’ll be dancing or binge watching some random show.

I work behind the scenes supporting our team in everything from general admin to creating our social media strategy. Previously working as a high caliber hairdresser for 21 years, I became sick from the chemicals and tired of the superficial ‘fixing’. With a passion for helping people and supporting businesses to grow,  I began looking for work within an organisation who were making significant social changes in our community. That’s when I found Outwest Youth.  I am so happy to be part of this team! Outside of work, I’m a Mama and am passionate about keeping myself and my family healthy. I love diving into self development and am a bit of a nature nut, enjoying living simply and more consciously.

I am a youth worker at Outwest Youth which involves mentoring and spending my time at our local college engaging with students and also out in the community connecting with our young mums. I am a mother myself to our two young children and I am passionate about motherhood and families. What I love about my role is the privilege to have great conversations with young people about their future and hear about their dreams and goals and encourage them in pursuing it! I studied at Unitec and did a degree in Social Practice and majored in Community Development. My favourite thing to do outside of work is anything creative, upcycling, making, gift giving, selling. I also find the outdoors, adventuring, fitness and healthy living a great motivator to keep me in check as part of my own self-care.

I work with young people from ages 11-17 years old mentoring, coaching and supporting young people with their school attendance, education outcomes, getting a learner’s license and any areas the young person may need support with, such as; self-esteem and confidence. 

For years now I have been involved with youth, they are my passion, I have a huge heart for their success in life. I am currently completing my post-graduate year at Massey University in Psychology. This led me to applying at Outwest Youth to gain more experience and ultimately just to support young people, their flare for life keeps me balanced and their joy is contagious. I love how young people see the world and I learn so much from them. 

I love going to the gym, I get to meet so many awesome people along the way. I am a summer baby, and love going to the beach and enjoying the sunshine.

I spend my time at Outwest Youth engaging and journeying with young people, encouraging and supporting them. I came to this type of work because I have a huge passion for seeing young people thrive. I live for moments where young people uncover their authentic selves and realise the power they hold. The fact that I get to walk alongside and empower the leaders of tomorrow feels like a huge privilege to me. I grew up with a grassroots background and was raised on a farm by the ocean. I was blessed with an awesome upbringing in the outdoors, This is why I have a huge passion for working with young people in nature and getting amongst creation. This is something I love doing in my spare time, you’ll find me at the beach at the skatepark or adventuring around our beautiful backyard, and trying my best to live a sustainable lifestyle to care for our whenua. I have just completed my diploma in Youth work with Praxis New Zealand.

I am a driving instructor at Outwest Youth. I came into this job because teaching people how to drive sounded like a lot of fun. It is an incredible way to see young people accomplish tangible and meaningful things. I love being able to connect with young people and watch them grow in such an important area of their lives.

I’ve been in New Zealand since 2002 after moving from England. I’m the treasurer and payroll, but I’m also involved with fundraising and keeping the technical side of things running. I’ve long had a desire to encourage youth to seek out more from life, and to support and encourage anyone who is willing to do the same. In my spare time I play trombone and saxophone and work on the family farm.