“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.

At Outwest Youth I work in the Alternative Education class in an environment unlike mainstream schooling.  In this relationship based space I am able to be a person who can help navigate different challenges that may come up for the rangatahi here. I love that my own life experiences and challenges have brought me to a place where I can utilise my own growth to support others.

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 am a Mum of two boys and a proud wife. I have always worked alongside children, I studied to become a Primary School teacher and worked with the Ministry of Education supporting children who are Autistic.  However, my heart has always been stuck on being able to work alongside our youth and…. here I am!

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.

My role at Outwest Youth is being a Youth Mentor. I came into this role because I believe I want to be a positive influence in the community. I believe working with youth is a great way to point them towards a positive life towards adulthood. I love being a support person that the youth are looking for. I have volunteered with Outwest working with Alt Ed, and I am currently studying a Bachelors of Social Work. My favourite thing to do outside of work is surround myself with friends and family. I enjoy going to the gym, playing games on the console and cooking.

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.