What made me choose youth work? I started youth work when I took a gap year after Year 13. I loved how much fun I was having so much that the gap year has turned into over a decade of working with young people here in Aotearoa and overseas.

The thing I love most about youth working is getting alongside young people and doing life with them. Learning about their lives and supporting them in all aspects of life. It’s such a privilege to join a young person on their journey and see each of them grow and develop.

When I’m not youth working I’m doing something crafty, volunteering at Grace Vineyard Youth, watching Formula 1 with my friends or enjoying a flat white at one of the many great cafes here in Ōtautahi

What made me choose youth work? I chose youth work because I want to be someone for Rangatahi to be able to chat to, hang out with and be a support, much like my youth worker was to me when I was a teenager.

The thing I love about youth working is meeting heaps of new people and having fun with everyone.

When I’m not youth working I’m swimming and cliff jumping at the local beaches and rivers!

What made me choose youth work?
I find working with teenagers very rewarding and very fun. I spent a long time figuring out what I wanted to be, but as soon as I started working with youth I knew I’d found the thing I was supposed to do with my life. Youth work is the sort of job that doesn’t feel like work to me (and isn’t that always the goal?)

The thing I love most about youth working
Teenagers are fun! But they’re also full of depth. It is never a boring job, whether you’re laughing about the silliest things or having big important conversations. I love that it’s a job where we get to do both. Often people underestimate teenagers, but they have so much to offer. It’s such a joy to both teach and be taught by them as we spend time together.

When I’m not youth working
I really love to be outside moving my body, preferably in or around water. Equally I love stories; I read a lot, I watch tv shows, and I get overly invested in the lives of fictional people.

What made you choose youth work?
I was drawn to youth work because of my interest in psychology and human behaviour; specifically, how we can equip people with tools and strategies to overcome challenges and build meaningful, empowered lives. 

The thing I love most about youth working… is the opportunity to walk alongside young people in their journey, supporting their growth, building trust, and helping them discover their strengths. It’s incredibly rewarding to create safe spaces where rangatahi feel seen, heard, and capable of achieving their goals. I believe every young person has potential, and I’m passionate about helping them unlock it through encouragement, connection, and practical support.

When I’m not youth working I am… being a mum to my 4 young children, completing my Masters thesis or enjoying competition through board games and sport. 

What made me choose youth work? The main reason that led me to start youth work was because throughout my teenage years I have been incredibly blessed to have been a part of different youth groups, where I have had heaps of fun and opportunities. Alongside that I’ve had some incredible youth leaders who’ve helped invest into my life and shaped me to be the person I am today.

I think the thing I love most about youth work is getting alongside youth and helping them to really discover themselves and building their self confidence.

When I'm not doing youth work I enjoy sports whether that's playing it myself or getting to watch it.

What made me choose youth work was just my passion to see young people thrive! I have always been in a job or spaces where there was some youthwork involved and I have always been a people person so connecting with youth has been very natural for me, it’s been a natural path to follow. I love mentoring young women and seeing them succeed and grow. I can’t think of a better job!

The thing I love most about youth is their energy and excitement! I have a lot of energy and I love to see young people have a lot of fun and enjoy life so I try and build a safe place where they can come and have heaps of fun! I love getting to know each individual and learning about each of them and their unique stories. I love to help them build relationships with others and get to know themselves better along the way.

When I'm not youth working I love being outdoors so if I’m not running a youth program I’m probably doing something fun and outdoorsy!