Kei te tū au ki runga i te whenua o Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, i Ōtautahi. Ko Ōtākou tōku kāinga, ko Pātariki tōku ingoa.
I have over 12 years' experience working alongside rangatahi across the youth development, community, NGO and social service sectors. I currently work as a Kaiwhakamana with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, leading and supporting youth voice and advocacy. A big part of my mahi is ensuring young people have a meaningful voice and a genuine seat at the table, particularly around the decisions, services and systems that impact their lives.
I completed my Diploma in Youth Development and Community Studies through Praxis Aotearoa. Since then, my career has been grounded in youth development, advocacy and meaningful participation. I have worked across the sector and continue to contract within youth development spaces, supporting kaupapa that strengthen youth leadership, participation and development.
A key part of my mahi is bringing a Māori lens to youth development and advocacy. I am passionate about supporting and strengthening Māori voice and ensuring Māori perspectives are not only represented, but genuinely valued and have influence in decision making. My connection to whenua, whakapapa, identity and community is an important part of the lens I bring to my work.
I'm passionate about rangatahi having the opportunity to lead, participate and have their voices heard. I believe rangatahi, whānau and Māori communities should have a genuine seat at the table and be supported to influence the decisions that shape their lives and futures.
As a new board member of Rerengaawa, I'm hoping to bring my experience in youth development, advocacy, youth voice and Māori voice into the governance space. I'm particularly interested in how we can continue to uphold the mana of rangatahi, whānau and Māori communities and create meaningful opportunities for their voices to influence kaupapa and decision-making.
I'd also like to include this as a reflection of the values I bring to my mahi:
Ko Ōtākou tōku kāinga, ko te reo o te rangatahi tōku aronga. Ko te mana o te tangata, te tūāpapa o taku mahi.
Ōtākou is home, and youth voice is at the heart of my work. Upholding the mana of people is the foundation of the mahi I bring.