Waikohu Melbourne

Events & Communications Coordinator

IUVENTUS/HWC/START

PH: 06 825 6267

Ko Tuhoe, Ko Ngāti Porou ōku Iwi
Ko Taiarahia te Maunga
Ko Ohinemataroa te Awa
Ko Mātaatua te Waka
Ko Te Rewarewa te Marae
Ko Māhurehure te Hapū

Reikura Melbourne

MATA/YOUTH COACH

START WHANA TŪ

PH: 06 355 5143

Ko Taiarahia te Maunga
Ko Ohinemataroa te Awa
Ko Mātaatua te Waka
Ko Te Rewarewa te Marae
Ko Māhurehure te Hapū
Ko Tuhoe te Iwi

Kia Ora!
I have recently started working at START in April 2023. I’m excited to step into my role as Mata and begin helping to support the young people In our community.

Kelly Mavor

Team Manager/Youth Coach

START Whana Tū

BSW/SWRB

PH: 06 355 5143

Tēnā koutou, I began my journey with START Youth Service as a Youth Case Worker at the end of 2018 when I finished my Social Work degree at Massey University. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with our rangatahi and learn about what their dreams and aspirations are. The most rewarding part of my job is empowering rangatahi to realise their potential, and walking alongside them to achieve their goals.

"He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai."
"If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive."

Hikmatus Talumepa

Team Lead/Youth Coach

START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Mahawu ko Tatawiran ko Lokon ngā maunga
Ko Tondano te moana
Ko Miniahasa te iwi
Nō Sulawesi ōku tipuna
I tipu au ki te whenua o Initonīhia (Indonesia)
Kei kawakawa au e noho ana
Ko Mikayla taku wāhine
Ko Amelia taku tamāhine
Ko Hikmatus Talumepa ahau

I have had the utmost privilege and blessing to join the incredible team at START, and be a part of an organisation that champions community kinship and positive transformation. My intrinsic values lie within building relationships and to interpersonally connect with our rangatahi. It is a long-standing passion of mine to inspire and influence our youth to achieve their full potential, goals and dreams.

Mkylah Wilson

Youth Coach

START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Kia Ora! My name is Mkylah, I have only recently started my job as a Youth Coach at START in October 2022. I am amazed at what my fellow co-workers do for our youth every day, helping and supporting people has always been a passion of mine, especially our young people – coming from a MSD background at Study Link I am excited to expand my knowledge and learn more about what being a youth coach entails.

Lottie Savage

Youth Coach

START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Tēnā koutou,
Ko Tapuae-o-uenuku te maunga
Ko Wairau te awa
Nō Waihahakeke ahau
Ko Savage tōku whānau
Ko Lottie tōku ingoa

I became a part of the team in 2021 as a Youth Case Worker. I was born and raised in the top of the South Island but have been settled in the Manawatu since late 2019. I’m excited to work with the rangatahi of the Manawatu, helping support them to achieve their goals and participate fully in their own lives!

Nicci Smith

Youth Coach

START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Kia ora koutou,
I feel blessed to have joined the incredible team at START Whana TŪ. I grew up in the Manawatū and have always felt a connection to this community. This is where I call home. I have a passion for working with rangatahi. I am committed to walking alongside them, giving them the confidence to grow, supporting them to succeed and helping them navigate the journey ahead.

"Knowing others is intelligence.
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength.
Mastering yourself is true power".
- Lao Tzu.

Marjorie Cashell

Youth Coach

START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Ko Aorangi me Maungataniwha ōku maunga
Ko Moawhango me Tapapa ōku awa
Ko Whitikaupeka me Ngāpuhi ōku marae
Ko Ngāti Whitikaupeka me Te Uri o Te Aho ōku hapu
Ko Tūwharetoa me Ngāpuhi ōku iwi
Ko Marjorie Cashell tōku ingoa

Kia Ora,
My name is Marjorie Cashell. I am so excited to be a part of the team here at START. I have worked in various jobs including the meat works for 2.5 years and prior to that working over in Florida, USA at Walt Disney World undertaking an internship to complete the second part of my studies. I have a deep passion for helping and supporting our rangatahi with whatever their dreams and aspirations are and will do everything in my power to see as many as I can heal, love, let go and grow.

“Poipoia te kakano. Kia puawai.”
"Nurture the seed and it will blossom."

Florencia Morris

Youth Coach
START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Ko Rangitoto tōku Maunga
Ko Waitakere tōku Awa
Nō Tokelau, nō Phillipene ōku Tīpuna
I tipu ake au ki Tāmaki makaurau
Kei Aorangi tōku kainga ināianei
Ko Morris me Torres ōku whānau
Ko Norman tōku Pāpā
Ko Stephanie tōku Māmā
Ko Flo tōku ingoa

Anjali Naran-Butler

HWC Services Manager

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Kia ora!
I’ve been lucky enough to work at the Highbury Whanau Centre for over 20 years now. Trained as a teacher, I began my journey with HWC as the Alternative Education Coordinator, and now work with an amazing and talented bunch of people across several teams and disciplines. I’m proud to say that we are passionately committed to providing opportunities for young people to positively develop and grow alongside whanau and community. #Heart. Wairua. Commitment.

"Ehara taku toa it te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini."
"Our achievements don’t come from ourselves alone, but from the strength of the collective."

Jenine Scoon

HWC Transition Team Leader

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 825 6267

E toru oire roto toku iwi
Ko Titikaveka, Ngatangiia, e Matavera
Te ingoa kapiti no te oire ko Takitumu
Ko Irirangi te Maunga
E ko Avana te Ava
Toku pirianga ia Autitaki e Mangaia, Kuki Arani

E toru oire roto toku iwi
Ko Titikaveka, Ngatangiia, e Matavera
Te ingoa kapiti no te oire ko Takitumu
Ko Irirangi te Maunga
E ko Avana te Ava
Toku pirianga ia Autitaki e Mangaia, Kuki Arani

Kuki Arani Whakatauki

"Te maata I taau ka Oranga ko te.Maata rai ia I taau ka rauka."
"The more you give the more you receive."

Kia Orana
My name is Jenine Scoon, the team leader for transition service at Highbury Whanau Centre. I am of Cook-Island/Samoan descent, have three grown sons and live in Highbury, Palmerston North. I have over 30 years work experience helping people reach their potential, particularly in the employment and training area. My role covers everything from getting a young person "work ready", to having a chat to see how things are, helping our young people to become self-sufficient, confident and independent.

Michael Rongo

HWC Transition Worker

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 825 6267

Ko Kapakapanui me Whitireia ngā maunga,
Ko Raukawa te moana, Ko Waikanae te awa,
Ko Kurahaupo me Tainui ōku waka,
Ko Whakarongotai me Takapuwahia ōku whare Tīpuna,
Ko Te Atiawa me Ngati Toarangatira ōku Iwi,

Tēnā koutou,
I was fortunate enough to join the team in July 2019. I am a Youth Transitions Worker which means I support rangatahi in achieving Independence in the adult world. I have a strong passion for helping people along their journey and have a talent of bringing out the best in people with a large focus on positivity.

"Ahakoa he iti whetū ki runga ki te rangi nui pōkēkēao ūhia kia ngaro, e kore e ngaro!"
"Even though the stars shining in the nights sky might be obscured by a passing cloud, they will never be obliterated!"

Astryr Halligan

HWC Transition Worker

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 825 6267

Ko Wai Au,
Ko Ngati Hamoa raua ko Engarangi toku iwi
No Papaioea ahauKo toku toru tamariki
Ko Astryr Halligan toku ingoa
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Tēnā koutou, Talofa Lava, I have newly become part of the team in March 2022 as a Youth Transitions Worker and have a background in Social work, particularly in the education sector. I am half Samoan and half English and come with a lot of life experience that helps me closely relate to those whom I work with. I know that it’s not always easy being a teenager and am passionate about supporting our rangatahi through any struggles they may face and aiding them to achieve their hopes and dreams in a holistic manner. I gain enjoyment from seeing those in my local community thrive!

Daniel-Tavita Fryer 

HWC Transitions Worker 

Highbury Whānau Centre 

PH: 06 825 6267

Talofa Lava,
I joined the Youth Transition Team in March 2023. Prior to this role I worked as a Youth Worker for 10 years, specifically in the Youth Justice sector. During my time in Youth Justice, I developed a drive to help rangatahi unlock their potential. Transitioning into adulthood for a teenager is a crucial time in life and it is my goal to utilise the skills and wisdom attained over the years to help our rangatahi succeed in this space.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.”

Sandra Carroll

HWC Administrator/ Youth Worker

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Kia ora!

I have been a staff member at the Highbury Whanau Centre since 2002. Having started as a volunteer, I secured a position as a Youth Worker in the Alternative Education program in 2003 and have worked alongside young people in that role since then. I hold a qualification in Youth Work, and have extensive training in Adolescent Brain Development, AOD education, Sexual Health and Administration. I am the HWC Administrator, and I run Reception as the ‘Hub of HDUB’. I am dedicated to supporting young people through the difficulties they may face by helping them to reach their potential. I LOVE my job.

Morgan Emery

Head of Teaching and Learning - Te Hiringa Alternative Education

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Ko Tainui toku Waka
Ko Ruapehu me Pekapeka oku maunga
Ko Rangitikei me Te Waituna oku Awa
Ko Ngati Raukawa toku Iwi
Ko Ngati Manomano toku Hapu
Ko Taumata O te Ra toku Marae
Ko Manomano toku Whare Tupuna
Ko Makuini Kereama raua ko Wharepereki Tane oku Kaumatua
Ko Parewahawaha Tane raua ko Rawiri Emery oku maatua
Ko Caryn toku hoa rangatira
Ko Zinzan raua ko Bubbles oku tamaiti
Ko Morgan Emery ahau

I am a passionate Youth Development practitioner, and have worked as a Youth Worker in our Education team since 2009. I have a background in elite sport and passionately believe the values that underpin successful sporting engagement are transferable to the classroom and to life in general. I have extensive training in Adolescent Brain Development, AOD education, Mentoring and Leadership, and currently hold a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Claudine Rogan

Youth Worker - Te Hiringa Alternative Education

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Kia Ora, ko Claudine tōku ingoa
I te taha o tōku Pāpā, Ko Ngāti Porou raua ko Raukawa ōku Iwi
I te taha o tōku Māmā, Ko Tūhoe raua ko Ngāti Awa ōku Iwi
Ko Rory tōku Tāne
Ko Oshay rātou ko Lincoln, ko Israel, ko Jeremiah ōku tamariki

I am new to the HWC alternative education team starting in my new role January 2023 entering in from a Teacher aide background.
I am super passionate about working with Rangatahi especially being able to do this in my own community.

Hitaua Butler

Youth Worker - Te Hiringa Alternative Education

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Ko Matauhipo te maunga
Ko Waimarino te awa
Ko Rereao te whare tupuna
Ko Hinekura te wharekai
Ko Te Arawa te Waka
Ko Ngāti Hine te hapū
Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa te iwi
Ko Korohe te marae

Papa Leota

HWC Engage Team Lead

Highbury Whānau Centre

BSW/SWRB/Cert Youth Work (Level 4)

PH: 06 358 0504

Ko Savaii raua ko Rarotonga oku papa kainga
Ki te taha toku Papa, no Samoa oku tupuna
Ki te taha toku Mama, no Kuki Arani oku tupuna
Ke te noho ahau i te Papaioea
Ko Papa toku ingoa

Talofa, Kia Orana my name is Papa Leota. I have 13 years’ experience working with young people and their families within my current role as the HWC Engage worker role and 6 years previously within the HWC Youth worker role. My passion has always been the opportunity to support and walk alongside Rangatahi and their Whanau on their journey. To provide Rangatahi opportunities to access education, positive pathways, and healthy relationships.

Samoan whakatauki
"O au o matua fanau."
"Children are our treasures."

Rawi Katene

HWC Engage Youth Worker

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Tēnā Koutou, My name is Rawi Katene I have been involved with Touch Rugby in the Highbury Community for many years supporting my partner and our children who have gone on to represent Manawatū and New Zealand . I am currently studying at Massey University doing a bachelor of Social Work. My passion is to work within the community supporting our youth and our most vulnerable whanau. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do this while I study. I am now mentoring youth on the engage program at the Highbury Whanau Centre advocating for our youth, whanau and schools here in the Manawatu. The team at the Highbury Whanau Centre are an amazing group of people who have been supportive from day one.

Alicia Moxon

HWC Team Lead Specialist Youth Community & Whānau Services (SpYCWS)

Highbury Whānau Centre

Registered Counselling Psychologist/NZPB

PH: 06 358 0504

Kia ora,
I have been working with young people for 20 years and have been a part of the HWC team since 2012. I love the work, it’s my passion! I’ve mostly worked for NGO’s in the community and am highly committed to providing professional, flexible and tailored to supports to young people and equally importantly, to their families. I work with people between 7 and 24 years of age and it's free to access. I provide assessments and treatment for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, self-harm or substance abuse. I really believe every kid matters, every kid is equally important and deserving of feeling better, feeling they have worth, have hope and a future, of feeling ‘normal’, that they can do this! We are building therapeutic platforms for young people to feel safe and heard, and return to in times of distress, fear or upheaval. That, well, that’s my main reason for loving community.

"Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tātou mahi"
"Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work."

Terry Clune

HWC Senior Youth Justice Mentor

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Tēnā koutou.
Ko Taupiri te Maunga
Ko Waikato te Awa
Ko Tainui te Waka
Ko Te Kauri tōku Marae
Ko Tainui tōku Iwi
Ko Ngāti Whawhakia toku hapu
Ko Terry tōku ingoa

I have been a part of this team since 2009. I am a part of the Social Services team at HWC working with Young people, Whanau and other professionals throughout the community. I also have a background in Personal Training, Coaching and hold qualifications in Youth Work and Personal fitness Training. I work closely with Oranga Tamariki and Police Youth Aid to support young people within the Youth Justice arena. I assist young people to set goals with a future focus within Educational and Training placements, and improving on managing emotions and behaviours that reduce offending thinking and behaviour.

Kiria Tangaroa

HWC Community Youth Worker

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Tēnā koutou.
Ko Patangata te Maunga
Ko Wharekahika te Awa
Ko Horouta te Waka
Ko Ngāti Porou te Iwi
Ko Hinemaurea te Marae
I te taha o tōku papa, he uri ahau no ngā Kuki Airani
Ko Kiria tōku ingoa

I started my Youth Worker journey in October 2016 here at the Highbury Whānau Centre, and have a background of working with children in the local community; supporting them to achieve in the classroom as well as in the sports arena. I quickly adapted to use my coaching and mentoring skills with teens as well as children. I work alongside whānau, schools and agencies to support the well being of children and young people. As a Youth Worker and Mentor, I promote connectivity in the community and provide advocacy and support to assist young people to overcome adversity and make positive healthy choices for their future. I am currently undertaking Youth Work study, and have recently been developing my skills in the social work arena. I'm keen to help develop young people!

Shailah Anderson

Kaitūtohu - Compliance Officer

ĀWHINA TĀHŪHŪ - Personal Assistant to Kaihautū

IUVENTUS/HWC/START

PH: 06 825 6267

Kia ora e te whānau
I have been weaving in and out with both START Whana Tū and Highbury Whānau Centre since 2019. I have had the privilege to wear many different hats within the organisation. Starting as a student on placement, to policy writing, to now supporting the organisation as a compliance officer.

Peter Butler

Kaihautū - Executive Manager

IUVENTUS/HWC/START

PH: 06 825 6267

Ko Tongariro te Maunga
Ko Taupō Nui-a-Tia te Moana
Ko Te Heu Heu te Tangata
Ki te taha o tōku nei Māmā; Ko Ngāti Hine me Ngāti Waewae ōna Hapū
Ki te taha o tōku nei Pāpā; Ko Ngāti Whitikaupeka, Ngāti Tamakōpiri me Ngāti Tūrangitukua ōna Hapū… Nō te Iwi ō Ngāti Tūwharetoa āhau

Kei ētahi atu peka whakapapa ka hono e au… Ara, nō Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Paoa me Ngai Tai hoki.

I also host, Welsh ancestry….

Being brought up in the urban Māori environment of Highbury in Palmerston North, at a time when urban drift was at its peak, has empowered a strong connection to our community. My close knit whānau suffered the loss kuia & koroua at a time of change and instability (1970s – 1980’s) and so, too, lost much of the whānau mātauranga of Te Ao Māori. In my adult years, I have strived to regain that knowledge and share this with my hāpori and whānau.

I have been involved within Youth and Community Development for the past 26 years and currently fulfil the Kaihautū role of the Highbury Whānau Centre; a unique organisation, seeded from the aspirations of the breakthrough document “Pūao te Ata tū” and born from the desire of urban whānau to support their children. Passionately representing my community, we utilise our kaupapa, kaimahi and whānau alike to be creative and committed in the pursuit of equitable opportunities for our youth to develop, grow and thrive… within our forever evolving world.

We draw from the strength and legacy of our Tīpuna to constantly strive in the face of adversity, and the understanding of the need to ‘adapt or die’.