The Youth Pathways staff consists of a diverse team with various qualifications, skills and experience. All of whom work in collaboration to ensure the young person is the centre of all we seek to achieve.


Lee-Anne Savea

General Manager

Kia ora,

Before founding Youth Pathways, I worked as a registered social worker in the youth sector for many years, both in Oranga Tamariki residences and in an NGO organisation. I'm passionate about early intervention and transitional support, and my ongoing goal is to provide a strong foundation where young people can develop their skills and leave our program better equipped for their success, whatever that may be
l.savea@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 021 270 2511


Hayley Austen

SOCIAL WORKER

Kia ora,

I recently joined Youth Pathways as a Social Worker. I developed a passion for working with young people whilst completing my post-graduate degree in Social Work. I enjoy helping young people develop knowledge and skills to navigate life, and address any barriers that may prevent them from being the best version of themselves.

When I am not working I enjoy reading, pilates, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.
h.austen@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 365 8063


Matthew Tuiloma

operations manager

Talofa, my name is Matt and I am the Operations Manager here at Youth Pathways.
I am passionate about working with young people to find their voices and strengthen them to be able to express their opinions in the format that best suits them. I have always been extremely passionate about creating networks and opportunities to help unleash the potential of young people.

I enjoy being able to spend my working day doing what I love, alongside a team of creative, enthusiastic and highly motivated people. I believe in the vision of the organisation, and love getting to be part of making that happen.
m.tuiloma@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 208 1192


Charlie Barnett

Administration Manager

Kia ora, I enjoy be part of Youth Pathways as the Administration Manger. I look after all things admin including the accounts, payroll and GST. I am originally from the UK and have been lucky enough to live in different countries around the world, I love experiencing different cultures and nationalities. Although I do not work with young people directly on a daily basis I greatly respect and admire our team who go above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes and positive experiences for our youth.

When I am not working I love to spend quality time with family and friends. I also enjoy a range of activities, snowboarding, going to the gym, bike riding with my children, yoga and gardening.
accounts@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 236 1699


Megan Heather

Education & Employment Coordinator

Kia Ora,

My name is Megan and I am the Education & Employment Coordinator.

The purpose of my role is to connect young people with awesome opportunities, on a case-by-case basis for their future success. Giving the young person the support they deserve and helping them create direction motivates me to go above and beyond, as seeing the young person having improved future outcomes is my main driver. 

In my spare time I enjoy fitness, spending quality time with my friends & family, as well as coffee & kai.
m.heather@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 207 1814


TEVIN ARONA

INTENSIVE YOUTH WORKER

Kia Orana, I am a New Zealand born Cook Islander and hope my life experiences can help influence our youth in a positive way. I have been working with Youth and in schools for the past couple of years and it has turned into being a big passion of mine, helping our younger generation. Sports is a big part of my life and has also been one of the biggest teachers in my life. I hope to use this to connect with our youth and teach the lessons sports has taught me. Family is first for me and I enjoy spending time with my loved ones outside of work and sport.

t.arona@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 368 9335


Frazier Mumuta

Transition Services

Talofa lava, my name is Frazier Mumuta and hail from a small island in the South Pacific “SAMOA”. I have worked with young people for more than 15 years. I believe that supporting and understanding young people throughout their teenage years is crucial to help them best develop and give them the best opportunities. By working at Youth Pathways I hope that I can do this.
I love throwing around the footy ball with my sons, making memories with my family and have a strong faith which has served a purpose for myself and my community.
I leave a quote that reflects us all.
“IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE” (Acts 20:35)
Faafetai lava
- Frazier
f.mumuta@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 579 3701


Ella Reilly

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia ora, I developed my passion for youth while I was completing my Post-Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology, learning about mental health and the impacts of child development. Straight after University, I got my hands in the youth sector working with youth who have disabilities, in a Youth Justice Residence Facility and now Youth Pathways. I am passionate about helping youth develop the skills and knowledge-base to navigate life which I’m lucky to do for a living through Youth Pathways. When I’m not working, I love to make music, go to the gym and spend time with family and friends.
e.reilly@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 315 9021 


Va’a Mailei

ISR Youth worker

Talofa Lava, my name is Va’a Mailei. I was raised in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch and saw and experienced the effect of poverty, mental health issues, youth suicide and families under stress. For Pacific and Maori children these challenges were particularly tough as parents and caregivers struggled to access the support they needed. I have worked successfully with children and young people and built trusting relationships that have helped build their confidence and resilience.

Rugby has been a big part of my life. I have spent the last eight years living overseas in four different countries playing professional rugby. I spent a year working at Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo Youth Justice Residence before embarking on a new journey with Youth Pathways where I am able to share with young people my rugby experiences, the cultures and lifestyles I have lived in. I am a proud New Zealand-born Samoan, overcoming challenges and the hope that our young people too can dare to dream and achieve their aspirations.

Fa’afetai.
v.mailei@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 260 8111


Horan Vaifale

INTENSIVE Youth Worker

TALOFA LAVA

Born in Samoa Raised in New Zealand, Christchurch, East Aranui, I have joined the Youth Pathways team as a youth worker.

I am very passionate to work with young people and to support them in any areas that they struggle in . Having a good/safe place to come to is one of the most important things for our team to create for our young people.

In my spare time I love to go to a golf course and get a game in but most important is to share a smile or a laugh with who ever I play with. I love spending time with family, going for walks with my wife and dog and I love going to church .
h.vaifale@youthpathways@youthpathways.co.nz P. 027 260 8111


Champ Betham

INTENSIVE YOUTH WORKER

Kia Ora / Talofa.


c.betham@youthpathways.co.nz. P. 027 299 2808


LISA SAMUELU

INTENSIVE YOUTH WORKER

My name is Lisa Samuelu, growing up I have had a passion for helping those around me to become better people. 

Having joined Youth Pathways in November, I am excited to encourage and help young teens to be the best they can be. I feel that it is important to always show people caring and kindness. 

My hobbies are playing sports and spending time with family and friends. 
l.samuelu@youthpathways.co.nz

P. 027 299 2808


samuel samuelu

intensive youth worker

Talofa lava, I am Samuel Samuelu. I have worked within the community for a number of years working alongside young people in schools, after school care and various youth services.

I have a passion for helping others reach their full potential and I strive to achieve this in my work. I am a firm believer that our struggles do not define us, but they help build us into stronger people when we have the right support around us. Therefore, I strive to support and encourage our rangatahi to reach their goals and prosper in their lives.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, the outdoors, watching rugby and having a good laugh.

s.samuelu@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 250 6298


Moses Faletolu

team leader / Intensive Youth Worker

Talofa Lava, I have joined the team here at Youth Pathways as a Youth Worker/Tutor. I am very passionate to work with young people and to support them in any areas that they struggle in. I strongly believe that creating a good relationship with our young person can help them succeed and encourage them to make better choices with their life. I enjoy playing rugby and basketball but most importantly I love spending time with my family. I am looking forward to bringing my own set of skills and expertise to the team and helping out young people in certain areas.

Faafetai Lava, Ia Manuia.
m.faletolu@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 320 7144


ROMA TOVIA

Intensive Youth Worker

Talofa Lava,

My name is Roma Tovia,

Born and Raised in South Auckland “Mangere” I joined youth pathways in Feb 2023, but before that I was a youth worker in residence for 6 years.

Growing up South Auckland I have seen and witnessed experienced the effect of poverty, mental health issues, youth suicide, broken homes, and families under stress. This would later lead into a never-ending cycle where our rangatahi carry on what they see, learn, and build and this starts from HOME. I come with a set of skills, skills that will help develop each individual I cross paths with and build that relationship with our Rangatahi but also their Whanau. I ensure that they also too are heard and that they are supported and guided into building a better Individual, not to fit into the community but to be a better Individual for the community.

Your journey is more important than your destination.

DONT CONFORM TO THE WORLD, BE TRANSFORMED BY RENEWING YOUR MIND. Romans 12:1-2

Fa'afetai Lava
r.tovia@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 320 1811


Jason Lowe

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia Ora,

I have joined Youth Pathways as a youth worker after previously working in the public sector for 3 years.

Impacting the community in a positive way is my biggest motivation and what drove me to take up this role with Youth Pathways. I am extremely passionate about rangatahi success and through this role hope to engage and influence youth in a positive and meaningful way. Through my own life experiences, I understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing and also hope to support our rangatahi in this way.

In my spare time I enjoy all things sport and spending time with my whānau and friends, normally around some Kai.

Tamaiti ako ana ki te kāinga, tungia ki te marae, tau ana. "A person who is taught at home, will stand with confidence on the marae, conducting himself properly, confidently and competently." A child who is given proper values at home and cherished within his family, will not only behave well amongst the family but also within society and throughout his life.

Within my role I aspire to create this sort of environment for our rangatahi, so that they may grow to be leaders of our communities.
j.lowe@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 207 5855


Reuben Sepulona

intensive youth worker

My interest in Youth Work began in my early teenage years. I had a few Youth Workers in the past that really made a difference in my life. Their positive influence led me to study for a Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing which I completed in 2020. I worked as a support worker mainly working with teenage boys with disabilities providing them support in the community before coming to Youth Pathways.

Working for Youth Pathways has given me the opportunity to use my passions and strengths to help better the lives of our young people.  

My passion is to help youth to develop valuable new skills and gain knowledge that they can use to help better themselves as they go through life.  Outside of work my main passion is music production and DJ’ing. Since I started working with Youth Pathways I have had the privilege of creating a music room and programme for our young people to use to learn how to express themselves through creating, recording and mixing music.

My other hobbies and interest include basketball, gaming, socialising and cooking.

r.sepulona@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 365 8209


Mini Hepburn

intensive youth worker