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

marie beban

finance & Administration Manager

Kia ora, my name is Marie and my role here at Youth Pathways is in the Finance and Administration space, supporting Lee-Anne and the team. Coming from a background in Construction Administration my role at Youth Pathways is a refreshing change providing me with new challenges. I am very much enjoying working with the team due to the amazing work they are doing in our community with our young people and the energy they all bring.
accounts@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 236 1699

natalie leota

Education & Employment Coordinator

Talofa,

My name is Natalie and I am the Education & Employment Coordinator at Youth Pathways. I am excited about the opportunity to connect rangatahi to education and employment opportunities in the community. Over the past 20 years I have worked with at-risk youth in mainstream education and in Youth Justice Residence. I am dedicated to ensuring our young people feel encouraged and supported to develop their self-belief and begin dreaming for a positive future. My hope is that every young person at Youth Pathways experiences success through education and/or employment.
n.leota@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

jessica lepou

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia ora, I am originally from the North Island, moving to Christchurch at the start of 2024. I have developed a passion for working with youth over the years through working in schools. I love to see the potential within young people and to empower them in their strengths. I recently completed a Bachelor of Counselling and through this my love for working with and journeying alongside youth was magnified which is why I have recently joined the team at Youth Pathways! I am also on a personal and professional journey with embracing and learning more about both Maori and Samoan culture due to marrying into these cultures. I am loving every moment of it!

In my spare time I love to spend time with my husband, long walks, reading, baking and catching up with friends over kai!

j.lepou@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 315 9021 

Michelle Boyd

Social Worker

Tēnā koutou, my name is Michelle. I have joined the Youth Pathways team as a Social Worker after the past five years working in mental health. I found out early on that youth was the space for me and my hope is to support taiohi and whanau to grow in their strengths and create lasting change. I believe in leading heart first in this mahi (and life) and it is epic to be of a team who reflect this!
m.boyd@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 239 5537

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

Mini Hepburn

INTENSIVE YOUTH WORKER

Kia Ora e Te Whanau

My name is Mini, I am orignally from Ashburton were I was diary farming. I moved up to Christchurch in 2023 where I began working in the AOD field before making the move over to youth work.

I am beyond excited to be working at Youth Pathways alongside our ranghitahi. My passion for this mahi began young when I was surronded by great support when I needed. I enjoy approching situations in an holistic approch which gives me the chance to connect to my culture using the model Te Whare Tapa Wha. I love learning more about myself and my Maori culture which leads me to finding more peace in who I am and who I can be.

My enjoyments are netball, beaches, nature walks and roadtrips plus Music. (always keen for a new song suggestion)

My goal while being in this Mahi is support Rangitahi in knowing who they are on another level, being indepentent as well as supporting goals and aspirations.

m.hepburn@youthpathways.co.nz. P. 027 562 2001

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