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 started working at START in April 2023. I enjoy being in my role as Mata and 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 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.

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.

Tobias Colville

Youth Coach
START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Kia ora!
I’ve just begun my journey here at START in April 2024 and am very excited to begin working with our taiohi. I studied Psychology at Massey and then transitioned into disability support work before arriving here at START. I’m eager to get stuck in and start supporting our rangatahi to reach their full potential.

Chantelle Tipoki

Youth Coach
START Whana Tū

PH: 06 355 5143

Ko Ramaroa te Maunga
Ko Whirinaki, ko Motutoa ngā Awa
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te Waka
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Te Hikutu, Te Pouka, Ngāti Wharara, me Ngāti Korokoro ngā Hapū
Ko Hokianga Whakapou Karakia te Rohe
Ko Pā Te Aroha, ko Marae roa (Pakanae), ko Whakarongotai ngā Marae

Kia ora I have just recently started with the team at START Whana Tū and am looking forward to my journey.
I have been working with Rangatahi for the past 10 years in different sectors and am committed to supporting them in this space.

Take care of our children.
Take care of what they hear.
Take care of what they see.
For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa.”

-Dame Whina Cooper

Anjali Naran-Butler

Pou Tautoko Ratonga/ Manager Support Services

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

I’ve been lucky enough to work at the Highbury Whānau Centre for over 20 years now. My early years in mainstream teaching led to the development of the Alternative Education provision in the Manawatū and I remain pedagogical lead of that amazing team. With qualifications and registrations in both Teaching and Social Work, I am able to provide wider support to HWC and the 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 whānau 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.”

Juan Garzon Buitrago 

HWC Transitions Worker 

Highbury Whānau Centre 

PH: 06 825 6267

Tēnā koutou, Hola!
I joined the Youth Transitions team in November 2024, and I’m excited to help support rangatahi with their journey toward independence.
I have experience as a support worker at Oranga Tamariki, a degree in Sport and Exercise, and a Personal Training certificate, with almost 10 years in the fitness industry helping people achieve their goals and feel their best.
I’m originally from Colombia and have been living in Aotearoa for the last five years. I’m thrilled to combine my cultural background with Kaupapa Māori, embracing the best of both worlds.

Ma ta mahi ka ora
"Through hard work comes fulfillment"

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

Rawi Katene

HWC Engage Team Lead

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.

Fabien Paletua-Kiri

HWC Engage Youth Mentor

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Ko Ngati Maniapoto tōku Iwi
Ko Ngati Apakura tōku Hapū
Ko Tainui tōku Waka
Ko Waikato tōku Awa
Ko Pirongia tōku Maunga
Ko Hoturoa tōku Tīpuna Rangatira
Ko Fabien tōku ingoa

Tēnā koutou/Malo e lelei
My name is Fabien and I have recently joined the Hikitia Engage Service team here at the Highbury Whānau Center. I have spent the last 8 years pursuing Rugby League in Australia and 7 of those years as a youth worker/teacher’s aide across schools and residential. I am excited to be working in our community.

Alicia Moxon

Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Ora | Manager of Wellbeing Services | Registered Psychologist (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 (SpYCWS)

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.

Matthew Mayer

HWC Youth Justice Mentor (SpYCWS)

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Kia Ora Koutou,
Ko wai au
Ko Matthew Mayer tōku ingoa
Nō Ingarangi me Kānata tāku whakapapa
I whānau mai ahau ki te Papaioea, engari I tipu ake ahau ki Whakatū.
Ko Tararua me Ruahine nga pae maunga ki Manawatū
Kō Matai te awa ki Whakatū
Kei Raukawa mātou ko tōku whānau e noho ana I tēnei wā.
He kaiārahi rangatahi ahau ki Highbury Whānau Centre
Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

I started my journey at Highbury Whānau Centre in 2023. I am currently in my second year of working towards a Bachelor of Social Work at Massey University. After living in Nelson for several years, I have enjoyed reconnecting with Papaioea while I complete my studies.
After working in schools for several years, I found a passion in working with our tamariki and rangatahi. I believe the most rewarding work can be achieved within a community setting. While I am new to the Highbury whānau, I have felt right at home with the amazing kaimahi and rangatahi I am surrounded by!

‘Kei ōu ringaringa te ao’
The world is yours

Denae Te Huna

HWC Youth Justice Mentor (SpYCWS)

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Ko Ruapehu te Maunga
Ko Whanganui te Awa
Ko Aotea te Waka
Ko Matahiwi te Marae
Ko Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi te iwi
Ko Denae ahau

Tēnā koutou, I have been fortunate enough to return to my role here at Highbury Whānau Centre after being away for the past year and a half with my youngest pēpi. I am excited to be back in this space, following my passion supporting and empowering our rangatahi to reach their full potential.

Rangimoeke Nolan

HWC Community Youth Worker (SpYCWS)

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Ko Taupiri, Ko Taranaki ngā Maunga
Ko Waikato, Ko Waiaua ngā Awa
Ko Tainui, Ko Kurahaupo ngā Waka
Ko Waikato Tainui, Ko Tamarongo ngā Hapū
Ko Nolan, Ko Ratahi ngā ingoa Whānau
Ko Rangimoeke ahau.

Kei Te Papaioea ahau e noho ana.
I tipu ake ahau ki Highbury!!

Tenā tātou e te iwi! My passion for youth work stems from a desire to create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive, grow and contribute positively to their communities. I believe that guiding our Rangatahi is not only essential for their individual success but also for building a brighter and more inclusive future for the collective well-being.

“Kāwea mai te wā o mua, hei konei, hei āpōpō”
“Bring the past to the present for the future”

Rory Rogan

HWC Community Youth Worker (SpYCWS)

Highbury Whānau Centre

PH: 06 358 0504

Kia Ora!
My name is Rory Tepou Rogan.
Nō roto o ngā iwi o Airani ki te Nōta me Ngai Tuhoe ahau.
He hononga ano oku ki a Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Reinga, Ngāti Raukawa ki Rangitikei, me Muaupoko.

Ko Claudine tōku hoa Rangatira
Ko Oshay rātou ko Lincoln, ko Israel, ko Jeremiah ōku Tamariki.

I have always had a heart and passion for helping people. Now I have been blessed and given the opportunity to do that, as a community youth support worker, contributing to the Highbury community, where I also reside.

Being a father and life experience has taught me that love is the most powerful thing we obtain as people and should be shown equally to all people. I am a qualified tradesman with 20 years experience in the Flooring sector. My greatest gift and achievement will always be my whanau!

Peace and love to all people.

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

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 and personal assistant to Pete.

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’.