OUR TEAM
PAUL THOMPSON
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
ÅŒtautahi (Christchurch) but have lived in Upper Hutt for 23 years and call Upper Hutt home.
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I love being able to play a part in seeing rangatahi reach their full potential.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I enjoy doing DIY building in my spare time.
BELINDA LORD
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Upper Hutt
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTH WORK AT KICKSTART?
I like that I can use my admin skills to support our youthworkers.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I am the Kickstart Mum.
BRI
KING
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born in CHCH and grew up in Johnsonville with my parents and older sister.
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I really love helping young people see their worth and feel like they have a space to be welcome as they are.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
My side hustle is drawing peoples houses for them.
WESLEY FINAU
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
The Kingdom of Tonga 676
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I'm passionate about journeying with young people.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I speak two languages.
KAITLIN
KIRK
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
TBC
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
TBC
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
TBC
HANNAH
CODY
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Lower Hutt
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I love seeing the potential in young people and journeying with them as they grow.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I have been in a musical with my grandma!
FAA
TUUINA
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Originally from Naenae. Highschool in Upper Hutt. But 685 (Samoa) all day!
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
Journeying with young people through all walks in life and seeing them conquer their goals.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I can play piano.
ZACH
MATHEWS
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I hail from the mighty kingdom of Wainuiomata
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
To help guide and journey with young people as they navigate their way through school.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I like Steph Curry.
CAITLYN
RILEY
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Born and Raised in Naenae
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I want to help young people through similar experiences to my upbringing. Love journeying with young poeple.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I am a boxer.
MADDY
WATENE
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Upper Hutt
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
To be a safe person for our young people in our community to help and support them on their journey through school.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I am double jointed in my right hand.
JD
DOUGLAS
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
South Auckland (born and raised)
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
Growing up I had a lot of difficult challenges outside of my control, and had some amazing influences who helped me navigate that. I hope to be able to reciprocate that same care shown to me.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I have 6 middlenames! (dont ask what they are!)
ANIKA
MOSES
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
No Mohaka raua ko Waikaremoana ahau
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
Joining rangatahi on their life journey and pushing rangatahi to accomplish anything and everything.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I have 29 pets. 1 dog, 1 cat, 7 chickens, 3 ducks, 3 turtles and 14 fish!
AROHA
DAVIDSON
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Stokes Valley born and raised, currently living in Totara Park
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I grew up in a youthwork involved whanau and enjoy working alongside young people.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I was once a Hurricanes (Super Rugby) cheerleader.
BRENNA
WOOD
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
The Hutt Valley
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I choose to do youthwork because I found the youthworkers I had as a young person really beneficial and I hope I can be that for young people.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I have two alpacas.
TANE
HORNE
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Born in Lower Hutt, lived in Upper Hutt my whole life.
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I enjoy putting a smile on young peoples faces and having a good time with them.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I love (and am good at) sports.
KENDALL
SUTTON
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I've spent most of my life living in Kapiti. Whakapapa to all over Europe
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I love connecting with young people and seeing growth in peoples lives. In my opinion youthwork is the most fun and exciting way to make a difference in the world.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I still have half my baby teeth.
AARON
LEIFI
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Born and raised in Wellington.
​
WHY DO YOU DO YOUTHWORK?
I was very inspired by Kickstart and the work they do.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME?
I like watching sport but not playing competitively.
COMING
SOON
​
New team member joining our team in March 2025!