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

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

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

kat whitaker

Youth Work Education Advisor

I’m passionate about working with rangatahi who are navigating challenges, and I feel privileged to be part of a community that supports youth at risk. My background is in teaching, and I absolutely loved my time working in schools on the east side of Christchurch. The whanau and tamariki there shaped who I am as an educator, and the connections I made remain really important to me.

After leaving the classroom, I joined the Ministry of Education as part of the Behaviour Team. That role gave me the chance to collaborate with a wide range of school teams and deepen my understanding of Ministry processes. I gained valuable insights into how different supports come together to help young people thrive.

I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned - from the classroom, from my work across the Ministry, and from the many roles I’ve held over the years - to help make education accessible, meaningful, and empowering for the tamariki at Youth Pathways.

And as a mum of three boys, I can say with confidence that parenting has been one of my greatest teachers too!

k.whitaker@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 368 9335

Frazier Mumuta

Employment Coordinator

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

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

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 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 for Youth Pathways I have had the priviledge 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 interests include basketball, gaming, socialising and cooking.

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

Jason Lowe

Intensive Youth Worker

TRANSITIONS

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

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.co.nz
P. 027 260 8111

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

mau toilalo

Intensive Youth Worker

Talofa Lava, my name is Mau Toilalo.  I am full Samoan and I am very passionate about helping the next generation be better than my generation.  I also love sports such as rugby league, basketball, touch and volleyball.  Sport has had a huge impact in my lift and through Youth Pathways I hope to help as many youth figure out what they love and have the self-belief to pursue them.

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

grace teiva

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia Orana, my name is Grace Teiva.

Born and raised in Christchurch, NZ, both of my parents hail from the beautiful Cook Islands.  My culture and my identity is a big part of who I am and I believe shapes every person in their own way, whether through values, family or every sports.  I find this is my connection to young people alongside my humour and energy.

“Ta tatou Tamariki ei arataki no te tuatau ki mua - Our Children are our Future”

g.teiva@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 562 2001

miriama brislane

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia Ora,

I am Miriama and I have always had a deep passion for working with rangatahi and truly believe our young people are taonga. When they are surrounded by aroha, strong guidance, and the right support, they can thrive and step confidently into their potential.

Raised immersed in Te Ao Māori, I am grounded in tikanga, whānau, and manaakitanga. These values guide how I show up in my mahi every day. I am committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where rangatahi feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Walking alongside young people as they navigate challenges and discover their strengths is a privilege, and I am dedicated to serving them with authenticity, compassion, and cultural integrity.
miriama.brislane@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 315 9021

josh keys

Intensive Youth Worker

I grew up in Christchurch, where rugby pretty much shaped my early years. The game took me around the country to Hawke’s Bay, and eventually all the way to Germany. I originally went over the play rugby, but ended up staying more than 15 years, spending a decade teaching Sports Science, PE and Health.

When I moved back to New Zealand, I knew I wanted to work more closely with young people - really getting to know them, supporting them, and helping them find their way. That’s what drew me to Youth Pathways.

I’ve always believed that the best learning and the most meaningful change happen one-on-one. Whether it’s mentoring, coaching, or just having real conversations, I’m all about helping young people build confidence, develop direction, and take steps forward in their own way.
j.keys@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 207 1814