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

simo faitaua

quality assurance lead

Talofa lava

I’m the Quality Assurance Lead at Youth Pathways, prior to joining the team I worked at Ara Institute of Canterbury for 9 years with a focus on the Pacific Community. I bring a wealth of experience in community engagement and supporting young people explore education, career and future pathways.

My time outside of work is taken up with coaching rugby league, hikes or walks and spending time  with my wife and our 4 kids.

s.faitaua@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 208 1192

Moses Faletolu

practice lead

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

Craig hughes

social worker

Kia ora koutou,

Ko Craig Hughes ahau. 

I joined Youth Pathways in July 2026. I am a registered social worker and have spent most of my career working with youth in several different roles including youth justice and residential work. 

I have a strong belief that anybody can make changes to their life and live safely in the community. 

I am excited to be working with an amazing group of youth workers, social workers, administrators, and other professionals who share the same passion for helping our rangatahi to get their lives back on track and live successfully in the community. 

c.hughes@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 365 8063

charmaine mcgregor

SOCIAL WORKER

Kia Ora,

I am a social worker here at Youth Pathways and feel very privileged and honored to be able to support our rangatahi and whanau.

With a background in fitness, life coaching and wellness modalities and being a mum to teenagers myself, I bring life experience and social work skills to be able to support our whanau and rangatahi.

When I have time, I really enjoy being active out in nature, walking with our dog, reading, and being involved with my kids sports (the days of my own playing abilities have long gone haha!).

c.mcgregor@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 239 5537

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

samuel samuelu

intensive youth worker - team leader

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

Reuben sepulona

fast track kaimahi

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

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

Maddie johnson

TRANSITIONS Kaimahi

Kia Ora,

I am Maddie and I’m currently in my final year of studying Social Work and am part of the Transitions team at Youth Pathways.  I have also worked as a Youth Worker, where I discovered how much I enjoy supporting young people to build confidence, overcome challenges, and work towards their goals.

I’m passionate about creating positive, genuine relationships and helping rangatahi feel heard, supported, and empowered.  I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a positive difference alongside the young people and whānau I work with.


m.johnson@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 255 6855

Izzy field

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia Ora, 

I am an Intensive Youth Worker here at Youth Pathways. I come from a background in Criminal Justice, and I feel privileged to walk alongside our rangatahi as they navigate challenges and find their way forward.

I am currently completing my Master of Applied Social Work through Massey University and look forward to progressing into a Social Worker role. My research focuses on how professionals understand ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences for young people in the youth justice system. This is an area I care deeply about, and hope will contribute to better outcomes for rangatahi and support the work of our kaimahi.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends and making the most of opportunities to explore, travel, and experience new places.
i.field@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 255 6855

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

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 life 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

Manea Waaka

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia ora, I’m Manea Waaka and I’m excited to be joining the team at Youth Pathways. I’m passionate about supporting young people to grow in confidence, build positive relationships, and feel heard and valued by themselves and their community.

I am a proud Cook Island, māori wahine and I believe in creating a safe, inclusive space where young people can be themselves and be given the opportunity to explore their potential. 

Outside of work, I play various sporting codes such as rugby union and rugby league, and I love connecting with people through shared experiences. 

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

sala kuresa

Intensive Youth Worker

Nǐ hǎo

My name is Elisara Kuresa, and I am a proud Samoan Chinese Youth Worker. I joined Youth Pathways because I was once a troubled young person myself, and I wanted to give back by walking alongside Rangatahi who may be facing similar challenges.

I believe in supporting young people with compassion, encouragement, and respect, helping them recognise their strengths, make positive choices, and reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I enjoy growing in my faith, spending quality time with my family, playing rugby, and training in combat sports.

Fa'afetai lava.

s.kuresa@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 207 5855

madison trusler-clark

Intensive Youth Worker

Kia ora E Te Whānau, I’m Madison Trusler-Clark. I was raised on the phase "He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, He tāngata, He tāngata!” Translating to What’s the most important thing in the world? It’s the people, the people, the people! I’m passionate to lead through this Mahi with this at my for front. 

Working with rangitahi is truly a blessing and I’m devoted to help build them up, surround them with aroha, and continue to grow/ nurture and support them through all challenges that may come their way! 

When not at Mahi, I enjoy spending time with my whānau, playing footy and growing and developing myself within our church! 

Ngā Mihi Nui, please don’t shy! 

m.trusler-clark@youthpathways.co.nz
P. 027 299 2808

our trustees
koru_on_white.png

Our symbol ‘koru’ consists of three spirals all going in the same direction. This represents the path our young people are on and the support required by whānau, staff and stakeholders. 

The bright red spiral is our young people and the most important part of this koru, they are the centre of all we do. The next grey spiral represents their whānau, significant persons and stakeholders, as without their involvement we will not achieve what we seek to for our young people. The remaining spiral is the Youth Pathways team of dedicated staff and board members who are all heading in the same direction alongside our young people, their whānau and stakeholders to guide them on their path.

Youth Pathways, Te Ara Rangatahi is exactly as it says, “Pathways for our youth”. We seek to explore a variety of opportunities and to identify pathways that reflects the young person’s potential.