Team — Kāwai Rangatahi

Sarah Millar - Trust Manager

What made me choose youth work? I started youth work when I took a gap year after Year 13. I loved how much fun I was having so much that the gap year has turned into a decade of working with young people here in Aotearoa and overseas.

The thing I love most about youth working Getting alongside young people and doing life with them. Learning about their lives and supporting them in all aspects of life. It’s such a privilege to join a young person on their journey and see each of them grow and develop.

When I’m not youth working I’m getting out on my bike, volunteering at Grace Vineyard Youth or in the hospo team, watching Formula 1 with my friends or enjoying a flat white at one of the many great cafes here in Ōtautahi

Ben Haw - Youth Worker

What made me choose youth work? I chose youth work because I want to be someone for Rangatahi to be able to chat to, hang out with and be a support, much like my youth worker was to me when I was a teenager.

The thing I love about youth working is meeting heaps of new people and having fun with everyone.

When I’m not youth working I’m swimming and cliff jumping at the local beaches and rivers!

Samantha Ayers - Youth Worker

What made me choose youth work?

was just my passion to see young people thrive! I have always been in a job or spaces where there was some youthwork involved and I have always been a people person so connecting with youth has been very natural for me, it’s been a natural path to follow. I love mentoring young women and seeing them succeed and grow. I can’t think of a better job!

The thing I love most about youth is their energy and excitement! I have a lot of energy and I love to see young people have a lot of fun and enjoy life so I try and build a safe place where they can come and have heaps of fun! I love getting to know each individual and learning about each of them and their unique stories. I love to help them build relationships with others and get to know themselves better along the way.

When I'm not youth working I am interning at Grace Vineyard City Campus and help run all the youth programs there. I also love being outdoors so if I’m not running a youth program I’m probably doing something fun and outdoorsy!

Neo Caughtry - Youth Worker

What made me choose youth work?
I have always had a heart for youth and seeing the development of them in their character. I am a product of other youth leader's/worker's investments in me and now I want to continue the cycle of making a greater impact on the youth of today for a better tomorrow.

The thing I love most about youth work is being a safe person for the youth, and seeing the impact I make on their lives.

When I'm not youth working, I am interning at Middleton Grange High School, barbering, studying, serving the youth at Grace Vineyard Beach, or smashing chest at the gym.

Sam Daniels - Youth Worker

What made me choose youth work? The main reason that led me to start youth work was because throughout my teenage years I have been incredibly blessed to have been a part of different youth groups, where I have had heaps of fun and opportunities. Alongside that I’ve had some incredible youth leaders who’ve helped invest into my life and shaped me to be the person I am today.

I think the thing I love most about youth work is getting alongside youth and helping them to really discover themselves and building their self confidence.

When I'm not doing youth work, I'm interning at Grace Vineyard Church working alongside young people as well. I enjoy sports whether that's playing it myself or getting to watch it.

Jaz Bayford - VMS Student

Jaz is joining us in 2025 as a VMS Student. She is completing her placement for VMS with us, working alongside our Youth Workers to support the rangatahi.
Jaz is fun loving and has been loving getting to know all of the different rangatahi we work with.

Mataio Tuisuga - VMS Student

Mataio is joining us in 2025 as a VMS student. He is completing his placement for VMS with us, working alongside our Youth Workers to support the rangatahi.
Mataio has a bubbly personality and loves sport so will often be found hanging out with the rangatahi on the sports field.