YCD BOARD MEMBERS (May 2026)
Prachi Didmishe
Lee Risby
Jill Sunnex
Lynn Wood
Carmen Hammond
Fred Williams – General Manager
Kia ora koutou
Ko Karioi te maunga.
Ko Toreparu te awa.
Ko Tainui te waka.
Ko Tainui te iwi.
Ko Hoturoa te tangata.
Ko Fred Williams toku ingoa.
Ko ahau te Kaihautu o YCD.
As General Manager of YCD, I have the privilege of leading an organisation committed to walking alongside all taiohi. Together as a YCD whānau, we honour where we’ve come from, strengthen what we do today, and help shape where YCD is going.
At the heart of this mahi is creating space for taiohi to discover who they are, and for kaimahi to lead, grow, and live our values in their everyday mahi.
As an organisation, we are continuing to grow our understanding and practice as a Kaupapa Māori provider, guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Through our values of Whakaurutanga, Pai, Aroha, Whakamana and Whai Kawenga, we are building a culture that supports belonging, strengthens identity, and enables both taiohi and kaimahi to thrive.
It is a privilege to contribute to this kaupapa and to the legacy of YCD, working alongside dedicated kaimahi to ensure YCD continues to evolve and that our taiohi are supported to live whole and meaningful lives.
“Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai.”
Nurture the seed and it will flourish.
Nā reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
Natalia Sukhikh | Financial Administrator
Tēnā koutou katoa, e whakawhetai ana mātou mō tō koutou whakawhānau ki te paetukutuku o YCD, ā, nā te whakawhetai ki a koutou kua tuku to koutou wā ki te pānui i ētahi kōrero mō mātou.
I am Natalia, and I come from the Donbas region. I’ve been working at YCD for 20 years, where I handle financial administration.
In my role, I manage financial matters and make sure things run smoothly. I enjoy being a part of this community and I’m proud to contribute to the YCD’s mission to help young people on their journey.
Silimana’i Junior Mata’afa | Operations Manager
Malo le soifua ma le lagi mama.
Talofa, Talofa lava.
O lo’u igoa o Silimana’i Junior Mata’afa.
Na ou fanau i Tanetini.
O le nu’u sa fanau ai lo’u tama o i Malie.
O le nu’u sa fanau ai lo’u tina o i Falealupo.
O lo’u to’alua o Rachel Maitland Mata’afa.
O ia sa fanau i Tanetini / Ngai Tahu
E to’a lua le ma fanau.
O Neihana o le matua.
O Nikora o le ui’i.
Ou te faigaluega i Youth Cultural & Development (YCD)
O a’u o le pule o galuega.
It is truly a privilege and always grateful to be part of the YCD whanau that makes such a meaningful impact on the lives of our taiohi, whanau and wider community.
Fa’afetai lava, ia manuia.
Michelle King | Quality Lead
Tena Koe
Ko Piripiri te maunga
Ko Waitohi te awa
Ko Kawakawa te moana
Ko Waikawa te mare
Ko Michelle toku ingoa
Born in Ōtautahi, I moved with my whānau to Waikawa Bay as a child, where I spent most of my youth, before returning to Ōtautahi at 21.
I came across a role in a YJ residence close to home & applied, out of curiosity, by the end of day one, I knew I had found my passion.
Now 14 years on, I’ve built deep knowledge across the youth justice sector, with experience in child protection, mental health, trauma-informed practice, substance use & a wide range of disabilities impacting today’s rangatahi
For the past six years, I’ve been part of the Whanau at YCD. Now in the role of Quality Lead, my mahi is driven by a commitment to ensuring our programmes & services uphold the highest standards. I’m dedicated to strengthening practice, honouring professional standards, & ensuring taiohi voices are central in everything we design & deliver.
Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai — nurture the seed & it will blossom.
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu — even the smallest steps are precious.
Julie Anne-Tuhimata | Street Youth Work Project
Tena Koe
Ko huruiki te maunga.
Ko mokau te awa.
Ko tu whenuaroa te waka.
Ko Mokau te marae.
Ko Nga Puhi te iwi.
Ko Ngatiwai te hapu.
Ko kai whakamarumaru aku mahi.
Ko Julie ahau.
I have been a part of the YCD whanau for 14yrs, I am currently working on the Street Youth Work Project – Ensuring the safety of our taiohi.
Things change, come and go….however the support given to our taiohi will remain the same.
Melody Wehi | Pouakai-Nga Ruru
Ko Taiarahia te Maunga
Ko Ohinemataroa te Awa
Ko Rongokarae te Tipuna
Ko Tuhoe to Hapu
Ko Rangiaho te ingoa Whanau
Ki te taha o toku koroua tuarua
Ko Ruahema te Maunga
Ko Waioweka te Awa
Ko Ngati Ira te Hapu
Ko Wehi te ingoa whanau
Tena Koutou
Ko Mel toku ingoa, Ko au to Pouakai o Nga Ruru.
As Pouakai our mahi is to provide guidance, cultural support.
We work alongside Kaimahi as mentors, supporting Kaimahi to navigate their mahi ensuring decisions align with our Kaupapa and Values, to strengthen and support our organisation,
Nou te au
Ko te manu e kai ana I te miro, nona to Ngahere.
Ko te manu e kai ana it te matauranga, Nona te au.
The bird who feasts on the miro berry
Theirs is the forest.
The bird who feasts on the knowledge,
Theirs is the knowledge.
Simona Fa’avesi | Fast Track Kaimahi
Malo le soifua, o lo’u igoa o Simona.
I have worked in the youth work sector for many years working in various roles.
I am very grateful to be a part of the YCD whanau and love the Kaupapa here. I’m fortunate enough to be in the roles that I am in, where I can connect and offer support to whanau in the whanau role.
Being in the leadership team is a real privilege. To be able to support kaimahi and hopefully bring the best out of not only myself, but also my work colleagues.
I’m a family man. I’m a very energetic and motivated person. I love health & fitness, so I encourage this daily with our taiohi through gym programmes, being active and outdoors. I’m passionate about everything I do, and always bring positivity as I truly believe people feed off your energy.
Moresby Peseta | Supervision WIth Activity
E fa’afeiloai atu ma le agaga fa’afetai i le paia ua sasao nei. Mālō le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā.
Talofa Lava, mālō lava le soifua, maua ma le lagi e mamā.
O lo’u igoa o Moresby Peseta.
Na ou fānau i nei Kalaiesekeke, Niu Silani
Na fānau lo’u tamā i Papauta, Samoa
Sa fānau lo’u tinā i Vigi, Samoa
Kia Ora, my name is Moresby Peseta, and I am apart of the Supervision with Activity Project here at YCD.
‘Afai ‘o le’ā ta’ape le filiali’i, tala’a’ao i le lagi e mamā ma le soifua maua.
la manuia tele Sāmoa i Iona tūlaga fa’alupeina ae ou mālōlōina atu.
Soifua!
Sione Mosaati | Supervision With Activity
Malo e lelei,
Ko hoku hingoa ko Sione Mosa’ati. Oku ou lelei mai mei nomuka niutoua.
The name is Sione Mosa’ati.
I was previously employed at Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo youth justice facility where I made the decision to shift my youth work out into the community and to explore and expand my youth working ability’s/skills and continue to offer my services.
I have been lucky enough to snatch a role here at YCD (youth and development) and with the supported bail team early May before transitioning to the supervision with activity team earlier this year. So far it has been a blast with the team, but I am loving every minute here. Engaging with our rangatahi and being there main point of support so far has been my greatest challenge but my most rewarding.
Louis Fanane | Supervision With Activity
Ka tū ahau ki te tihi tapu o Apia,
Ka rere ōku roimata ki te moana-nui-a-kiwa,
Ko Vavau, ko Manono, ko Falealili ko Ailepata ngā papa kainga,
Ko Lalofau te malae,
Ko Hāmoa te iwi,
Ko Louis tōku ingoa, nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.
My name is Louis, and I’m part of the Supervision with Activity team here at YCD alongside Sione and Moresby. I have a real heart for supporting and uplifting our rangatahi. I’m passionate about mentoring, walking alongside our young people, and being a positive role model they can trust and look up to. I believe that with the right guidance, encouragement, and care, our rangatahi can grow into confident, purpose-driven leaders.
Heseti Kopelani | Community Service Co-Ordination
A’o le’i osofia le magugua gai le faugagaga,
Ouke mua’i ka le polaivao ma au kala le gagaga, auà lau fa’afofoga Samoa, iga ge’i lape se kala a’o se gagaga, oga avea lea ma le kogu i lo’u kagaka. Ae a fai fo’i ua sala, ose kualogo a’o se lauseoso.
Oute mua’i fa’atalofa ile paia ma le mamalu ile aofia, malò le soifua ma le lagi e mamà.
O lo’u igoa o Heseti Kopelani.
Sa ou fanau i Aukilani, Niu Silani.
O lo’u tamà e sau mai Maagiagi, Samoa.
O lo’u tinà e sau mai Lufilufi, Samoa.
Kia Ora, My name is Heseti Kopelani. I am part of the Supported Bail programme team here at YCD.
“Iti noa ana he pito mata.”
From the withered tree, a flower blooms.
Daniel Mataki Jr | Community Service Co-Ordination | Fresh Events Entertainment
Tama Tū Tama Ora, Tama Noho Tama Mate
He uri ahau nō Ngāi Tahu, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Hāmoa me Tonga Tapu.
Jayme-Leigh Gilmore | Transitions to Independance
Ko Paeroa te Pae maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Manu-nui-a-rangi te waka
Ko Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whāoa te iwi
He kaimahi rangatahi kei YCD
Ko Jayme toku ingoa
I have been privileged enough to be working with taiohi here at YCD for 2 years, supporting them in both the community service and the transition to adulthood space. Working alongside taiohi on the transitions team is inspiring and exciting mahi to be part of. We set goals together and make small steps towards achieving these goals. Some of the common goals for rangatahi is for them to get their licence, achieve stable accommodation, create a CV, gain employment and/or education and to work on their physical and mental health. For transitions, no goal is too big or small, and seeing taiohi continuously show resilience and commitment is the reason that being in this mahi is so rewarding. Outside of YCD, I am doing a Masters in Social Work at the University of Canterbury and in my spare time I enjoy crocheting, running, and relaxing watching TV with my cat Luna.
Kris Heslin | Transitions to Independance
Ko Te Ahu Pātiki maunga.
Ko Waikirikiri te awa.
Ko Ōtautahi ahu
Ko Kris with a K Toku Ingoa.
He kaimahi rangatahi kei YCD.
Kia ora, I started my youth work journey at YCD Lichfield Street back in 2003, 23 years later I am grateful to have returned in the Transitions to Independence Project. Over those 23 years I have worked within the youth justice sector, rangatahi health, trades training and alternative education space.
Jared Keil | Igloo Lead and Fresh Outreach
Toia Tainui tapoto ki te moana
Māku e tō
Mā te whakatau e tō
Mā ngā uri whakaheke e tō
Pātukituki ana te manawa i te reo ihirangaranga o Rangitoto, he toioro, he toirangi, he toi tipua, he hāora e whakarauora nei i tōku whatumanawa. Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au.
Hekeheke iho ki ō tapuwae ki ngã wai rerehua o Mangaokewa, he wai whakaāio i ōku māhara. Koia ngā wai o ōku tīpuna e kōpikopiko ana i te mana whenua o Te Kuiti. He pou whenua, he toka tū moana, e ara rā e Te Ahoroa.
Tērā he rākau hei waka i whaohia e Rakataura
He toki Hahau-te-pō
He toki Paopao-te-rangi
He toki Manu-tawhio-rangi i whākairohia te mauri ō whakapapa e here nei i ahau mai i te moana nui a Kiwa ki Aotearoa. He waka tipua, he waka ariki koia ko taku waka o Tainui.
O lo’u igoa O Jared,
Sa’ou fanau I Aukilani,
Ou te nofo I Christchurch,
O lo’u nu’u O Puipa’a,
O le igoa O lo’u Tamati o Rocky, Ruby ma Aggy,
Fa’afetai lava.
My name is Jared, and I am of Māori and Samoan heritage. I have been with the YCD whānau for about 3 years now. Last year I relocated to Auckland to study at Te Wānanga Takiura where I achieved a diploma in oral fluency. Prior to youth work I have a background in the NZ Army, as well as the NZ Police. My role at YCD is the lead for the FRESH OUTREACH Project. You’ll find me either at our youth hub, The IGLOO located at the CBD Bus Exchange or conducting OUTREACH across Ōtautahi.
Alongside Dan, utilising the knowledge I gained last year, I also take Te Reo lessons with our kaimahi and young people to help build confidence, strengthen understanding, and empower them to grow their skills, knowledge, and experience within Te Ao Māori which I am very passionate about.
I look forward to engaging with our taiohi and wider communities offering them opportunities for active recreation and engagement and also creating a safe and inclusive environment that encourages pro social activities and a sense of belonging.
“Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei”
Red Ngaia-Setu | Pouakai Nga Kahu | Events Co-Ordinator | Clubkingz/Te Au Oro Course Tutor
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Waitara te awa
Ko Tokomaru te waka
Ko Awanuiārangi tōku tipuna
Ko Te Āti Awa tōku iwi
Ko Puketapu tōku hapū
Ko Mururaupatu tōku marae
Kei Youth and Cultural Development ahau e mahi ana
He Pouakai tōku tūranga mahi
Ko Rerewa ( Red ) tōku ingoa
Kia ora, talofa lava, fakaalofa lahi atu.
Tommy Tominiko | Events Co-Ordination | Digital Media | Clubkingz/Te Au Oro DJ Course Tutor
Tēnā koutou, e te whanau, ko Tommy Tominiko toku ingoa.
Ou te sau mai ile nu’u o Mulivai Safata i Samoa.
O a’u o le afakasi, o lo’u Tamā o le Samoa, a’o lo’u tinā o le Palagi.
Oute nofo I Kalaiesitete ma o lo’o o’u faigaluega nei i le YCD i le taimi nei.
Tēnā koutou, e te whānau
Nō Hāmoa, nō Ingarangi ōku tupuna
Ko Mulivai te pā o ōku tupuna
I whānau mai au, i tipu ake au i kōnei – i Ōtautahi
Ko tāku mahi, He Pou Whakaaro mo Whakawhanakehia O ngā Rangatahi
Ko Iverson tōku tama
Ko tommy tōku ingoa
No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā rā tatou katoa
My current role at YCD is Events Co-Ordinator and FRESH Outreach Project and also co-design direct The Christchurch Hip Hop Summit.
I have great passion for music, fitness and being creative, which also include being creative in designing static and digital content for our organisation.
Karereatua Williams | Support Kaimahi Outreach | Kura Leadership
Kia Ora Kotou, Ko Taupiri te maunga, Ko Toreparu te awa, Ko Tainui te Waka, Ko Tainui te iwi, Ko Motakotako te marae, Ko Ngati Reko te hapu, Ko Karereatua Williams toku ingoa.
Kia ora, my name is Karereatua and I’m a kaimahi support worker based with the Igloo Outreach team. My role focuses on walking alongside rangatahi, offering support, encouragement, and helping them navigate challenges in a way that works best for them.
Novena Watkin-Lemalu | Transitions to Independance
Kia Ora Whānau, Talofa Lava, Mālō e lelei
Ko Novena Watkin-Lemalu tōku ingoa.
I am of Māori, Tongan, Pākehā descent.
I am part of a very large whānau, am a mother and a wife. Grew up in East side of Christchurch and have a 14 years experience working in the public service sector but was time for a change. I love me some reggae music and spend a lot of time at different sports with my whānau when not at mahi.
YCD was a huge part of my upbringing so being able to now work here is the best feeling and a true privilege.
I’m really excited about what we are able to achieve here at YCD. I love the mahi and supporting our rangatahi with the tools to be able to live well, achieve their goals and be strong and independent.
Mauri Ora.
Terekia Roberts | Supported Bail
Ko Mataatua toku waka
Ko Tuhoe toku iwi
Ko Kutarere toku marae
Ko Terekia toku ingoa
Kia Ora I am currently on the Supported Bail team working with young people on a day-to-day basis upskilling and creating opportunity for Rangatahi to succeed. We are a culturally based organisation and linking them towards a more positive outcome.
Shaun Asi | Supported Bail | Photography & Visual Media
Malo le soifua
O lo’u igoa o Shaun Mulivai Asi, Au te sau mai Aranui, Christchurch.
I am a Youth Worker at Youth and Cultural Development, raised in the Christchurch East.
My family is from Samoa, my village is Solosolo and Afega.
I have been working with rangatahi since 2007, but have been working at YCD for 13 years now.
I used to come to YCD drop-in as a youth alot and remember the plays and holiday programs at YCD Manchester St, also the all the hip hop events that were held at YCD Lichfield St.
For me working at YCD has been a privilege and joy to be serving the rangatahi and playing a part of their journey is very special.
I also do a little bit of photography and videography for YCD which I really enjoy and enjoy exploring new ideas and skills.
Nga mihi…. East!
Aiesha Hawkins | Supported Bail
Ko Tawhirirangi toku maunga
Ko Mohaka toku awa
Ko Takitimu toku waka
Ko Ngati Kahungunu toku iwi
Ko Ngati Pahauwere toku hapu
Ko Wai Papa iwi toku Marae
Ko Te Kahu o te Rangi toku tupuna
Kia ora Tatau,
I am very excited to have joined YCD.
I have spent the past eight years studying and working as a support worker, following in my mother’s footsteps. Supporting rangatahi and people in need is a strong passion of mine and deeply rooted in my family values.
I come from a large, community focused family where caring for others and giving back has always been a priority. I have a strong love for music, singing, dancing, staying active, and supporting the wellbeing of those around me.
I have lived in Australia over the past years and I am incredibly grateful to be home again, reconnecting with my people, my culture, and my community.
Dara Nickel | Whakatutia Nga Wero | SYSC Life Skill Course
Malo soifua and Kia Ora,
I have the privilege of working within the SYSC Programme while also supporting the Igloo Outreach Programme. Over the past two years at YCD, I have been grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside and support young people in their individual journeys.
Working in this space is deeply rewarding and I am passionate about creating meaningful connections while contributing to the positive impact we make in young people’s lives; one conversation at a time. I feel privileged to be part of a team committed to empowering taiohi, strengthening communities and creating opportunities.
JOSHUA NICKEL – WHAKATUTIA NGA WERO
Malo le soifua maua ma le lagi e mama.
O lo’u igoa o Joshua Nickel.
E 25 o’u tausaga.
Ulutogia, Aleipata, Togafuafu’a
It is a privilege to be part of the YCD crew. Mentoring and impacting our young people’s lives to create themselves a better future. My role is to help lead out the Whakatutia Nga Wero Program that entails assisting our taiohi in achieving their life skill goals in a 10-week timeframe and focussing on a holistic approach in accomplishing these goals.
Aaron Skow | Whakatutia Nga Wero | SYSC Lifeskills Course
Kia Ora Tatou,
Ko Tainui Te Waka
Ko Manawatu Te Awa
Ko Ngatai Raukowa Toku Iwi
Ko Foxton Ahau
E Noho Ana Ahau Otautahi Inaianei
Ko Skow Toku Ingua Whanau
Ko Aaron Toku Ingua
No Reira, Tena Koutau, Tena Koutau, Tena Koutau Katoa
Kia Ora, hey, hello, my name is Aaron I am a Kaimahi support SYSC tutor.
I am starting out my youthwork journey here with the amazing crew at YCD. Bringing experience from the fitness and wellbeing sector aswell as many years of culinary experience.
I am a fast-paced bubbly personality who radiates positive energy to all around me. My strong passion for the fitness, health and wellbeing of young Tamariki is something you will be seeing lots from me. As I strongly believe healthy bodies fuel healthy minds.