Aotearoa New Zealand Ship for World Youth / Te Waka Rangatahi o Te Ao

Profiles, Reports and Images of SWY 20

Uesile Wesley Talaimanu – National Leader
Former participant in SWY15 program. Youth Experience consists of working with young people for 15 years from Church Youth Leader to Youth Social Worker for the Glen Innes Youth Development Programme Section of the New Zealand Police to Operations Manager of a Non Government Organisation that works with young offenders in the Auckland Region.

Parents with proud Samoan heritage and Manukau City resident for twenty five years. Currently Youth Justice Social Work Supervisor for Manurewa Child Youth and Family services. Passionate about living Life to its full potential and learning from all walks of Life.

" Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other". John F Kennedy

Maraea Nikora - Hamilton
Maraea lives and works in Hamilton as a youthworker.

Joshua Bahlman - Wellington
Josh is currently living in Wellington working in Network Security. In his past he has worked with groups such Youthline New Zealand and NZAAHD. Prior to being a computer geek, he spent most of his time in the outdoors guiding or instructing on rivers, and hugging trees. His love for the outdoors is still seen today in sailing, white water kayaking and tramping.

Deb Levy - Auckland
Deb Levy is 23 and lives in Auckland.  Her grandparents were Jewish refugees from Nazi Europe and she is grateful and proud to be a New Zealander.  Deb is passionate about youth issues. She has been involved in many youth development projects, in areas including leadership development, mentoring, telephone counselling for children, and currently works for the Eating Difficulties Education Network as their youth worker, while she completes her BA/LLB (Arts and Law) at The University of Auckland.

Tai Ahu - Shannon
Tahu is a originally from Shannon in the lower North Island. He made his big step to Wellington to study a BA in Law at Victoria University.

Mariana Whareaitu - Taranaki
Mariana is from Hawera, Taranaki, but currently based in Wellington. A student at Victoria University, she is studying towards a BA in Anthropology & Maori. Mariana was previously involved in a number of youth initiatives and community groups, which include being a trustee of her marae in Taranaki, participating in a South Taranaki Unity Youth group, and travelling to Nepal to visit other youth organisations.
She is now focusing on her studies and is working part-time in the big capital.

Nick Taylor - Christchurch

Soriya Em - Auckland
Soriya is 27 yrs old. She is currently the contracts manager (science
& engineering) for Auckland UniServices. Soriya has been a volunteer
for Kaipatiki project – an environmental organisation, is a trustee
and volunteer tutor at the Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation
Trust.

Tele'a Andrews - Wellington

Marama Papau - Auckland
Marama Papau is Tuvaluan/NZ Pakeha.  Raised in the South Island (Dunedin, Timaru, Chch) before she saw the light and moved to Auckland.  She works in media, as a reporter for Tagata Pasifika.  Loves the Pacific islands and loved her time onboard the Nippon Maru.  Would recommend it to anyone who wants to see the world and meet an amazing bunch of people.