23/10/2025
Say hello to our East Coast Bays Rangatahi (youth) Organisation Network team! Here we will hear a little bit about what each of these ladies do.
Photo 1: Meet Kim!
I get the privilege of running the team here at He Manawa Tītī. During the course of my connection with the HBC Youth Hauora Network, I asked the question, "when are we getting our own network in the East Coast Bays for our community?!" And the answer became clear: "you're up Kim!" I feel deeply passionate about bringing people together to connect and empower each other in the purpose we've each been given. As the mum of five wāhine and three mokopuna, I know how important connecting with others in the same space as you to keep you going! My love for launching Rangatahi into the world was also a big driver for me. My husband and I have, ever since our early years of marriage (30 years ago!), had young Rangatahi live with us as they transition into independence. That alongside my work as a trauma informed life and parent coach, all added up for me to look at heading up this project.
Photo 2: Meet Faith!
Kia ora I'm Faith, I am the connector! I love to meet with people that are serving the rangatahi in our community. To hear their concern and love for our young people in the bays and the way they are engaging with them through their initiatives and orgs is great. My mahi is around having kōrero with these wonderful people and orgs to connect them to each other via the network hui's and future directory. We want to know what's going on out there to promote collaboration and whanaungatanga! I've grown up on the north shore and have been in the bays since year 8 at Murrays Bay Intermediate! My 9 year old son is at Murrays Bay Primary and it brings me joy that he loves some of the very same things I did as a young person here in Murrays. Playing at the Bridge Club and the school playgrounds, swimming at the beach and hanging with the whānau. I'm stoked to be part of creating this network, bringing it forth to fruition as I hope my son will reap the benefits of strong local organisations that will meet his needs.
Photo 3: Meet Shay!
I get to look after the creative side of things here at the East Coast Bays Rangatahi – Youth Organizations Network, including our social media, website, and newsletters. I love being able to tell the stories of what’s happening in our community and share the heart behind this network - bringing local youth organisations together to connect, collaborate, and empower our rangatahi. My passion for this mahi comes from my work at Gracegate Community Centre and The Forest School, where I’ve seen how powerful it is when people find belonging and purpose. I’m also close to finishing my NZ Certificate in Mental Health & Addiction (Community and Social Services), just two papers to go! This journey has deepened my understanding of how connection, wellbeing, and empowerment shape stronger communities. As a mum to my son, I care deeply about creating spaces where young people feel supported and inspired to grow into who they’re meant to be. I’m so grateful to be part of a team that’s building something meaningful here on the East Coast Bays - a network that celebrates connection, community, and heart.
