Meet The Team

I joined MYC to meet like-minded people, about having a positive effect on their community, and to have a safe space in which young people can share their ideas and concerns while having the ability to make a change. I am passionate about reducing the high level of crime among young people in Manurewa, and in increasing the level of education/pass rates.

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

Kia Ora, Ko Jake tōku ingoa and I am part of the Events and Hauora Team for MYC 2026. I found out apart MYC through my mentor who encouraged me to join and so I put my name forward for selections. Weeks later, I was blessed with the news that I had made selections to being a member in MYC. I think the reason why I joined is because I believe I am the voice of the voiceless, specifically our young people. I think every taiohi’s voice deserves to be heard by those who make choices and decisions for our community and every young person needs to understand that their voice is powerful and meaningful no matter what! This leads me to my advice in what I would give to rangatahi in Manurewa. “kaua e whakamā ki te kōrero” Don’t be ashamed to speak - your voice (what you say) is more valuable than you know. No question or answer is dumb, no suggestion or opinion is stupid. Trust me now, you’ll be surprised in what opportunities come when you speak and action it. Trust me, things will happen! And so let your voice be loud, louder than the hate because it matters! no reira e mihi ana kia koutōu katoa! Jake.

Talofa lava o lo'u igoa o Jerome Uaea I am Moari Samoan that grew up here in rewa I am the JC rep for the council I found out about MYC through one of my mates who were apart of the council and they sent us the a reel about who MYC was and what they do and they send it's a really great opportunity for people around our age and I signed up after we had a chat about the reason why I joined MYC is because I wanted to give back to rewa for all the things that rewa gave to me and also to meet new people and gain more experience for the future and lots more Advice I would give to the youth in rewa would be that sell yourself short don't let others weigh you do from what you want to achieve remember that there's people who are there to help you along the way you are so much more then what people tell you so take every chance you get because you never know you might enjoy what you'll do when that chance comes

Kia Ora, Im Juanita, and I’m part of the Manurewa Youth Council (MYC) in the Hauora role. I’m passionate about supporting youth wellbeing and creating positive spaces where rangatahi feel heard, supported, and empowered. Hauora is important to me because it focuses on mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. I enjoy encouraging others to look after themselves and helping promote balance in everyday life. Outside of MYC, I enjoy staying active, going to the gym, spending time with friends and whānau, and working on becoming the best version of myself. I found out about MYC through an organisation I’ve been working with thought-out 2025. I joined because I wanted to make a positive impact in my community and be a voice for youth in Rewa. Being part of MYC allows me to connect with like-minded people and contribute to initiatives that support youth wellbeing and growth. To youth in Rewa, my advice is to prioritise your hauora and believe in your potential. Life can feel overwhelming at times, but looking after your wellbeing makes a big difference. Take time to focus on your mental health, stay active, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new opportunities, even if they seem scary at first. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Stay connected to your culture, your whānau, and your community, because that’s where your strength comes from. It’s also okay to not have everything figured out yet — everyone is on their own journey. Your voice matters, and your ideas are valuable. Get involved, speak up, and support each other. When we look after ourselves and one another, we build a stronger and healthier community together.

Kia ora, I’m Mirza Takreem Ahmad, a member of the Manurewa Youth Council. My role is to represent young people in our community and support local events and initiatives that empower youth voices. I first heard about MYC through school and was inspired by the chance to make a real impact. I joined to give back to my community and to help create opportunities for youth to speak up and be heard. Being part of MYC has strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills while connecting me to people who care about Rewa. My advice to young people in Rewa: Get involved. Your voice has power use it to bring change and make our community stronger.

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

Talofa lava, I’m Scarlett. I’m a proud teine Samoa. I joined MYC at the start of 2024. Im in MYC’s cultural and submissions team. I learned about MYC through my mum who sent me link to MYC. I’ve made amazing friends and have had great opportunities and experiences. I joined MYC firstly, to get out into the community and see what was happening and secondly, to help provide youth opportunities to flourish in school and in their passions. Furthermore, MYC can voice youth concerns to the local board. My advice to youth in Rewa is stick together. I’ve witnessed youth putting each other down for the mispronunciation of our own pacific languages. Calling each other “plastic” doesn’t help anyone, but it does separate our sisters and brothers from each other and our culture. Youth have enough to deal with already. If we stick together we are more likely to achieve our goals and aims in life. Fa’afetai lava, Scarlett

Favourite thing about Manurewa: My friends that live in the area. I joined through motivation of joining an extra curriculum group out of school and keeping myself busy with responsibilities! I would love to achieve more events here in Manurewa.

Hi, my name is Gianni. I am a year 10 student at Manurewa High School. Half Tongan and half Cook Island 🇹🇴🇨🇰, born and raised in the heart of Manurewa. I've been with MYC from the start of this year 2026 and have taken on the role as Manurewa High School representative. I found out about MYC though a few friends and thought I'd take my shot and come out of my comfort zone and join the crew and here I am 🙌 Advice I would give to our youth in rewa is be more confident in your self and don't be afraid to express your self.

Ni Hao! I'm Jared, a 15 year old student at Manurewa High School. Throughout my whole life, Manurewa has always been my place to call home, providing me with a warm and welcoming community. Manurewa has also given me opportunities of all sorts, bringing challenges of their own. Through this, it has engraved a special place in my identity, as it has grown me to the person I am today. As previously mentioned, Manurewa holds a special place in my heart, and giving back and allowing others to take similar opportunities is something I've always wanted to do. After hearing about MYC from one of my siblings, I was more than willing to join. Small tip: Stray kittens can and will pee on you.

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

I love the diversity of the community and how everyone is able to embrace other cultures. This is my 4th year (6th year now!) in The Manurewa Youth Council, and my favourite thing about it has been all the amazing people I've met. My main goal for this year is for MYC to connect With more members of the community, especially through the events and activations we facilitate.

Long long ago, in an ancient village across the beaches of Manurewa, a young life form was born. His name was Nathan, 15, and he went to the education center of Manurewa High School. One day, him and his father went to a myc submissions event. It was at this moment that he realised that he wanted to join this council. A wise man once said, roast chicken can not be consumed without gravy 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯😐😐😐 Yoo so I'm Nathan, I'm currently 15 years old and go to rewa high. I found out about MYC through going to one of their events. I joined the council to make friends and meet new people. Advice I'd give to youth in rewa: PE teachers aren't as cool as they think they are.💯💯💯

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

Hi my name is Jackson Atutahi and I am a member of MYC and have been since 2021! I am currently the Manurewa High School representative and throughout my years I have been apart of the events, communications, and cultural team. I joined because of trip my school took me to where MYC facilitated. MYC has helped me build confidence, plan and facilitate events, and gain experience professionally which I can take for my future. Some advice I have to youth in rewa is to take every opportunity presented to you, you don’t know what might stick to you!

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Jorja tōku ingoa. Tekau mā whitu ōku tau. He Māori, he Kotimana hoki ahau. He mema ahau nō MYC, ā, he ngākau nui tōku ki te tautoko i tō tātou hapori. In 2025 I was the Youth mp for Chlöe Swarbrick. This opportunity allowed me to get involved with communities. At a Green party event I was approached and asked if I would be interested in joining Manurewa Youth Council. This conversation made me interested in what MYC was doing for youth in Manurewa, and it inspired me to get involved. Being part of MYC has helped me learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others who care about our community. Advice for youth in Rewa Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things. Get involved in your community, take opportunities when they come up, and surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Everyone has potential, and sometimes it just takes putting yourself out there to discover what you’re capable of.

Favourite thing about Manurewa: Southmall and Manurewa Library I joined MYC because it offers me a meaningful way to be engaged with others instead of doing nothing. I am passionate about the safety of youth in our local schools and public spaces. Through MYC, I hope to contribute by getting involved in community and youth-related activities

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more

Wow this filler text is absolutely incredible! Want to read more? Too bad I don't have more