Meet The Team

Hello, I'm Ayush Ram, I'm part of the events and Comms in Manurewa Youth Council. I've personally learnt about MYC through my friends and joined because I thought it was a good side quest cause I usually just chill at home, I wanted to get out of the house more. Another reason is because I wanna create good exposure towards Manurewa showing highlights on cool stuff going on and interact with our community. One piece of advice I'll give is to low-key put yourself out there and try new things, you don't have anything to lose. instead of overthinking it just take action like a foundation then you can build structure on to it after. That's all from me thanks y'all 🤑🤑🤑

Hi! My name is Erica, and I am part of the Hauora team in MYC. I am passionate about supporting youth wellbeing and creating opportunities where everyone feels included and heard. Outside of MYC, I am a Year 11 student at Manurewa High School. I enjoy doing art, shopping with friends, and watching anime and C-dramas. I found out about the Manurewa Youth Council through my older sister, who was also a member of MYC. I decided to apply because she said it was a great way to make new friends, be part of different events, and make a positive impact in our community. The advice I would give to youth in Rewa is to put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to try new things. It can be scary at first, but joining groups like MYC helps you grow, learn new skills, build confidence, and make great friendships. Bye bye!

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

Hiii!! My name is Kato, I'm 18 and I currently attend UOA (University of Auckland). I'm a first year and I'm both Tongan and Samoan. Toko uso all that jazz. I joined MYC quite recently so I'm a new member! In my highschool years, probably around 2021-2025, I heard of MYC from my friends who were part of it. Despite wanting to join in with my friends, I couldn't participate at the time because of my own studies. However, now I was finally given the get-go so I went for it! So far, its been cool as meeting new people and being part of something that'll help the youth of Aotearoa. Plus MYC provides food and all every meeting, so I was just sold. My advice personally would be that it's never too late to step up. Especially while you're young, always consider putting yourself out there and participate. Welcome new experiences, y'know? And MYC encourages exactly that; developing your confidence and communication.

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

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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

Mabuhay! Hi, I’m Daniel, an 18-year-old originally from the Philippines and a current prefect at Te Haikura a Kiwa. I joined the Manurewa Youth Council in July 2026 and am now part of the Events Team, where I help create opportunities that bring young people together and support our community. I first discovered MYC through its social media posts in 2024, shortly after moving to New Zealand. Seeing young people develop meaningful initiatives for others, especially fellow rangatahi, inspired me. I joined because I knew I had ideas, experiences, and energy to offer, and I wanted to give back to the community that welcomed me. My advice to youth in Rewa is to never underestimate what you can contribute. You do not need to be the loudest or most experienced person to make a difference. Step outside your comfort zone, share your ideas, and take opportunities that help you grow. Your voice and experiences matter, and even a small action can create a positive impact on someone else.

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.

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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.

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.

I first came across the Manurewa Youth Council through social media and was interested in the opportunity to get more involved in my local community. I joined because I'm very passionate about consolidating my knowledge of civics education and learn more about how decisions are made at both the national and local level. Since becoming a member, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of youth participation and having rangatahi represented in conversations that shape our communities. It has also been a great highlight to learn from others, make new friends, and work together with my team that reflect the perspective of rangatahi. My advice to youth in Manurewa is to keep putting yourself out there and don't let the fear of mistakes hold you back. Growth comes from trying new things, learning from setbacks, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Every experience teaches you something valuable and helps you become more in yourself and your abilities.

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Hi, my name is Harkirit, and I’m part of the Submissions team at the Manurewa Youth Council for 2026. I found out about the MYC many years ago through some close friends and family members who had been members; the reason I ended up joining is because it’s important for me to give back to my community in any way I can, and the MYC is exactly that with their focus on issues that impact the community through a lens of youth empowerment (they also give you free food every fortnight to sit at a meeting and nod your head a few times so that was a great reason too). The advice I would give to the youth in Rewa is that you are never too young or too old to achieve your dreams. A wise philosopher, and the least interesting bald guy from the Fast and Furious movies put it best: “One day, or day one?”

Hi there! My name is Jemimah, I am 22 years old. I am of Zambian and Congolese descent, but I am bred in South Africa. I have been a member of MYC for a year now and I am part of the cultural team. I especially enjoy reading and writing. I joined MYC at first to make friends as I was new to New Zealand and was struggling to assimilate. Joining MYC has helped me grow as a person, become for confident and sociable, make new friends, learn more about the culture and make a difference in the community. Some of the leadership skills that I acquired at MYC have been implemented my everyday life.

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.

Hey my name is Marlin and I am a General member of MYC. I found out about MYC through its extensive work in the community and wanted to get on the side that helps and gives back to the community. My advice to Manurewa youth is "join MYC"!

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.💯💯💯

Kia ora! Ko Regina tokū ingoa. I am a part of the Events team in MYC. I initially found MYC through my friend who was also joining during mid-year recruitment in 2021. At first I thought it would be funny to give it go, thinking I had a zero percent chance of getting in. But I am still here 5 years later, having more opportunities to give rangatahi the ability to be connected, supported and empowered. My advice to youth is to ‘never give up’ because you don’t know where the road is heading, and just to go along with the journey and see where it takes you. Like me. Who joined for a good laugh but was able to make a difference today.