kaupapa
Our purpose is to engage with rangatahi to whakamana their hauora
Through manaakitanga, we become kaitiaki for rangatahi across our rohe,
and create safe spaces for relationships to flourish
Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia, e kore whati
When we stand alone we are vulnerable, but together we are unbreakable
Ko wai tātou | Who we are
Tash Kane (She/her) Manager
Likes: Exploring the great outdoors
Dislike: WIND
Fun fact: Tash was a volunteer ambulance officer
Tash hails from the beautiful Māniatoto Valley! Tash grew up in the North Island. She moved across the ditch to Australia for 7 seven years, before moving to Central Otago.
When she’s not at work, you can find Tash adventuring through our beautiful country with her friends, in her veggie garden or enjoying a great book!
Tash has a passion for the great outdoors, using nature and physical activity as a tool for growing our comfort zones. She’s excited to join the Puna Rangatahi whānau, connect with the community, and growing food for Marley to cook!
Marley ferguson (he/him)
Lead Youth worker
Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairoa
Likes: Cooking, dad jokes, sunsets and music
Dislikes: Worms and wet socks
Fun fact: Marley makes the BEST fry bread!
Marley is a local lad who grew up in little old Omakau. He started as a volunteer for Puna Rangatahi and is now working as a full time Youth Coach. When he’s not at mahi, you can find him lost in a book, lost in nature, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!
Marley has a passion for connecting with people and creating communities of awesome humans with diverse opinions, passions, and interests.
Courtney la’ulu (she/her)
Youth worker
Likes: Good goats
Dislikes: Naughty goats
Fun fact: Courtney loves karaoke
Originally from rural Canterbury, Courtney decided to make the move to beautiful Central Otago and settle in the local area. She is a big animal lover and you'll often hear her talking about her goats or dogs.
Outside of work hours she's often brainstorming garden ideas and daydreaming of what animal she may adopt next, alongside playing music, reading or socialising.
Courtney is passionate about working with young people and is looking forward to bringing her positive and encouraging personality to the team.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR
Puna Rangatahi has been the end result of the hard work, dedication and passion of our incredible Youth Team and Trustees over the last 2 years.
As a Board we pride ourselves on providing youth lead services and programs run over our 2 sites in Alexandra and Roxburgh. And aim to create a safe environment for youth to grow and build confidence and positive relationships.
I am proud of the work our Youth Team do in our community to support our young people. From their work with the Junior Youth Council and Central Otago Youth Council, giving youth a voice in the future of our community to supporting their health and wellbeing through programs such as Blast and Basefit.
Please come along and check out the amazing opportunities that await at Puna Rangatahi.
Jayden Cromb
Chair Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust
