Our Team
Jacob Bang
Tamsyn Sutherland
Bobby Gibbins
Shadez Moke-Belmont
Eddie Condra
Steve O’Connor
Jess Speechlay
Petonio Foaese
Viv Campbell
Wame Salabogi
Natasha Henry
Semanaia Agafili
Ana Baice
Desiree Harawira
Jonathan Pierce
Melisha Isa’ako
Carlida Te Awhe
Sarah Boniface
Kitty McKinley
Felise So’oa
Tito Kisona
Rebecca Foley
Dawn Tararo
Simon Ravenhill
Fa’afetai Avei
Petrina Foaese
Kauri Brown
Trish Dean
Adam Bain
D’Angelo-Gabriel Baice
Haraina Martin
Sr Marie Roche
Kat Birdling
Jacob Bang
Counsellor
Kia ora, my name is Jacob, I'm a full-time counsellor here at Challenge 2000. I was born in South Korea, grew up in Dunedin, and now call Wellington home.
I first became involved with Challenge 2000 through the Challenge Marist internship programme in 2013 and have more or less been involved ever since. I have a Masters degree in Counselling Studies from Massey University, and 5+ years of experience in youth work roles. Outside of work, you’ll find me working on a bunch of art projects or fishing off the rocks at Mākara.
I realise that I’ve been given far more than I can give, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside our young people in pursuit of a life lived to the fullest.
Tamsyn Sutherland
Senior Youth Worker
Bobby Gibbins
Youth & Community Worker
Shadez Moke-Belmont
Intern
Eddie Condra
Chaplain
Kia ora I’m Eddie and it is my privilege to have been part of Challenge since it’s small beginnings in Johnsonville in 1988.
I am from Ireland originally and now also call Aotearoa New Zealand my home. I have many different jobs here – including mentor to the staff, chaplain, marriage celebrant, sailing teacher, superviser, retreat giver and other roles where I share in the life and death moments of those who work at or are served by Challenge 2000.
It is a wonderful community of life and hope, that inspires me in my ministry.
Steve O’Connor
Supported Accommodation Manager
Phone
Petonio Foaese
Intern
Viv Campbell
Youth Services Manager
Kia ora. I am originally from Taranaki o Ngati Ruanui me Te Atiawa and currently living in Wellington.
I am hugely appreciative to be part of the Challenge 2000 whanau and count it a massive privilege to be part of team that is passionate about enhancing peoples’ lives for the greater good.
Natasha Henry
Intern
Semanaia Agafili
Intern
Ana Baice
Community and Ministry Support Worker
Jonathan Pierce
Capability Development Manager
Hello, I’m Jonathan. In January 2018 I came from NZ Police to Challenge 2000 as the Capability Development Manager.
I am responsible for developing and maintaining the infrastructure and organisational requirements of the agency, including data collection and reporting capabilities, and further developing our relationships with other agencies. It is my responsibility to ensure these amazing people have the technology, resources and information they need, at their fingertips, so they can focus on their day-to-day work helping the community.
Melisha Isa’ako
Social Worker
Talofa lava, Kia Ora! My name is Melisha Isa'ako.
I'm stoked to join the Challenge whanau as one of the MASSiSS social workers based at Taita College.
My move to Challenge at the beginning of 2022 was an opportunity I couldn't resist and upon reflecting on past experiences in leading youth development programmes, holiday programmes, youth ministry and working as a social worker in the health sector for a number of years - it was time for me to fully emerge myself where our rangatahi are at... in college!
Since being based at Taita no day is the same and I'm loving it!
I'm honoured to share space with our young people and I'm grateful to be part of their journey in whatever capacity they allow me to.
Here's to more spaces for our young people to thrive, be seen and heard!
Ia manuia!Carlida Te Awhe
Intern
Kia Ora, My name is Carlida, I am an intern at challenge 2000, my purpose here is to support young people, & mentor students who need the help whether it be in education or social activities.
Also building up my portfolio to become a cop once I leave challenge to pursue my career.
Sarah Boniface
Youth Worker
Kitty McKinley
Founder and Project Manager
I am the Founder of Challenge 2000, which I established in 1988 as a local youth initiative to support young people to develop and achieve their potential and older people to serve and thrive not just survive. I did not expect Challenge to reach thirty years of age! But here we are and here I am!
For the past forty years I have worked with young people, families, agencies, businesses and interest groups to assist them to overcome challenges positively and to function in a life giving, participative and just way.
At the moment I manage a lot of Challenge projects and also do a fair bit of troubleshooting and advice at a local and national level. I also provide training programmes, facilitation services and supervision on a myriad of topics. The money goes back to Challenge to support those who struggle.
My philosophy is that “love works” sooner or later. So with a bit of that and a bit of knowledge and professionalism all things are possible.
Felise So’oa
Missions Coordinator
Tito Kisona
Social Worker
Rebecca Foley
MASSISS Social Worker
Dawn Tararo
Kia ora, Sabaidee.
My name is Dawn Tararo, I have joined the MASSISS team at Challenge 2000 and I will be based at Porirua College as the Social Worker. I am of Laos descent, a small country in South East Asia. I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. My whānau and I moved to New Zealand in 1991. My husband and our three daughters live in Porirua East and have been there since. We are Porirua proud!
Between having our daughters, I have been in Social services for over 8 years in different NGO’s. I take pride in any mahi that I undertake. I am still as passionate as I was when I decided to study Social Work in 2013.
I am a people person and I love a good chat! I am easy-going (sometimes the odd blonde moments) which allows me to connect and build relationships with people from all walks of life. I enjoy spending quality time with my whānau.
I look forward to supporting our rangatahi at Porirua College to guide them to be the best version of themselves. I am excited to become a part of the Challenge 2000 whānau.
“poipoia te kākano kia puāwai”
“nurture the seed and it will bloom”
Khop Jai.Simon Ravenhill
Kia ora
My name’s Simon and I’m a youth worker at Challenge 2000.
I moved to New Zealand from England in early 2018. My background is in dance, specifically b-boying (breaking). In England the main part of my dance career was made up from being involved in dance and arts projects designed for young people.
Since moving to New Zealand I have become part of the dance scene and regularly teach, perform and compete.
As well as dance I also draw, paint, carve and produce music. I enjoy sharing these passions and helping others find ways of expressing themselves.
Fa’afetai Avei
Transitions Team Leader
Petrina Foaese
Youth Worker
Talofa lava. My name is Petrina Foaese, My family and I are from the beautiful island of Samoa. Challenge 2000 has many values that my Aiga and I hold close to our hearts.
I am privileged to work for such a giving and loving organisation. I have always wanted to give back to my community and I thank Challenge 2000 for helping me achieve this goal. I am currently working at Taita and Aotea Colleges doing youth work with awesome rangatahi under the Youth Worker in secondary schools support programme.
This is great as it gives me and insight in what is needed out in the community to develop and harness the strengths of young people. It gives me the opportunity to work alongside youth and listen to their beautiful stories.
I graduated with a BA in criminology and education at Victoria university and I believe this study is helping me understand more about the work we do and why we love it.
Everyday is different at Challenge2000 and I am truly blessed to be part of this amazing Aiga.
Kauri Brown
Kia Ora, My name is Kauri Brown I'm Maori & Tongan and I'm a youth worker here at Challenge 2000.
Most of my mahi is in High school doing one on one mentoring with our Rangatahi. It's something that I am extremely passionate about and grateful to have this opportunity.
I come alongside our young people to show that there is someone who believes in them which is a great blessing to my life as I see a lot of myself in the rangatahi coming from the same background.
Malo Auptio
Trish Dean
Administration Manager
Adam Bain
MASSISS Team Leader
Kia ora, I'm Adam, a social worker and MASSISS Team Leader here at Challenge 2000. I was raised in the Wairarapa before moving to Wellington to complete my social work degree. Over the last 15 years I have worked for both Government and NGOs in health, early intervention services and care and protection.
I am passionate about social justice for our young people and I look forward to continuing this work at Challenge.
D’Angelo-Gabriel Baice
Intern
Haraina Martin
Youth Worker
Sr Marie Roche
Kaitiaki
Kia ora my name is Marie and I am a Sister of St Joseph. Following a career in teaching, I first joined Challenge 2000 in 1991 when there was just four of us! After being the Rimutaka Prison Chaplain for 21 years, I have returned to Challenge 2000… as everyone does.
My role here now as Kaitiaki is about being available to people in the house and community and doing whatever needs to be done. I am loving being back here at Challenge 2000.
Kat Birdling
Senior Social Worker – Practice and Quality Assurance