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.

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.

Mālō le soifua, kia ora, and bonjour readers. Eric Sione here, youth justice worker at Challenge2000.Originally born in Samoa, I came to New Zealand in 1997 and grew up in the world famous Porirua. Think Jerry Collins, Aaradhna, Michael Campbell, TJ Perenara, and Rodney So'oialo just to name a few of my fellow hood stars. Must be something in the water.I am an honorary St. Pats Old Boy and former professional Rugby player that started out playing for Norths (Northern United Rugby Football Club) and Ories (Oriental Rongotai Footbal Club) in my hometown of Wellington. From there I went on to play as a pro for the Wellington Lions, which led to me breaking into the Wellington Hurricanes squad for their 2013 Super Rugby season. I was also a member of the Baby Blacks (NZ Under 20 team) which competed in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa. I have been blessed to play in France for six to sevens years with French Clubs such as Castres, and Perpignan. It was there that I learned to speak French fluently.Thankfully my Rugby career blessed me with lots of opportunities to travel the world, especially in Europe. Traveling is another great passion of mine. Now I am back in Aotearoa embarking on a new career, and I look forward to growing with those seeking support that come into our Challenge whānau.I have been described by one of my co-workers as being an amazing Father, having a charming sense of humour, warm inclusive spirit, and a very special way with people that is a true asset to C2K & everyone we serve.I am happy with just being called Eric. Fa'afetai, chur, merci, and thank you if you have read this far.

Kia ora, my name is Anh-Dao and I'm a Social worker at Naenae College with MASSISS.

I first got involved with Challenge 2000 in 2008 when I participated in a youth leadership programme. I pretty quickly realised that Challenge was something special and have stuck round, in a few different capacities, ever since.

I was so excited to return back to the team in 2018 whilst completing my Bachelor in Social Work.

No day is the same here which means new learnings and many different challenges everyday!

I feel extremely fortunate to be part of a team that's committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, working towards social justice and making a positive difference in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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.

Kia ora e te whānau! I'm Sarah and I'm a youth worker here at Challenge 2000. I spent the first 17 years of my life in Invercargill. In 2018 I moved to Wellington and studied a Bachelor's in Criminology and Religious Studies. Following that, I did my Diploma in Youth Work which led me to this wonderful organization.I think all young people are incredible and have immense potential. I love walking alongside a young person and watching them recognize how awesome they are, and making the most of their strengths. I aim to listen compassionately, support them in achieving their goals, and uphold their mana so they can take control of their own journey.My work is in the Transitions, Mentoring, and YWiSS spaces. I feel blessed to be a part of this incredible whanau that works every day to make a difference.

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!

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