Meet the team at Te Tai Ohinga Central City Youth Hub

Manager Krishna, Kaimanaaki (support people) Olivia and Daniel are employed by The Y. Together they’ll play a vital role to ensure the hub is safe and welcoming for all rangatahi. Read on to find out more about them and their mahi. 

Meet Krishna (she/her) – Manager

Before taking on the management role at Te Tai Ohinga, Krishna ran an after-school and school holiday programme where she enjoyed caring for and having fun with tamariki. With a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, Krishna also has skills in supporting young people with learning disabilities. 

What’s unique about Te Tai Ohinga? 
There’s no other space like Te Tai Ohinga. Rangatahi can come in and just hang out, get involved in different activities and use the different facilities within the space. The need for a space like this was identified by young people and the activities and the programmes we offer are shaped by rangatahi themselves. We hope they feel at home here and feel they have autonomy over the space. 

What would you say to rangatahi thinking about coming to the youth hub? 
First and foremost, it’s important for all rangatahi to feel like this is a space for them, no matter where you come from or what you identify as. This is a safe space and all rangatahi are welcome. For us, as Kaimanaaki, it’s important to share that we are here to do things that support their needs.  

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work? 
I love hiking, walking on the beach and along the waterfront. My favourite hike in Wellington is the Paekakariki Escarpment track! 

Meet Olivia (they/them) – Youth Kaimanaaki 

Before joining the team at Te Tai Ohinga, Olivia worked across youth engagement and event management. Their role is to welcome taiohi into the space and run all the cool programmes Te Tai Ohinga has to offer.

What's unique about Te Tai Ohinga?
It so flexible! We're not limited by the physical space or existing ideas - if our taiohi have an idea or a need, we can probably make it work here.

What would you say to rangatahi thinking about coming to the youth hub?
Please come say hi! Try out the day's activity, do your own thing, or just take a tour so you know who we are. We can't wait to welcome you!

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work? 
I love painting, making delicious food, and swimming in the freezing cold ocean.

Meet Dylan (they/them) – Kaimanaaki 

Open the doors at Te Tai Ohinga and you’re most likely to be greeted by Dylan’s friendly face. Their role is to provide manaakitanga to young people by welcoming them, being supportive, and just generally hanging out. Dylan comes to Te Tai Ohinga with heaps of experience working with young people, including as a teacher aide and as a leader at The Bubble, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University’s wellbeing space. 

What’s unique about Te Tai Ohinga? 
The space is free-flowing, we base it around what youth like to do and what their input is. We can come up with all the ideas but if they don’t work for young people, there is no point. 

What would you say to rangatahi thinking about coming to the youth hub? 
In this space, I hope to be a role model and be the go-to person for rangatahi if they need some support. 

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work? 
I love music! I like singing and just making up songs. 

Are you aged 13 to 18 and keen to check it out? Te Tai Ohinga youth hub is located at 203 Willis Street and is open from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays. If you have any questions about the space, you can contact The Y.