Meet the team at Te Tai Ohinga Central City Youth Hub

Manager Krishna, Kaimanaaki (support people) Dylan and Daniel, along with social media and engagement guru K 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 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. 

Meet K (she/her) – Social Media & Engagement Coordinator 

K is The Y’s Social Media and Engagement Coordinator, and her role includes making sure the word about Te Tai Ohinga is getting out and the space is used and enjoyed. She talks to schools and connects with youth organisations to make sure young people can get the most out of the new space. K has a background in marketing and is studying commerce at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington . 

What’s unique about Te Tai Ohinga? 
It’s got this huge energy about it. It has potential to be a really transitional space for taiohi (youth) for whatever they’re going into after high school, or preparing them for the next level of high school. I just like the energy and the whole vibe of the place. 

It’s got a liveliness about it with the whole layout. The space isn’t ‘young’ – there’s a kitchen, there’s a computer area and it’s really trust-based. We’re recognising that taiohi do have that responsibility and they can have these areas. It’s an energy of responsibility, trust and giving them autonomy to develop. 

What would you say to rangatahi thinking about coming to the youth hub? 
I want young people to know that they should bring all of their passions, be as authentic as possible and bring their wonderful selves into this space. This is such a creative, huge space for them to fill.  

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work? 
 I do a bit of crochet, I put together a blanket for Te Tai Ohinga to put some of my aroha into the space and hopefully make it feel comfy. 

Meet Daniel (he/him) – Kaimanaaki 

What is unique about Te Tai Ohinga? 
It’s a space where rangatahi can feel like they’re themselves. We have all the activities and space that they need to feel comfortable. Sharing different ideas with rangatahi won’t only help us grow but also help them grow and become better versions of themselves. 

What would you say to rangatahi thinking about coming to the youth hub? 
This space is not a place where you are looked at differently, everyone that walks through the doors are treated the same way as everyone else. They will not feel left out and will always be included in every activity or programme we hold. 

What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work? 
Spending a lot of time with my family. I love fishing and playing golf. 

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.