Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Hobbies: Participating in sports and attempting new active recreation activities
Favourite food: Hot Chips – Can’t Go Wrong
Hobbies: Participating in sports and attempting new active recreation activities
Favourite food: Hot Chips – Can’t Go Wrong
I was born in Hastings and grew up in Fielding, where I went to Fielding Agricultural High School. Sport and Exercise Science were my favourite subjects, and my least favourite subject was Maths. When I reflect on my school years and who had the biggest impact on me, it would have to be Mrs Sisson - She was an advocate for Māori to achieve excellence and exceed above and beyond their potential. She ignited my passion for sports and tertiary education, her influence and positive outlook encouraged me to reach my academic potential and has led me into an enjoyable job.
After I finished school, and thanks to the guidance and facilitation from Mrs Sisson and her tutoring sessions, I knew what I wanted to do. I went on to study at Massey University (Palmerston North) and the University of Otago (Dunedin) where I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Science.
I now work as an Active Recreation and Rangatahi Lead at Sport Otago. My role here is all about rangatahi first and foremost and supporting rangatahi participation in active recreation. I help to identify participation barriers and develop alternative active recreation opportunities for youth. I have created a network of local stakeholders (secondary schools, rangatahi, youth trusts and recreation providers) to develop initiatives, that will enhance positive behavioural change and promote physical activity for rangatahi across Otago.
What I love about my role is the autonomy and flexibility and how I can use my strengths and knowledge to benefit the community. I remember being at school and not really knowing what path to take, hearing from others helped me to not necessarily make a decision, but let me know what was out there. If I’m able to let our Pasifika youth know what is potentially available to them in the future through this event, then that is a win in my books.
If you could give some words of wisdom to your younger self - what would they be?
After I finished school, and thanks to the guidance and facilitation from Mrs Sisson and her tutoring sessions, I knew what I wanted to do. I went on to study at Massey University (Palmerston North) and the University of Otago (Dunedin) where I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and Postgraduate Diploma in Science.
I now work as an Active Recreation and Rangatahi Lead at Sport Otago. My role here is all about rangatahi first and foremost and supporting rangatahi participation in active recreation. I help to identify participation barriers and develop alternative active recreation opportunities for youth. I have created a network of local stakeholders (secondary schools, rangatahi, youth trusts and recreation providers) to develop initiatives, that will enhance positive behavioural change and promote physical activity for rangatahi across Otago.
What I love about my role is the autonomy and flexibility and how I can use my strengths and knowledge to benefit the community. I remember being at school and not really knowing what path to take, hearing from others helped me to not necessarily make a decision, but let me know what was out there. If I’m able to let our Pasifika youth know what is potentially available to them in the future through this event, then that is a win in my books.
If you could give some words of wisdom to your younger self - what would they be?