Jacqui – General Manager
Jacqui originates from Auckland and has been living and working in Queenstown for over a decade. She has raised two children, now both adults. Her passion for young people grew through training and volunteering for Youthline and during the course of completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Following these experiences and through her own personal understanding of raising a child with Aspergers, Jacqui worked in both Intermediate and Primary schools with children who had both behavioural and learning difficulties. This led her to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching prior to moving to Queenstown. Jacqui loves working in the community as both a Manager and a Senior Youth Support Worker and continues to enjoy mentoring and advocating for the youth of the Whakatipu area and celebrating all that they contribute to our community.
Colin – Operations Coordinator
Originally came to Queenstown to play for the Skycity Stampede (ice hockey) and wasn’t expecting to be in Queenstown or New Zealand for that long. But we all know how that goes.
After 2 years of going back and forth between Queenstown and Europe playing hockey, covid hit and I’ve been here since…where in early December 2023 I received my citizenship. Hockey has always been my driving force, and wherever in the world it’s taken me I’ve been able to coach and mentor the youth through playing alongside them, coaching them, or being a mentor off the ice.
Helping and being there for others is something I pride myself on, so naturally I went to college and graduated with a bachelor of science in Psychology. I’m looking to do my Masters of Psychology through Massey University, which is a stepping stone into eventually having my own practice.
Youth Wellness Team
Liz – Social Worker
Liz is a long term (20+ years) Arrowtown local, with a few years spent living overseas.
Liz is mum to two young boys and has a passion for helping young people foster a strong sense of self. Liz is neurodivergent, has a strong sense of social justice and is passionate about supporting and advocating for families.
Having recently finished her studies, Liz is a provisionally registered Youth Social Worker (Bachelor of Social Work with Hons degree). Liz states its more likely you will find her fuelling her interest based nervous system with coffee and riding mountain bikes with her boys.
Sam (she/her) – Counsellor
Kia ora! Ko Sam ahau.
I grew up just out of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), playing on the black sands of Muriwai beach in Te Ika a Māui (North Island). I recently spent 10 years living in Te Anau before moving to Tāhuna a few years ago.
I love exploring the amazing mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and beaches in the South with my two dogs: hiking, climbing, camping, biking and surfing. I enjoy challenging myself and playing with what is possible – last year I did 100 hikes in 365 days, and earlier this year I walked the Kepler (all 61kms) in a day. At the moment I’m having fun giving mountaineering a go and would love to climb a peak over 3000m one day!
I’m excited to be a part of the whanau at Whakatipu Youth Trust. I absolutely love being a counsellor and feel honoured to hear people’s stories!
Grace – Youth Development Team Lead
Grace moved over to Queenstown from the UK at the beginning of 2023. She came to New Zealand looking for adventure and fell in love with the landscape and the wonderful people. Grace has a Bachelor in Psychology (Honours) and has worked in various therapeutic youth hubs back in the UK. She loves the creative freedom in youth work and has a passion for exploring different channels to help young people build their self-esteem. Grace is super excited to connect with the youth of Whakatipu and support them in finding their voice. On her days off, you can find her shredding the slopes, on a paddleboard, painting, or rummaging around the op-shops.
Richie – Youth Support Worker
Self proclaimed Richie 2.0!
Richie is one of the longest standing WYT employees, even when you mix in the couple years he spent living in the North Island and globetrotting. A national champion boxer who represented NZ internationally, Richie is a super passionate individual, and always ready for a challenge. Whether he’s mentoring, leading programmes, or just having an in depth conversation, Richie always has the youths best interest at heart. He is a long time Queenstown local and a huge asset for us and the local rangatahi of the Whakatipu.
Caitlin – Youth Support Worker
Meet Caitlin, a true local of Queenstown with a love for the mountains, lakes, and the wonderful community here. Without making her feel way older… she actually went through Kindy- High School here back in the day. She has lived in various parts of New Zealand, pursued her studies, and travelled, but ultimately found her way back to Queenstown with her partner and adorable dog, Lottie. With a degree in Visual Communication Design and a strong passion for creativity, Caitlin worked as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator for eight years before embarking on a new journey. Caitlin loves connecting with people from all walks of life and is motivated to help them become the best version of themselves. She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in counselling and spends her free time creating art, hiking, skiing, and adventuring with Lottie. You’ll easily spot Caitlin with her big smile, chatting away – most likely with a cup of tea in hand.