Kim Wyatt

I get the privilege of running the team here at He Manawa Tītī. During the course of my connection with the HBC Youth Hauora Network, I asked the question, "when are we getting our own network in the East Coast Bays for our community?!" And the answer became clear: "you're up Kim!" I feel deeply passionate about bringing people together to connect and empower each other in the purpose we've each been given. As the mum of five wāhine and three mokopuna, I know how important connecting with others in the same space as you to keep you going! My love for launching Rangatahi into the world was also a big driver for me. My husband and I have, ever since our early years of marriage (30 years ago!), had young Rangatahi live with us as they transition into independence. That alongside my work as a trauma informed life and parent coach, all added up for me to look at heading up this project.

Faith hemopo

Kia ora I'm Faith, I am the connector! I love to meet with people that are serving the rangatahi in our community. To hear their concern and love for our young people in the bays and the way they are engaging with them through their initiatives and orgs is great. My mahi is around having kōrero with these wonderful people and orgs to connect them to each other via the network hui's and future directory. We want to know what's going on out there to promote collaboration and whanaungatanga! I've grown up on the north shore and have been in the bays since year 8 at Murrays Bay Intermediate! My 9 year old son is at Murrays Bay Primary and it brings me joy that he loves some of the very same things I did as a young person here in Murrays. Playing at the Bridge Club and the school playgrounds, swimming at the beach and hanging with the whānau. I'm stoked to be part of creating this network, bringing it forth to fruition as I hope my son will reap the benefits of strong local organisations that will meet his needs.

Shayla Dodge

I look after the creative side of the East Coast Bays Youth Organisations Network, including our social media, website and newsletters. I love telling the stories of what’s happening in our community and helping share the heart behind the mahi we do.

My passion for community grew through my time at Gracegate Community Centre, where I saw how powerful connection, belonging and support can be. I now work at The Forest School, supporting neurodiverse children, while continuing to build websites and create digital content for different organisations.

I’ve completed my studies in Mental Health and Wellbeing and am now studying Business, Technology and Administration, continuing to grow my skills across both community work and the creative and digital space.

Most importantly, I’m a mum to my beautiful boy, and I care deeply about creating communities where young people feel supported, valued and empowered to be themselves.

If your organisation needs a website, social media support or help bringing an idea to life online, I’d love to hear from you!