kaupapa
Our purpose is to engage with rangatahi to whakamana their hauora
Through manaakitanga, we become kaitiaki for rangatahi across our rohe,
and create safe spaces for relationships to flourish
He waka eke noa
We’re all in this together
Ko wai tātou | Who we are
Tash Kane (She/her) Manager
Likes: Exploring the great outdoors
Dislike: WIND
Fun fact: Tash was a volunteer ambulance officer
Tash hails from the beautiful Māniatoto Valley! Tash grew up in the North Island. She moved across the ditch to Australia for 7 seven years, before moving to Central Otago.
When she’s not at work, you can find Tash adventuring through our beautiful country with her friends, in her veggie garden or enjoying a great book!
Tash has a passion for the great outdoors, using nature and physical activity as a tool for growing our comfort zones. She’s excited to join the Puna Rangatahi whānau, connect with the community, and growing food for Marley to cook!
Marley ferguson (he/him)
Lead Youth worker
Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairoa
Likes: Cooking, dad jokes, sunsets and music
Dislikes: Worms and wet socks
Fun fact: Marley makes the BEST fry bread!
Marley is a local lad who grew up in little old Omakau. He started as a volunteer for Puna Rangatahi and is now working as a full time Youth Coach. When he’s not at mahi, you can find him lost in a book, lost in nature, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!
Marley has a passion for connecting with people and creating communities of awesome humans with diverse opinions, passions, and interests.
Courtney la’ulu (she/her)
Youth worker
Likes: Good goats
Dislikes: Naughty goats
Fun fact: Courtney loves karaoke
Originally from rural Canterbury, Courtney decided to make the move to beautiful Central Otago and settle in the local area. She is a big animal lover and you'll often hear her talking about her goats or dogs.
Outside of work hours she's often brainstorming garden ideas and daydreaming of what animal she may adopt next, alongside playing music, reading or socialising.
Courtney is passionate about working with young people and is looking forward to bringing her positive and encouraging personality to the team.
Nathan Zimmerman (he/him)
Youth worker
Likes: Hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors
Dislikes: Gardening
Fun fact: Nathan has spent a staggering amount of money on tattoos
Nathan has been in the general Central Otago area for around 10 years since moving down from Kerikeri in the winterless North.
He gained a trade after leaving school and also joined the New Zealand Army Reserves. Nathan is a keen outdoorsman and enjoys tramping, hunting and farm work on his family's lifestyle block!
Nathan takes satisfaction in helping people and has always been driven in aiding people who are struggling.
Annual Report 2023
A special mihi to our friends a Flannery Tait Chartered Accountants who processed our 2023 accounts, and provided this free of charge.
