“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini”

“My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective”

Kia ora tatou, Ko Mel toku ingoa,

I first came to Challenge 2000 in 2014 as a Social worker, I was contracted by Challenge to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Youth Development Unit (YDU) unit, specifically with the Limited Service Volunteer programme in Hobsonville Auckland.

I left Challenge in 2016 and continued to work for the NZDF as a Social worker supporting Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen to be operationally ready for deployment. I then transitioned into a Senior Social work position supporting the Youth development Unit Headquarters. I was responsible for a team of Social workers situated across 3 different Military sites. I continued my role with the Military by training uniformed personnel to work with Young persons.

My passion is working with teams and developing training to support ongoing professional development and practice. I am privileged to join the dynamic team that Challenge 2000 is, and to continue to provide service within our community.