Signing off for the year with three generations of leadership

We're wrapping up 2024 with a celebration of the wonderful outgoing leadership team while looking forward to the future with our network survey.

A year of growth and change

It has been another year packed with some incredible workshops delivered by our wonderful facilitators Rod Baxter & Ross McCook, along with support from Joy, Ann, & myself. Maybe we saw you at one of them! We want to thank-you for all of your hard work in the community and with young people, and we want to continue to provide support, training, and connections. I'd like to invite you to help us with that by completing our survey.

We've also had some changes in our team, with Joy handing over the reigns to James.

Joy continues to volunteer - so you'll see her around - and I have begun referring to Joy as our 'editor-at-large' - reviewing our website content, updating publications & resources, and helping with newsletters. At the same time our long time admin manager, and a former GM, Nicki McDonald is stepping down. All three of us got together for a wonderful celebration dinner in Parnell (along with the board) and it was great to share in their wisdom and advice for the future.

A few words from Joy...

As I ease into retirement at the end of 2024, I am taking time to reflect on the power of the work mentors do. Whether you are a volunteer or a paid mentor you touch the future, encouraging taiohi to stand strong and respond confidently to the world they live in. By listening to their stories, finding the resources they need and sharing your wise words you support them to resolve issues, develop as positive leaders and build deep and lasting well-being. Kia ora.

I wish you are your family the very best of the festive season. May you have the opportunity to relax and refresh so that you are ready to continue the valuable work you do with the remarkable young people of Aotearoa. Meri kirihimete.

...and from Nicki

It has been an incredible journey with the NZ Youth Mentoring Network over the past 12 years, starting as General Manager and later continuing in a supporting role after relocating from Auckland. It’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute to the growth and impact of this vital organisation. It's truly inspiring to see how mentoring continues to empower and transform the lives of young people across Aotearoa New Zealand.

An action-packed 2025

We've just finished planning an exciting training schedule for 2025 which we'll publish on our website in the coming week. You’ll also see an uptick in social media activity across Facebook, Instagram, & Linkedin - so make sure you follow us. And lastly, but not least, we're exploring ways that we can foster more connections & networking among the organisations and people who work with taiohi. That's going to include some exciting in-person events. Our survey is one tool we're using to get a greater understanding of what you need - but you can always reach out to me directly.

Finally, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday period. Your hard work & dedication to young people is inspiring and I hope you have a chance to spend time with loved ones and celebrate over the summer months.

Meri kirihimete ngā mihi o te tau hou ki to whānau

- James and the NZ Youth Mentoring team