We are sad to announce that Tama Bucknell will be leaving his role as AYM Coordinator at the end of this year.

Although Tama has only been with us for two years, he has made some big impacts. When Central Easter Camp decided to cancel their 2022 camp, Tama and the crew organised an AYM Eater Retreat at El Rancho. As the Covid guidelines kept changing the camp plan was onto its 3rd iteration when Easter finally rolled around and the Traffic Light setting was dropped to Orange. About 200 rangatahi came together and had an absolute blast and the team was well set up for the rest of the years events.

Tama will be taking up his new role as the Centre Manager for Praxis Education in Kenepuru, Porirua. Praxis Education provides flexible learning pathways for young people aged 13-16.

We took a moment to talk to Tama about his time with AYM.

What has been your main focus?

• When I came on board at the beginning of 2021, the focus was on rebuilding after a year of Covid lockdowns and the adverse impacts that had on youth groups in our region. We wanted to strengthen local youth groups and support them to journey with young people in their context, through the pandemic.

What are some of your highlights?

• Getting to know and spending time with the young adults who live in the AYM houses.

• It was great being able to create our own Easter Retreat and have a full year of events.

• Seeing the willingness in rangatahi to want to gather together and engage with each other. And seeing them encounter something of God’s love for them.

• Bringing more of an AYM presence to the regions and seeing the regional presence at events. It’s been so great getting to know the people in the northern and Wairarapa regions and learning from what they are achieving in their local contexts.

• We have really amazing people with a lot of talent and who are willing to share it. Easter and Intermediate camps were testament to this. I’ve loved stepping back and seeing the team empowered to shine.

• Partnering in a way that provides those community experiences that really journey well alongside young people, especially in light of a pandemic where they are missing out on the sense of community.

Where have you seen God move the most?

• I see God moving in the resilience of the young adults choosing to live their lives in a way that reflects something of Jesus in the place that they choose to live. Their willingness to serve, turn up and be present makes a huge impact on the young people they interact with.

• I’ve been reminded that God’s heart for community and restoration is always there and he’s always working in that space alongside the things we do.

What will you miss most?

• I’ve appreciated and value the experience of being part of Anglican Movement. The culture of the diocese and been very healing for me and I don’t think I’d be taking up this next role if I hadn’t had the opportunity to be a part of AYM Wellington and Anglican Movement.

• I’m not sure I’ll be missing anything as I plan to be around a lot doing things like supporting our local parish (Waikanae), supporting events like Easter Retreat, mentoring some of the Praxis students who are part of our AYM crew.

Any parting thoughts?

• I have loved the intentionality of the Anglican Youth Movement; it has a lot of potential to continue to impact young people through events, intentional housing, providing a safe place for questions, and journeying with young people.

• Please keep praying for and supporting the movement, I certainly will be!