Fresh wind of change for Wairarapa youth
A fresh change for the youth of Wairarapa is on its way, with the appointment of Ella Brown to the Wairarapa Whānau Trust's position of project leader for the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs. Since lockdown in 2020, the Trust has been engaged in a partnership with South Wairarapa District Council, through a contract to coach and mentor young people into their first employment in the local community.
Ella Brown, Wairarapa Whānau Trust’s new Project Leader for the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs.
Matt Crawshaw, our Social Communication and Community Development Manager, says "the goal is to work with young people who are not in employment and support them to make connections with employers, and find their first job. This offers them potential and hope for their future, and it also stimulates the economy, offering young people options for staying in their local community rather than leaving."
The contract with Council is a continuation of work started when Mayor Alex Beijen invited then-regional youth co-ordinator, Rev. Alan Maxwell, to extend his existing youth work with teenagers in the district's high school into this mahi. The continuation of the work is a great strategic alignment, says Matt Crawshaw. "This is a rich opportunity, and comes as recognition of the reputation the Trust has gained with Council. This role provides the relational glue that interconnects all the different parts of the community, and Ella will be great at this role," Matt said.
Ella comes to this role having been the administration and volunteer team leader at the Anglican Centre for two years, following a stint as parish administrator in Johnsonville. She's looking forward to this new role, and is looking forward to drawing on her rich experience working with young people. She has previously worked as children and young person's specialist at Wellington City Libraries, before becoming the educational programmes manager for a Christian charity, which included delivering innovative programmes to young people. Ella has also worked for many years as a children's piano teacher, and before having her own family, was actively involved in her church youth group as a leader.
Ella is looking forward to being more involved in her new community, having moved to Featherston with her family a year ago. Her last day in the office will be Thursday the 23rd of September. Ella is married to Duncan, our diocesan communications advisor, and they have three children aged 9, 8 and 6, and they continue to be part of the St John's Featherston whānau.
