Meet our Staff

DENISE EAGLESOME-KAREKARE
DENISE EAGLESOME-KAREKARE
Denise is the Chief Executive of WYAT, leading a growing team of seven. Passionate about supporting youth, she enjoys pickleball, staying active, and spending quality time with her whānau and community in Wairoa.
SAM PAYNE
SAM PAYNE
Sam is the Youth Coach Team Leader for Mayors Taskforce for Jobs at WYAT, supporting rangatahi into employment and apprenticeships. He enjoys playing social sports and spending time at home with whānau.
PAKU HIKO
PAKU HIKO
Paku is the Contract Lead for the Ākonga Programme, guiding rangatahi at Wairoa College in Years 11 to 13. She enjoys playing sport, firefighting, spending time with whānau and supporting local sports teams.
BEVERLY JURY
BEVERLY JURY
Beverly, of Ngāti Porou descent, is a Youth Coach at WYAT, supporting NEET, YP, and YPP clients. She enjoys playing golf, farm work, gardening, and caring for her pets and animals in need during her spare time.
HARLENE WAIKAWA
HARLENE WAIKAWA
Harlene is a Youth Coach and Team Leader at WYAT, supporting rangatahi and their whānau. She enjoys building community connections, spending time with her tamariki, and engaging in whakapapa wānanga around Wairoa.
KATHLEEN PICKERING
KATHLEEN PICKERING
Kathleen is a Principal Advisor at WYAT, guiding the CE and board. She enjoys contributing to a growing organisation, spending time in nature, fishing, and making a positive difference in the community.
JESSE GERRARD
JESSE GERRARD
Jesse Gerrard is a Contracts Administrator at WYAT, supporting rangatahi and community programmes. She enjoys being home, spending time with her whānau and kuri in Opoutama, and working on creative DIY projects.
LENNY FERRIS
LENNY FERRIS
Lenny, a Driver’s Licence Instructor at WYAT, supports whānau to achieve their driving goals. He enjoys helping people build confidence on the road and values quality time with his whānau and giving back through coaching.
CZHAAY HAU
CZHAAY HAU
Czhaay, a Pathways 2 Potential Facilitator at WYAT, helps ākonga grow their confidence and skills. He enjoys positive connections, making learning fun, and spending his spare time with whānau, playing sports, and sharing laughs.
JAYE NEPIA
JAYE NEPIA
Jaye, a Pathways 2 Potential Facilitator at WYAT, supports rangatahi to recognise their strengths and achieve their goals. She enjoys seeing their growth, keeping active through rugby and the gym, and spending quality time with whānau.
Holly Udy
Holly Udy
Holly, a Youth Coach at WYAT, she supports rangatahi to build confidence, develop life skills, and work towards their goals. She enjoys building connections and spending her spare time outdoors with her partner and animals.
Toni Hikawai
Toni Hikawai
Toni, Administration Specialist at WYAT, supports the team behind the scenes to help create positive outcomes for rangatahi. She enjoys spending time with her whānau and getting involved in community kaupapa across Te Wairoa.
Jaimee Tapine
Jaimee Tapine
Jaimee, Administration Officer and Youth Coach at WYAT, supports the Youth Services team while helping rangatahi build confidence and achieve their goals. She enjoys learning new skills, staying active, and spending quality time with whānau and friends.