I grew up in the Far North and after some time in Hamilton, I am living back in Whangarei. I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child & Youth health. I work at Whangarei Youth Space – a Youth One Stop Shop and in high schools; in my other role, I work contracting as a brief intervention counsellor, providing supervision, providing youth health lectures, and with the Ministry of Education in the Te Kahu Tōī Intensive Wrap Around Service. I have been nursing for 18yrs in primary & tertiary paediatrics & youth health which has always been my absolute passion. Advocating for our young people to see them have equitable access to holistic health care that ensures that they are able to thrive is vital. Young people keep it real, they are honest, open, and full of potential! They show me daily that in my 30s I am getting old when I need their help with technology and keeping up with all the new fads! They keep you on your toes, they challenge new ways of thinking, but mostly; they are resilient and have so much inner strength – they just need people to believe in them and support their ideas. Journeying alongside our taonga – our young people where they share themselves with us is a gift that we need to honor. The duty of care we hold space for in working with our rangatahi is an absolute privilege. I would love to see our workforce expand so if you are up for an adventurous career ride – join us in being champions in caring for the wellbeing of our young people.