Taine Halbert
Youth Work Team Lead & Tūhono Mentoring co-ordinator
Youth Work Team Lead & Tūhono Mentoring co-ordinator
Taine grew up on the sunny Kāpiti Coast with a strong whānau around him. Taine attended Kāpiti College in his early days and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington majoring in Education with a minor in Management.
Taine has experience in running youth development and mentoring programmes, driven by a passion for helping young people to be the best version of themselves.
In his spare time, Taine loves to spend time with his siblings and extended whānau. He also loves hitting the greens on the golf course and playing cricket for his local club in Kāpiti. Currently, Taine supports our programmes at BGI as Youth Work Team Lead and Tūhono Mentoring co-ordinator.
Georgia Bardsley
Operations Team Lead | EA to at the Director & Comms Assistant
Operations Team Lead & Comms Assistant | EA to the Director
Georgia grew up in Te Awakiarangi Lower Hutt, and now calls Wellington City home.
Georgia studied Health Promotion and Gender Studies at University, and is passionate about equitable policies that encourage people to live meaningful lives.
In her position at BGI, Georgia does a lot of the ‘behind the scenes’ mahi. She works closely with Ross to make sure things are running smoothly at BGI. She loves seeing the impact that BGI has on young peoples lives.
Georgia loves New Zealand summers that are full of camping, tramping and any opportunity to take her van on a weekend getaway.
Jordyn Katipa-Martin
Senior Youth Worker
Senior Youth Worker
Jordyn is a descendent of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Ruanui but was born and raised in Ōtepoti (Dunedin). She started teaching kapa haka and te reo Māori at 14 and fell in love with youth work and teaching.
After High School she continued to foster her passions by completing a Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Indigenous Development with a minor in Education at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago.
During her time at University she continued teaching and mentoring throughout the community to put the knowledge she was gaining at University into practice. Jordyn has worked in many different facets of youth work ranging from one on one peer mentoring, to high risk youth, to governance.
Jordyn brings a fresh new perspective and a wealth of experience to BGI as a Senior Youth Worker.
Flick her an email to get in touch today! Jordyn@bgi.org.nz
Kuini Blade
Youth Worker
Youth worker
He uri tēnei nō Muriwhenua. I tipu ake ia i Te Whānganui-a-Tara, i Wairarapa hoki.
Kuīni was in Year 12 at Wellington High School when she became a teina within the Kura Wānanga. This experience allowed her to grow into herself and deepen her connection to her taha Māori. Through her time as a teina, Kuīni developed a strong sense of servitude, which inspired her to pursue a career in youth work. The support she received from her tuakana (mentors) was highly formative, and she is committed to giving back to the rangatahi in her community.
Currently, Kuīni is in her first year of the full immersion reo Māori program, working towards a Poutuarongo Reo (Bachelor in Te Reo Māori) at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. She has a passion for music, mahi toi, whānau, and her haumis.
As a kaiārihi for the Kura Wānanga, Kuīni is driven by her understanding of the significance and impact that tuakanatanga can have for rangatahi. Her journey within te ao Māori and growing her understanding of where she comes from ground her in shaping her future.
Donné Minnaar
Youth Worker
Youth Worker
Donnés journey with BGI began as a volunteer for the Paper Bag Lunch programme, and with her professional dance background was the perfect person to inspire movement and active rec in our young people. Donné became co-facilitator of PBL in early 2024 and does one on one mentoring with our Challenge for Change young people. She also supports Sportsbreak, the Community Kitchen and manages the compost hub in the Community Garden.
Donné was born in South Africa and migrated to New Zealand on Waitangi Day 2006. With a deep love for culture and travel, she embarked on a global journey in her early 20s, starting with a one-way ticket to the UK. This adventure led to exploring Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Cook Islands, working in backpackers and visiting museums along the way. She encourages exploration of one’s own interests and passions, broadening the horizons in our young people and with exposure to diverse cultures appreciates different perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment where young people feel seen and respected.
Donné also enjoys creative arts and runs a term long project with the TWT young people designing sneakers which they wear with pride.
Donné believes that all young people deserve opportunities to try new things and explore who they are becoming in a judgement free environment and works to bring this energy to all Kaupapa she is involved in.
Dylan Major
Project in the Community Participant
Project in the Community Participant
Dylan grew up in the Wairarapa and has transitioned to living in Wellington City in 2024.
He spent time doing a Bachelor of Arts, studying Philosophy and Sociology at Otago University. However, since transitioning into being a children’s sports coach, Dylan has sparked a new love for working with young people.
Dylan has found his way to BGI, working personally with young people in our programmes or in the office helping keep BGI running smoothly. Through BGI he is looking to help young people grow their confidence and passions as well as develop his own skills working with youth.
In his spare time Dylan loves having summer adventures with friends and whanau. He also loves video games, sports, movies and most of all, dogs.