Kahukura Ritchie

Kaiārahi Māori Development Team Lead | Kura Wānanga Coordinator and Youth Worker

kahu@bgi.org.nz

Kahukura grew up in Whaingaroa/Raglan and is Ngāti Kahukuraawhitia, Ngāti Moe, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Rangitāne ki Wairarapa.

In 2018, BGI offered him an internship to study at Praxis (a network of youth development practitioners) where he got involved with a rangatahi Māori leadership development programme called Tuia.

Kahukura loves video games, cooking, diving, whānau, and his dogs. He's in the final year of his Bachelor of Youth Development, but also supports rangatahi as BGI's He Whakatipuranga Hou coordinator and Kura Wānanga Lead. On top of all this, he mentors through Oranga Tamariki, Police, and Iwi Justice referrals. 

Kahukura realised at his first BGI information evening just how helpful a mentor would have been for his younger self. Now, through helping others, Kahukura has found pride in his identity and a passion for deepening his connection to his whakapapa.

Andrew Kasonde

Youth Worker & Global Village Coordinator

andrew@bgi.org.nz

'Andrew was born in Zambia and now calls Te Whanganui a Tara home. Andrew is passionate about providing tools and spaces that help young people thrive so they can be a blessing to their families and communities. Andrew coordinates the Global Village school-based programme for our Rangatahi of refugee/migrant background. The purpose of this programme is to strengthen belonging and help build connection through fun activities.'