Meet Helen and Tiana
Based upstairs at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au | Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre in Balclutha, Helen and Tiana are excited to be on board to deliver the Jobbortunities programme across the district.
Helen, the Programme Manager, is a passionate advocate for rural communities. Living in Tapanui, she is committed to ensuring young people have opportunities to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.
"I want young people to see a future for themselves in our region," says Helen.
"When people feel valued and connected to their community, they are more likely to stay, contribute and build a life here in the Clutha District."
Having grown up in Balclutha, Programme Coordinator Tiana brings strong local knowledge and a passion for helping others succeed.
Tiana is thrilled to be part of the MTFJ Jobbortunities team and give back to the community.
She believes everyone has something valuable to offer and enjoys supporting people to see that potential in themselves.
"I enjoy helping people recognise their strengths and build confidence in themselves," says Tiana.
Creating strong futures for rangatahi
Working alongside the Jobbortunities programme is the He Poutama Rangatahi initiative, led by newly appointed Rangatahi Pathways Manager Tanya Ridings.
Facilitated nationally through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Rangatahi Pathways is a cross-agency initiative focused on supporting 15 to 19 year olds who are not currently in employment, education or training.
The programme works with local organisations, education providers, employers and community groups to help young people identify and access opportunities that lead to sustainable employment, training or education backed by pastoral care and ongoing support.
With a background in education, Tanya enjoys working with youth, and helping young people realise and unlock their potential.
"To be able to help rangatahi build meaningful futures through education, employment, and connection is very exciting,” says Tanya.
Working together for Clutha's Youth
Clutha District Council’s Youth Worker, Rachael Walker, has been working closely with the MTFJ Jobbortunities team to help support Clutha District youth.
“Working together, we are able to provide a wraparound approach and support our younger communities who may be facing a variety of challenges”, says Rachael.
“Together, we can provide rangatahi with someone they can talk to, who will listen to them and encourage them.”
Rachael, together with Helen, Tiana and Tanya, are able to provide practical support and build connections to meet the individual need.
Working together as a foundation ensures the team can provide the right support where it’s needed, to help build confidence, learn new skills and assist with opportunities for training and employment, helping them reach their potential.
MTF Jobbortunities & Rangatahi Pathways
With different areas and age groups of focus, MTFJ Jobbortunities and Rangatahi Pathways together create a strong umbrella of support for Clutha’s youth, ensuring that the opportunities they need to succeed are available to them.
Helen and Tiana at MTFJ Jobbortunities have already started building strong connections, working alongside local employers and community partners to build employment pathways for 18–25 year-olds.
The MTFJ Jobbortunities team are available by appointment, and will also be holding regular drop-in sessions throughout the district, where young people can call in to chat and receive support towards their next steps.
Milton Toko Hub – Every Tuesday between 9am and 4pm.
Lawrence Community Library – Every Tuesday between 2pm and 4.30pm.
Tapanui Community Library – Every Wednesday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.
Tanya, as the Rangatahi Pathways Manager, has already received a number of referrals and is meeting with local schools and families, building strong connections and finding out where she can assist.
The Rangatahi Pathways programme will officially begin on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Anybody that would like to learn more or refer somebody for the programme can get in touch now.
You can find Helen, Tiana and Tanya all based upstairs at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au in Balclutha. If you are interested in having a chat about getting work-ready and into full-time employment, or looking for training opportunities, call in and say hello or get in touch by email.
All three areas of this youth-focused team are led by Lilly Paterson, Council's Community Development Team Leader, who also works closely with the Clutha District Youth Council.
For more information about MTFJ Jobbortunities or Rangatahi Pathways you can contact Clutha District Council.
