Meet our staff
Behind every programme and success story is a team that genuinely cares.
The staff at Marlborough Youth Trust are passionate about helping young people build confidence, find direction, and create opportunities. We’re here to listen, guide, and walk alongside you.
Maxine Sweeney – Manager
Maxine is the Manager of Marlborough Youth Trust and is known for bringing equal parts heart, hustle, and humour to everything she does. She leads the MYT team with a people‑first approach, a love for community, and a fierce commitment to seeing rangatahi thrive. Maxine is often found juggling programmes, partnerships, funding applications, and youth events —usually with a coffee in hand and a laugh ready to go. With a background in youth development, community leadership, and building collaborative mahi across Marlborough, she’s passionate about creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and confident to chase big goals.
Lee Tepuia – Rangatahi Mahi
Lee Tepuia brings extensive experience in community leadership, youth development, and whānau‑centred support. He has worked closely with rangatahi across Marlborough through his roles in mentoring, sports leadership, and community programmes, including his significant contribution to establishing and leading Box On Boxing as a strengths‑based, confidence‑building kaupapa for young people. Lee is highly respected for his ability to build trust, create safe spaces, and engage rangatahi who may be disconnected from education or community. His strong relationships across iwi, hapori, and local agencies bring valuable cultural insight and community connection to the Marlborough Youth Trust governance team.
Soni Kula - Youth Employabiliy Program
Mālō e lelei my name is Sonitani Kula, I am a youth worker with Marlborough Pacific Trust, a Spoken Word Poet, I co-facilitate the Youth Employability Program with Marlborough Youth Trust, and I am proud brown kid from the 72.
My strengths as a facilitator come from my roots as a first-generation New Zealand born Tongan and navigating spaces and systems that were not designed for my people and I to succeed in. From a young age I have faced discrimination, injustice and inequality, I have walked many paths and sat at many tables that haven’t always welcomed me. I know what it feels like to be told that I am not enough, that my achievements and the giants, whose shoulders I stand on are not enough. These experiences fuel my passion to dismantle systems, barriers and any roadblocks that prevent our rangatahi from succeeding.
The dream is that one day in a tomorrow not too far away, the systems, barriers and roadblocks that we work toward dismantling are no longer there. That we live in an equitable society, that our rangatahi and Tamariki get to grow up with all the opportunities available to them. Until that day comes, you’ll catch us at the youth centre, at the schools or wherever you need us to be. Lesss pussshhhh.
Gannon Picton – Cactus
Gannon leads the CACTUS programme with energy, discipline, and a massive amount of heart. Known for his ability to motivate rangatahi at 6am with a smile (and sometimes a well‑timed dad joke), he brings a strengths‑based, team‑first approach to every session. Gannon’s background in youth leadership, outdoor challenge programmes, and mentoring helps create a culture where young people push their limits, build resilience, and back themselves. His calm presence, practical skills, and genuine care for each participant make him a cornerstone of the CACTUS crew and a favourite among rangatahi and whānau alike.
Morgan Gurr blenheim – Cactus
Morgan leads Blenheim CACTUS with a no‑nonsense, high‑standards approach that rangatahi secretly love (even if they pretend not to at 6am). Known for her sharp organisation, clear expectations, and ability to get the absolute best out of every participant, Morgan brings structure, discipline, and a big heart to the programme. She’s the one who keeps the crew on track, pushes them to dig deeper, and makes sure every session runs like clockwork — all while creating a safe, supportive environment where young people learn grit, teamwork, and real confidence.
Aaron – Y.E.S
Aaron leads the Youth Emergency Services (Y.E.S) programme with calm leadership, practical know‑how, and a genuine passion for supporting young people through tough moments. With a background in community support, crisis response, and mentoring, Aaron is known for his steady presence and ability to create a safe, judgement‑free space for rangatahi. He brings a strengths‑based approach to every interaction, helping young people navigate challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with education, whānau, and community. Aaron’s commitment, empathy, and down‑to‑earth style make him a trusted support for Marlborough’s youth.
Sandi Charles – Tupu
Sandi leads Tupu with warmth, calm guidance, and a genuine passion for strengthening whānau connections. With experience in early childhood support, parenting programmes, and wellbeing-focused mahi, she creates a safe, welcoming space where parents and tamariki can learn, grow, and thrive together. Sandi is known for her supportive approach, practical advice, and ability to help families build confidence, routines, and positive relationships. Her mahi ensures Tupu is a nurturing, community‑centred group where whānau feel empowered and supported.