Andrée Atkinson
Chair
Joined 2016, became Chair in 2017

Andrée brings more than 20 years’ experience in public practice, with senior expertise across accounting, business advisory, audit, due diligence, information systems, facilitation and training.

Her career has included being Associate Principal in a mid-tier Auckland accounting firm, as well as consulting, lecturing and advisory board roles.Her strength lies in helping organisations understand their financial position, set clear strategic direction and exceed their goals. Andrée contributes sound commercial judgement, governance perspective and a practical advisory approach that supports Youthtown’s long-term strength and sustainability.

Ross Pearce
Joined 2014

Ross brings more than 30 years’ consulting experience across organisation design, change management, programme management, performance, leadership development and human resources. He has advised organisations across sectors including financial services, manufacturing, public sector, health, communications and information services.

Now focused on governance, organisational effectiveness consulting and voluntary work, Ross contributes deep insight into how organisations perform, adapt and lead well. His strengths in people, systems and change help support Youthtown to build capability and deliver lasting impact for young people.

Brian Blake
Joined 2020

Brian brings more than 15 years’ experience in New Zealand’s sport and recreation sector, with deep knowledge of facilities, clubs, societies and community organisations. His senior executive and consultancy work has included organisational transformation, not-for-profit asset management, sporting and society strategy development, governance, coaching and mentoring. He is currently the Chair of the Wiri Licensing Trust in South Auckland. 

With board experience across tourism, events and community social support, Brian contributes practical operational insight and strong community sector understanding. His experience supporting organisations through change helps Youthtown stay responsive, resilient and connected to the communities it serves.

Jason Shoebridge
Joined 2022

Jason brings significant executive, commercial and governance experience, including chief executive leadership and senior roles across insights, analytics, consulting, finance and economics. His work across New Zealand and overseas has given him broad experience advising organisations, leading teams and supporting decision-making across a wide range of industries. He is currently Chief Executive of the NZ Institute of Economic Research.

Alongside his MBA, commerce degree, Chartered Accountant qualification and Institute of Directors membership, Jason has held governance roles across sport, science and community-focused organisations. Including being Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee of Sport New Zealand and a Director of NIWA. He contributes strong financial, analytical and risk oversight to help Youthtown make sound decisions and strengthen its long-term sustainability.

Colin Tuaa
Joined 2023

Colin brings a distinctive blend of finance, project management, sport, education and Pacific development experience, with a strong focus on cultural awareness, equity and organisational resilience. His work across diverse sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region gives him valuable insight into communities, change and the power of inclusive leadership.

Having attended Boystown as a young person, Colin has a personal connection to the importance of supporting tamariki and rangatahi. His leadership experience, sporting background and commitment to equal opportunity help ensure Youthtown remains grounded in practical action, fairness and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed.

Mia Bassi
Joined 2025

Mia brings a future-focused approach to governance, with strengths in digital transformation, innovation and strategic leadership across public and private sector environments. She is known for her collaborative style, big-picture thinking and purpose-led approach to creating positive outcomes.

Her passion for youth development and community impact makes her a strong contributor to Youthtown’s purpose.

Mia adds energy, perspective and a clear focus on helping young people access the support, inspiration and opportunities they need to thrive.

Joel Frost
​​​​​​​Joined 2025

Joel brings more than 25 years’ experience in growth, digital transformation and international business expansion, with senior leadership experience across New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong and the United States. His career has focused on leading teams, building partnerships and delivering practical strategies that create meaningful change.

With an MBA and membership of the Institute of Directors, Joel contributes strong governance discipline alongside a hands-on, future-focussed approach. His strategic mindset and commitment to youth development help support Youthtown’s purpose to empower young New Zealanders through opportunity, connection and community impact.

Shannon Thomas
​​​​​​​Joined 2026

Shannon brings deep expertise in brand, communications and international growth, with more than 20 years’ experience across technology, telecommunications and services. Her work with start-ups, scale-ups and established global businesses gives her a strong understanding of how to build visibility, sharpen strategy and help organisations grow with confidence. She currently manages a portfolio of tech and services companies at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), helping leadership teams to develop their export strategy and capabilities.

Her commitment to STEAM education, governance and mentoring aligns strongly with Youthtown’s focus on helping young people realise their potential. Shannon contributes a valuable mix of strategic marketing, sector insight and future-focused thinking to support Youthtown’s continued impact.

Greg Peters
​​​​​​​Joined 2026​​​​​​​

Greg brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience across grassroots, community and professional sport in New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. His career includes serving as CEO of New Zealand Rugby League, SANZAAR, Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby, alongside senior leadership roles with New Zealand Rugby and the Argentine Rugby Union. He has extensive experience in commercial growth, media rights negotiations and high-performance environments.

Throughout his career, Greg has helped grow participation, strengthen organisations and deliver some of Aotearoa’s most significant sporting events. His experience has given him a deep appreciation for the power of strong culture, clear purpose and values-led leadership.

Passionate about the role sport plays in building connection and belonging, Greg believes communities thrive when people are united by a shared sense of purpose. He brings this people-first perspective to his governance role with Youthtown.

Fiona Allan
Chief Executive Officer
​​​​​​​Based in Auckland

​​​​​​​With over 25 years’ experience across government, not-for-profit, and sport and recreation organisations, Fiona brings deep expertise and a strong sense of purpose to Youthtown. She leads the organisation with a focus on building capability, supporting people, and shaping a stronger future.

Previously Chief Executive and Secretary General of Paralympics New Zealand for 14 years, and with four years at the Halberg Foundation, Fiona has a deep understanding of the role not-for-profits play in delivering meaningful outcomes. She has been recognised for her contribution to disability and Para sport, including being appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Fiona is also a Sir Winston Churchill Fellow (CH), an Executive member on the International Working Group for Women and Sport, a Board member of the Oceana Paralympic Committee, Vice President of the Carbine Club of New Zealand and a Member of the Institute of Directors.

A former representative heptathlete, Fiona understands the importance of providing genuine and authentic opportunities for young people to be the best that can be and the important, supporting role that whanau, local communities, organisations like Youthtown, and businesses can play.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dylan Perfect-Tait
Chief Operating Officer
Based in Tāupo

This strategic and operational role is critical to the way in which we bring our kaupapa to life. Dylan leads Youthtown’s operational delivery, ensuring Youthtown’s programmes and team members deliver strong outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa.

Of Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Pikiao descent, Dylan brings over 18 years of experience within Youthtown, spanning programme delivery, design, and leadership. This brings knowledge, strong insight and mana into both the strategic and day-to-day operations across Youthtown.

A former professional basketball player, he combines deep organisational knowledge with a grounded leadership style and a genuine commitment to the young people and communities Youthtown serves.

Debbie Nelson
Chief Financial Officer
​​​​​​​Based in Auckland

Bringing over 20 years’ experience across industry and practice, Debbie has been CFO at Youthtown since 2014. She offers broad organisational knowledge and strong financial acumen across Youthtown.

Debbie is currently Treasurer of the Mt Eden Swimming Club and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

With a nationwide focus, she ensures Youthtown maximises its return on investment into young people, combining financial discipline with a practical and supportive approach across the organisation. ​​​​​​​

Valerie Middeldorp
Head of Human Resources
​​​​​​​Based in Auckland​​​​​​​

Originally from France, Valerie has called New Zealand home for over 13 years. Valerie is a strategically focused HR professional with more than 20 years of experience across public, private and non-for-profit sectors. She brings broad HR and organisational development knowledge. Prior to Youthtown, she held roles including HR Manager for a local Council, HR Business Partner at Beca, organisational development positions at Oranga Tamariki, consulting positions at Capgemini and volunteering at KidsCan.

At Youthtown, Valerie’s role is to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with Youthtown purpose and organisational goals. This includes the learning and development platform, capability development, helping guide how the organisation evolves and importantly continues to support the team. She brings a thoughtful, people-centred approach to building strong, sustainable foundations for people to continue to develop while employed at Youthtown.

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Elle Hunter
Head of Brand and Marketing
Based in Auckland

Elle brings extensive corporate experience across brand strategy, marketing, and communications in sectors spanning property, insurance, energy and telecommunications. She has led brand growth and transformation with a focus on clarity, consistency, and impact, and now applies that expertise to strengthen Youthtown’s story, drive efficiencies, and extend its reach.

With over 16 years’ experience, Elle is passionate about purpose-led work and supporting future generations to thrive in Aotearoa. With emphasis on building an authentic, inclusive culture internally, sharing the experiences of rangatahi on our programmes externally and supporting the nationwide team to succeed.

She combines storytelling with strategic marketing to articulate Youthtown’s impact, while driving sustainable income, improving efficiency, and supporting long-term growth.

Lawrence Manase
Northern Regional Manager
National Portfolio - Rangatahi and Youth Development
Based in Auckland

With a career deeply focused on youth development, Lawrence leads the team across the Auckland region and is always finding ways to win for young people. With 23 years’ experience covering youth frontline, management, community and government, his ethos is to pass down knowledge which builds passion and purpose in rangatahi, Youthtown and himself.

For Lawrence, developing the Youthtown team and helping create their pathways for success, is as important as the mahi we do with young people within the Youthtown programmes.

Nigel Kapa
Central Regional Manager
National Portfolio - Tamariki and Government Partnerships
Based in Wellington

Nigel leads teams across the central region, including Hamilton, Taupō and Upper Hutt, creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can grow, connect, and thrive. With leadership experience spanning youth development, government, and injury prevention, including work with ACC on national behaviour change strategies, he brings a strong focus on evidence-based practice and community partnership.

Known for his collaborative, kaupapa-driven approach, Nigel works alongside whānau, schools, government and partners to ensure Youthtown programmes build confidence, resilience, and belonging. He is passionate about unlocking individual potential and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to be the best they can be.

Stuart Duxfield
Southern Regional Manager
National Portfolio - Recreation, Play and Hauora
​​​​​​​Based in Christchurch​​​​​​​

Our South Island teams are led by Stu, covering Christchurch, Oamaru, Queenstown and the West Coast. Stu brings extensive experience across the youth sector, including The Salvation Army community centres and supporting the welfare of rangitahi.

Stu made a career shift from a technology role where he gained skills around systems, people and processes, to be back in a community organisation impacting real people and real change.

These are the faces you see every day across New Zealand. Our Team Leaders are pivotal to Youthtown’s success, leading programme planning and delivery, and supporting both permanent and casual Programme Leads.

Team Leaders provide safe, ethical relationships with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, bringing humility and purpose to their work. They come to work knowing they’ll make a difference.

Experienced communicators and educators, they thrive in the inclusive, supportive environments they create, welcoming all participants with a smile.