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
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
Based in Auckland

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
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.

Recently making a career shift from a technology role where he gained skills around systems, people and processes, Stu is excited 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.

Andrée Atkinson
Chair
Joined 2016, became Chair in 2017
Chair:  Gaming Committee
Member:  Audit, Finance & Risk Committee; Grants Committee; Foundation Committee

Andrée has worked in public practice for 20+ years, and is now consulting, facilitating and lecturing in accounting, as well as sitting on advisory boards for Auckland businesses. She has been an Associate Principal in a mid-tier accounting firm in Auckland and throughout her career has been involved in Business Advisory, Audit, Due Diligence, and Information Systems, as well as external and internal training. Andrée has presented at many forums including presenting under the Enterprise Training Programme as well as for the Auckland University Business School. She enjoys working with business owners who are passionate about their businesses and who she can help assist in setting their strategic direction and exceeding their goals. 

Ross Pearce
Joined 2014
Chair:  Health & Safety Committee.
Member:  Gaming Committee.

Ross has over 30 years consulting experience covering organisation design, change management, programme management, performance management, leadership development, and human resource management. He has provided strategic business advice to many different organisations across a range of industries including financial services, manufacturing, public sector, health, communications, and information services. He is now focusing on a portfolio of governance, organisational effectiveness consulting and voluntary work. 

Brian Blake
Joined 2020
Member:  Audit, Finance & Risk Committee; Foundation Committee

​​​​​​​Brian is an experienced operator and trusted adviser to many organisations within Auckland’s sport and recreation community. Having worked in the New Zealand Sport and Recreation sector for over fifteen years, he has managed a range of facilities and supported several clubs and societies through challenging times, leading multiple organisational transformations. Brian’s senior executive and consultancy roles have covered not-for-profit asset management, sporting and society strategy development and implementation, organisational planning and delivery, governance, and coaching and mentoring. He has held various board positions in industries such as tourism, events, and community social support. He is currently the Chair of the Wiri Licensing Trust in South Auckland. 

Jason Shoebridge
Joined 2022
Chair:  Audit, Finance & Risk Committee.
Member:  Foundation Committee

Jason is a highly experienced CEO and leader. He is currently Chief Executive of the NZ Institute of Economic Research and previously was CEO of the New Zealand operation of one of the world’s largest insights and analytics businesses, as well as leading its APAC data analytics practice. In these roles, Jason has led consulting assignments across a diverse range of industries and disciplines in New Zealand and overseas. Earlier in his career, Jason held senior commercial and financial management roles in large corporates in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, as well as roles within an international chartered accounting firm. Jason has governance experience as a Trustee of Aktive and well as previously being Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee of Sport New Zealand and a Director of NIWA. Jason graduated from the University of Auckland with an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance. He is also qualified as a Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Directors. 

Colin Tuaa
Joined 2023
Chair:  Grants Committee

Following 14 years in the finance and trustee sector, Colin has predominantly worked in project management across diverse sectors in sport, business, and education with a focus on Pacific development in Aotearoa NZ and the Pacific region. Colin is committed to working in organisations going through change and offering practical experience in cultural awareness and organisational resilience. He represented Aotearoa as an All White, playing at national league level as well as overseas, continuing his sporting career as a coach and administrator. Colin is passionate about leadership and equity, and recently completed a Masters in Advanced Leadership Practice which has validated his experience and added value to working with a range of teams, strategic stakeholders, and partners. Colin went to Boystown as a young person in the late 70s and early 80s, and has always had a vested interest in our tamariki and rangatahi. Colin strongly believes that every young person should have equal opportunities. 

Mia Bassi
Joined 2025
Member:  Grants Committee

Mia is a strategic leader with a passion for youth development, innovation, and community impact. With a background in digital transformation and governance, she brings a future-focused mindset and a commitment to creating opportunities that empower young people to thrive. Mia has held leadership roles across public and private sectors and is known for her collaborative style, big-picture thinking, and purpose-driven approach. She is excited to contribute her skills and energy to Youthtown’s mission, ensuring it continues to inspire, support, and grow the next generation of leaders.

Joel Frost
​​​​​​​Joined 2025
​​​​​​​Member:  Audit, Finance & Risk Committee

Joel Frost is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in driving growth, digital transformation, and international business expansion. His career spans senior executive roles across New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and the United States, where he has successfully led teams, developed innovative strategies, and delivered transformative outcomes for diverse industries.

Joel has held leadership roles focused on building strategic partnerships and digital innovation, including working with global technology leaders to create scalable solutions. His experience also includes guiding businesses through market expansion and change management. Joel holds an MBA and is a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), reflecting his commitment to strong governance and leadership excellence.

Passionate about youth development and community engagement, Joel joined the Youthtown Board to leverage his strategic expertise in support of the organisation’s mission to empower young New Zealanders. He brings a practical, hands-on approach to leadership and is dedicated to making a positive impact through strategic planning and community-focused initiatives.