TE WHANGANUI A TARA WELLINGTON

NEXT GEN COORDINATOR (TERRITORIAL SECRETARY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH)

Alana calls Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington home and is deeply passionate about seeing children and young people surrounded by trusted, caring people who give them a sense of belonging and the chance to thrive in every area of life. More than anything, she loves seeing young hearts come to know the depth of God’s love through meaningful relationships. 

She’s also passionate about equipping and supporting leaders in this vital ministry—knowing firsthand the impact that great mentors and opportunities can have. For her, serving in this space isn’t just a role; it’s a privilege and a calling. She’s incredibly grateful for the many people who have invested in her journey and is excited to pay that forward! 

alana.lepine@salvationarmy.org.nz

WHANGĀREI

NEXT GEN CONNECTOR - TE TAI TOKERAU

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR (ASPIRE) AND YOUTH MINISTRY BEST PRACTICE ADVISOR

James comes from Ōwairaka in Tāmaki Makaurau and is based up in Whangārei with his wife Lauren and tamariki. James has been doing youth work for over a decade, and is passionate about rangatahi living in freedom and encouraging opportunities for our young people to engage in society as citizens. He is currently looking after Aspire and supporting youth work in TSA to be as good as it can be, as well as journeying with young people however he can.

james.adams@salvationarmy.org.nz

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND

NEXT GEN CONNECTOR - TE IKA-A-MĀUI NORTH ISLAND (SHARED)

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - STRATEGIC SUPPORT FOR TSA MISSION COMMUNITIES (PREVIOUSLY YOUTH MISSION OFFICER)

Naomi is the Next Gen Mission Officer based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). She’s passionate about helping young people step into all that God has for them and loves supporting Next Gen ministries. With a heart for Jesus and a desire to see lives transformed, Naomi enjoys connecting with people and is always up for a new adventure. When she’s not working, you’ll find Naomi enjoying a good walk, getting lost in a great book, or spending time with friends and family. If you're looking to bring fresh energy and ideas to your Next Gen ministry, Naomi’s the person to talk to! 

naomi.tong@salvationarmy.org.nz

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND

NEXT GEN CONNECTOR - TE IKA-A-MĀUI NORTH ISLAND (SHARED)

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - GROWING AND SUSTAINING VOLUNTEER TEAMS AND CHILDRENS MINISTRY (PREVIOUSLY CHILDRENS MISSION DIRECTOR)

Steph is based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland and gets along well with children because she likes to think she still is one. She is single-handedly keeping Whittakers in business unless it's Easter when Cadbury Creme Egg season begins. Steph loves to see young people encounter Jesus and experience his love first hand. Steph has a heart for all leaders and is super passionate about working in partnership with them in the growing and sustaining of volunteer teams. She is a Children's Ministry expert, so you need crazy ideas – She’s the one to go to.  

steph.limmer@salvationarmy.org.nz

AORANGI FEILDING

NEXT GEN CONNECTOR - TE IKA-A-MĀUI NORTH ISLAND (SHARED)

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - CHILDRENS MISSION AND BEST PRACTICE ADVISOR (PREVIOUSLY CHILDRENS MISSION OFFICER)

Missy is a part of the children’s mission team and is passionate about young people being seen, heard and included in the family of God. She loves coffee, friends, and her two schnauzers! Missy recently relocated with her AO (Area Officer) husband Jordan to Feilding in the Mighty Manawatū. In the Next Gen Team, she’s here to support leaders adopt best practices in children’s ministry and loves supporting Salvation Army communities as they connect and engage all generations together in a discipleship journey. 

missy.ditchburn@salvationarmy.org.nz

TE WHANGANUI A TARA WELLINGTON

NEXT GEN CONNECTOR - TE IKA-A-MĀUI NORTH ISLAND (SHARED)

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP, RESOURCES AND MINISTRY (PREVIOUSLY YOUTH MISSION DIRECTOR)

Based in Wellington, Sarah is married to Stephen and mother of two girls. She cherishes moments spent connecting with God. Passionate about people, she loves building relationships and helping others grow in their understanding of themselves and their faith. In her free time, she enjoys camping, reading, sewing, and spending quality time with friends.  

Sarah is deeply passionate about young people and creating opportunities for them to grow. She is excited to support and walk alongside leaders and rangatahi, helping them discover their potential and thrive in their faith journeys. She looks forward to hearing their stories and seeing the impact of strong, faith-filled relationships in their lives. 

sarah.opie@salvationarmy.org.nz

TE WHANGANUI A TARA WELLINGTON

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PATHWAYS FOR VOLUNTEERS/EMPLOYEE YOUTH LEADERS

Sarah is originally from the wonderful Waitakere; and now calls Miramar in Wellington home. She covers all things leadershippy and instagrammy. If you want to develop yourself, or your volunteers further - get in touch with her! She oversees programs like LAB, Foundations, and MORE Conference. Sarah is in the midst of a home reno with her husband where she’s learning heaps, sweeping often, and just finished her diploma in Interior Design. She’s grateful to be a part of this team, advocating for young people and cheering leaders on!!

sarah.bridle@salvationarmy.org.nz

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - NEXT GEN EMPLOYMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND FUNDING (PREVIOUSLY CHILDRENS MISSION OFFICER)

Michal loves Jesus, people, and learning (in that order). She lives to bring glory to God and partner with his mission in church. She is passionate about young people being part of the church now and of doing ministry with young people, not just for young people. Michal is a bit of an odd duck – she thinks that filling out a mileage form with a cup of tea is a form of relaxation. That being said, if you’re wanting help with proposals, RAMs forms, or theology – she’s your girl. 

michal.baken@salvationarmy.org.nz

ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH

NEXT GEN CONNECTOR - TE WAIPOUNAMU, SOUTH ISLAND

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - FIJI, TONGA AND SAMOA NEXT GEN LIASON AND SUPPORT (PREVIOUSLY YOUTH MISSION OFFICER)

Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Ben is deeply passionate about seeing a revival among the rangatahi of Aotearoa and the Pacific. He believes in the incredible potential within our youth, and his mission is to help them reconnect with purpose, hope, and faith. Ben sees a generation rising up with strength, vision, and a heart for positive change. Together, he is hopeful we can spark a movement of transformation that impacts not just our youth, but the wider community across the Oceania.  

ben.cola@salvationarmy.org.nz

ŌTEPOTI DUNEDIN

NEXT GEN SPECIALIST - CHILDREN AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR, NETWORKER, AND DISCIPLESHIP MISSIONAL PATHWAYS

Nolan lives in Ōtepoti Dunedin, where together with his wife Leanne, adult children and two dogs he finds beauty and peace out and about in God’s magnificent creation! You will often find Nolan out on an adventure in the outdoors –the place he feels most connected to God. 

Nolan joined the Next Gen Team just recently in February 2025, after working for for the past 9 years for a local Dunedin NGO - specialising in supporting young people with multiple, high and complex needs. Nolan believes in the beautiful uniqueness of each tamariki and rangatahi and has spent the best part of the last 20 years supporting rangatahi to find their places of belonging and to discover their God given value and self worth.

nolan.hill@salvationarmy.org.nz

FIJI

ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S SECRETARY

Lt Sekilini is the Assistant Youth and Children Secretary.  She is Super Girl.  She is super kind, super loving and super caring and many more.  She goes out her own way to help the those that need her care.  She mentors the youth and children.  She empowers the young girls that they are valuable and worth.  She runs and help those that needs her assistance.

She is super active; she loves to interact with everyone. She teaches anyone or everyone who does not know what to do.  She can sing and dance she is a star.

She is spontaneous and will not say NO to any task that is given to her.  She's that girl that will never give up in fighting for the Youth and Children wherever God sends her to go!

sekilini.vasu@salvationarmy.org.fj

FIJI

DIVISIONAL YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S SECRETARY

Captain Varea Rika is the Divisional Youth and Children Secretary for Fiji Division.

She is a true queen of the music world, known for her incredible talent and humble nature. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, whether she’s mentoring young people or humouringin her favourite chocolate treats. With a deep passion for music and a dedication to helping young people reach their full potential, she has become a beloved mentor and role model.

Her hard work and commitment are so intense that she often forgets to take a break. Her inspiring journey and unwavering dedication make her a standout figure in the Youth and Children Department here in Fiji Division. Once you get to know her, you found home!!!!

Just like when she sings, warmth and love. You can see her work from the young people testimony, once someone testify about how much you impact their life, you did a great job.

Vinaka Vakalevu, Loloma to all!!!

varea.rika@salvationarmy.org.fj

TONGA

REGIONAL YOUTH WORKER

My name is Mele Taufa Michaeline Vaea, and I am the Youth Worker of The Salvation Army of Tonga Region. My parents are Majors ‘Ana and Frederick Vaea, and I have four siblings. I love food, love music, love to dance, and I'm a performer in culture shows in the Kingdom of Tonga. I love the energy working for Youth, but I still have just touched the surface of what I'm passionate about.

mele.vaea@salvationarmy.org.to

TONGA

REGIONAL CHILDREN’S WORKER

sesilina.palu@salvationarmy.org.to

SAMOA

REGIONAL CHILDREN’S LEADER

My name is Teuila Faimanu, it’s been 6 years of serving for the Children’s Ministry at Salvation Army Samoa.

I am very passionate about working with children. Joining the Next Gen Team is an exciting opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the goals of the Children’s Ministry for NZ, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and of course for the wider society.

I believe in creating a nurturing and engaging environment for the children, helps them learn about faith, make them feel special and understood, as well as fostering a sense of community and belonging.

When I’m not at church, I enjoy cooking, Zumba, and spending time with my husband and five children.

teuila.faimanu@salvationarmy.ws

SAMOA

REGIONAL YOUTH LEADER

Talofa lava, my name is Misipati Niusulu but people call me Pati because of very difficult to pronounce lol… My role in the Church is the Youth Leader and Corps Sergeant Major (CSM). I been during this work more than five years, and also part of the mission as members of the Leadership team, Pastoral Care Team and members of the RBM Board in Samoa.

I am so happy to work and share ideals, experience with this ministry, and I am looking forward to learn more from our Salvationist. I like any food but my favour is peanut slab. I love people like I do to you my Next Gen Team, Faafetai lava.

pati.niusulu@salvationarmy.ws