Michelle Masina

Youth Worker - Ōtepoti

Michelle first joined Southern Youth Development in 2007 using her energy and love of the outdoors to connect with and empower rangatahi to challenge themselves and expand their knowledge, skills and experiences for positive future choices.

She took some time away to have her two children and rejoined the team to deliver our Alternative Education Programme.

Michelle enjoys spending time with her family hiking, biking and exploring Otago's hidden treasures.

Jessie McLean

Youth Worker - Ōtepoti

Jessie is a Youth Worker at Southern Youth Development, her main responsibilities include youth work in schools and the community, leading the youth advisory council at syd, and managing syd's social media. Some may refer to her as the 'vibes manager'. 

She has a Bachelor in Social Services specialising in Mental Health Support and has completed her Diploma in Youth Work. Jessie has a strong passion for working with people, Te Ao Māori, LGBTQIA+ community, equality and equity.

Jessie is an enthusiastic Fortnite player, when she is not looting the map she can be found enjoying gardening and spending time out in nature. 

Conan Newbury

Bikes @ syd Programme co-ordinator

Emily Cambridge

Bikes @ syd Bike co-ordinator

Emily joined Syd in 2024 as our Bikes co-ordinator for the Bikes@Syd programme. Emily has an urban design and transport planning background. She is passionate about getting our communities more active through transport, in particular cycling. Emily is a bike lover and enjoys riding any chance she can get.

You can find her on her cargo bike adventuring the city with her toddler and cocker spaniel.

Zane Gray

Gardens @ syd Supervisor

Zane joined syd in February 2025 as the Supervisor for Gardens @syd. Zane has a passion for empowering young people and the outdoors. Zane has been working in the Dunedin Botanic Garden for 5 years. He started off as an apprentice trainee, this was a three-year contract of work and study to complete the NZ Certificate in Amenity Horticulture (Level 4). He then went on to do a 2 year internship at the Botanic Garden where he learnt managerial and leadership skills within the Horticultural space. 

Zane is passionate about the positive impact Gardens @ syd has on the young apprentices who come through the programme as they learn soft skills and workplace skills. Zane is also passionate about the impact the mahi done at the Botanic Garden has on the general publics well-being, as they create a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. 

In his spare time Zane is often spending time with his partner enjoying hiking, tramping, reading, eating good food, and anything outdoors. Zane can be found outside of work either playing tennis or enjoying a book with a beverage and some cheese. 

Oliver Henderson

Gardens @ syd Leading Hand

Oliver moved from Upper Hutt to Ōtepoti Dunedin in 2023 when he came across the syd website and enquired about a job at the Botanic Garden as he has always wanted to work outside. Oliver was offered a 6 month apprenticeship as a Gardens trainee, which led to the Leading Hand position.

Oliver enjoys working at Gardens @ syd and has gained valuable life skills and work skills since starting off as a trainee. Gardens @ syd has provided Oliver with the opportunity to get into the work force, gain confidence and find a purpose.

In his spare time, Oliver enjoys spending time with his whānau and friends. He enjoys playing video games and sports such as football and cricket.

Ethan Hastie

Gardens @ syd trainee

Ethan joined the Gardens @ syd crew in March 2025. Ethan is an enthusiastic worker with retail experience from working at Amazon and SaveMart. Ethan joined syd to experience a new opportunity and to gain skills in grounds maintenance that he will be able to use in his future.

When Ethan isn't working hard he enjoys walks along the beach and spending time relaxing with his friends. Fun fact about Ethan, he is a twin! 

Jayden McFarlane

Hive @ syd co-ordinator

Jayden is the hive @ syd co-ordinator.

Mandy de Leeuw

Funding, Partnerships and Contracts Manager

Mandy joined Southern Youth Development to take on the role of Finance and Administration.

She brings with her a range of administration and office management experience from the public and private sectors including local government, business development, membership, networking and hospitality.

Mandy enjoys bringing organisations and businesses together to achieve the greater opportunities for our rangatahi.

Ann Haines

Marketing & Operations

Sara Walton

Trustee

Associate Professor Sara Walton graciously gives her time to Southern Youth Development.

Sara is a strong and passionate advocator for our young people/rangatahi.

Ben Sommerville

Chairperson

Colin Brown

Trustee

Colin is Chairman of OmniEye and the founder of TracMap, a precision farming GPS guidance and job management system. Colin became one of New Zealand’s best known agri-tech business owners. He grew TracMap to become one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural GPS businesses, before taking the technology offshore, selling its Ag Aviation GPS system worldwide, and the ground based job management system into the viticulture and orcharding sectors in Australia and North America.

Colin began his career farming in New Zealand’s South Otago, winning the prestigious NZ Young Farmer competition in 1982, before going into agricultural and management consultancy. As a consultant, Colin had a reputation for turning research concepts into economically successful business enterprises. Much of TracMap’s growth and success to date can be attributed to the application of those same skills and expertise to growing the TracMap business.

Charlene Rapsey

Trustee

Charlene is a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Otago. Her research and teaching are in the areas of sexuality, sexual abuse, and mental health.

Prior to working at the University Charlene worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults in primary mental health. She has some experience working with offenders.

A long time ago she taught drama to secondary school students.

She particularly enjoys working with children, young people, and their families and with male survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, areas of special interest include post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual abuse, sexual difficulties, and out-of-control sexual behaviours.