OUR JOURNEY

Wayne Poutoa and Jennifer Poutoa first established themselves into the community through Carterton Baptist Church, where they were only meant to stay for a weekend.

Through this they started teaching 40 - 50 young people through Te Wananga O Aotearoa. They focused on multiple subjects such as retail, tourism and preforming arts.

Young people then created letters to introduce themselves and feedback on the programs, where 80 percent of the young people were involved in gang lifestyles, sexual abuse, addiction, ADHD, ODD and a range of other mental health issues.

Based on these findings they decided to take in the top 3 priority youth to stay on site for 2 years from 2017 - 2018.

By 2018, Wayne and Jennifer realised their home wasn't big enough to support all the youth in crisis who needed help.

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So they dreamed of building a safe, purpose-built space filled with love and structure.

Their first idea was to turn shipping containers into tiny homes smart and affordable.

But it turned out to be too expensive and complicated to get approved.

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When they spoke to the Carterton District Council, there were concerns about the project's size and challenges. Wayne and Jennifer asked, “What can we do?”

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That changed everything.

The council suggested cabins instead.

So, Wayne and Jennifer were now looking at how cabins would work.

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But this wasn’t just about buildings, it was about helping people.

They held a meeting with neighbours to share their ideas.

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Some people were worried, but when they heard that youth had already been living safely with Wayne and Jennifer for two years, their doubts turned into trust.

Still, they needed money.

Chris Dugdale from the Dugdale Trust heard their story and believed in the vision.

Momentum grew, but so did the costs.

They needed more than just money, they needed miracles.

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Wayne and Jennifer prayed.

Then one evening, they visited Chris and Warwick. That chat over  a cup of tea sparked something special. Chris and Warwick fully committed, buying the first cabin for $15,000.

That started it all.

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Church members joined in.

One by one, six cabins were funded. Nearly $90,000 was raised, and with labor and materials included, the total value reached over $160,000.

And none of it came from the government.

The Village had become a reality.

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Our Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in ensuring our organization remains accountable in all our actions Their guidance and oversight empower us to our commitment to providing the necessary support our community relies on. With their expertise, we can continue to strengthen our services and maintain transparency in our operations. Together, we strive to make a positive impact fulfill our mission effectively.

Fa'amatuainu Wayne Poutoa and Jennifer Poutoa are the proud co-founders of The Carterton Youth Village, bringing with them years of invaluable wisdom and guidance. There to nurture our rangatahi and empower the next generation to thrive and succeed. With a commitment to fostering supportive environment, they inspire our youth to reach their full potential. Together, they lead with passion and purpose, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Our dedicated team of youth mentors is committed to guiding young people in crafting individualized life plans tailored to their dreams and aspirations. With a focus on personal growth and empowerment, we strive to inspire each individual to reach their full potential. Additionally, our security personnel ensure a safe and supportive environment, allowing our youth to explore their opportunities with confidence. Together, we nurture a community where every young person can thrive and succeed.