Caitlin Wilson

General Manager

From a young age, Caitlin has been driven by a profound passion for helping others. Initially setting her sights on teaching, she earned multiple qualifications in Education and Educational Psychology. Yet, her journey took an unexpected but exciting turn into the realm of workers’ rights. As a Help Centre Organiser with FIRST Union, Caitlin’s dedication to advocacy deepened. Her role as Co-convenor for NZCTU’s youth sector group, Stand Up, introduced her to YWRC, where she discovered a new avenue to make a difference.

When the chance arose to help establish YWRC’s Help Centre, Caitlin knew it was a perfect fit. She eagerly embraced the role of Help Centre Co-ordinator and, in June 2023, took on the position of General Manager. Her commitment to empowering individuals through lifelong learning and her strong alignment with YWRC’s Kaupapa drive her every day.

Outside of her impactful work, Caitlin’s interests are as eclectic as her career path. She’s a creator at heart, loves hitting the open road on spontaneous road trips, and has a whimsical affinity for all things Alice in Wonderland.

Bronwyn Ensor

Education Coordinator – Auckland

Bronwyn (she/her) hails from Pōneke. Her first love is acting, having a rich background in theatre and screen work. Recently, she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland (where she particularly enjoyed mooting – a perfect blend of live performance and legal advocacy!)

Through her work with YWRC Bronwyn is passionate about empowering young people to understand, and confidently assert, their workers’ rights. She is also eager to begin her volunteer work with Citizens Advice Bureau towards the end of 2024. Her unique combination of performance experience and legal expertise positions her to make a meaningful impact in both the arts and community service.

Arnold Andrews

Chairperson

Arnold works for the HCC and specialises in Events. His work bases him at venues like the Claudelands Events Centre, FMG Stadium and Seddon Park. Arnold has a Masters in Business Management and has involved himself with projects ranging from mental health to rights of young workers. Being a fitness enthusiast, he likes to spend his leisure days running half marathons.

Zoe Port

Vice Chairperson

Dr. Zoe Port is the Deputy Programme Director of the Bachelor of Business degree at Massey University in Auckland, and is fiercely passionate about ensuring representation for youth in the workplace. She also holds the role of Research Officer on the Healthy Work Project, which develops interventions to reduce exposure to work-related psychosocial hazards in small and medium-sized organisations. 

Lucretia de Pina

Treasurer

Aldrin Kaiser Arguelles

Board Member

Aldrin is an experienced senior leader who has been in the health and disability sector for over a decade. He brings a strategic and operational lens to drive YWRC’s vision and mission. He is passionate about youth empowerment, mental health and social justice.

He currently works as an Operations Manager in a for-purpose organisation that supports people with disabilities. Aldrin holds a degree in Health Sciences and a number of postgraduate qualifications in Mental Health (PGCertHSc) and Applied Management (PGDip AM).

In his own time, he loves socials and food during his leisure days. He also enjoys outdoor adventures and travels both within the motu and overseas.

Tanya Ewertowska

Board Member

Tanya Ewertowska is a doctoral candidate, research and teaching assistant in employment relations, at Auckland University of Technology. She uses creative and qualitative methods to carry out research with young workers on their experiences at work, including non-standard employment, discrimination, and resistance. She is also the U35 and hourly paid/fixed term delegate at the AUT branch of the Tertiary Education Union.

She believes the mahi of the incredible staff at the Young Workers’ Resource Centre is unique and invaluable in empowering and supporting youth in the world of work – often the most challenging part of their adult lives.

Heather Lowery-Kappes

Board Member

Heather has a Master of Counselling, a Post Grad Diploma in Professional Supervision, a Graduate Diploma in Career Development, and a Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management. She is currently President and Fellow of the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ) and registered with NZAC. Heather works in careers at the University of Waikato and in private career practice. Her background is in human resources, training for employment, development, and supported employment. Heather’s passion is helping people successfully navigate the world of work.