Viliami Lolohea

I currently manage the Kaitiaki Residential programme, delivering 24/7 emergency care for young people who are facing arrest in the community or experiencing placement breakdowns due to complex and unmanageable circumstances. The program operates across three residential homes, with the capacity to support up to 12 young people at any one time.

I lead a team of 33 staff, including a Team Lead, Youth Mentor, and three Senior Youth Workers. A key priority in my role is maintaining strong and effective relationships with Oranga Tamariki, and I have established positive rapport with National Office, Tāmaki placement coordinators, and social workers.

The service responds to a wide range of complex and high-risk challenges; however, I strongly believe that with the right structure, training, leadership, and staff attitude, we can consistently provide safe, responsive, and high-quality care to some of our most vulnerable young people.

• Assessed client needs through comprehensive intake interviews and evaluations.
• Developed individualized service plans to address unique client challenges.
• Facilitated family therapy sessions to promote peer support and healing.
• Conducted assessments of client's mental health status and determined appropriate interventions.
• Searched for whanau to strengthen support systems for young individuals.
• Conducted travel across NZ to provide ongoing assistance to families in caring for rangatahi.

• Guided youth in developing life skills and personal goals.
• Collaborated with families to create individualized support plans for youth.
• Assisted in crisis intervention to address immediate youth needs effectively.
• Documented interactions and maintained accurate records of youth progress.
• Established relationships with local organizations providing resources or employment opportunities for young people.

• Implemented daily routines to ensure structure and stability for youth residents.
• Monitored behavior and reported changes to senior staff for appropriate intervention.
• Maintained accurate documentation of incidents and progress for each resident.
• Encouraged independent living skills such as budgeting, grocery
• shopping, meal preparation.
• Maintaining a safe environment for all.

• Mentor young athletes in diverse sports across multiple primary schools in South Auckland

• Resided in Nelson for a few years.

• Lived in Japan for 6 months

• Unpacking Furniture
• Carefully handling furniture in and out of houses

• Handling fish
• Stacking and sorting fish
• Unloading freezer boats

• Splitting firewood
• Stacking
• Operating tractor to reassemble firewood

• Participated in successful Junior Warriors squad, contributing to team dynamics and performance.
• Coached school children, enhancing community engagement through sports initiatives.
• Served as an official at 2013 1st XIII Rugby League Schoolboy Nationals, explaining tournament rules to players and coaches.
• Communicated score updates to commentators during live matches for accurate reporting.