Heather Blissett

Kia Ora,

Ko Heather ahau.  I can be found in Upper Hutt North with a cabin that opens out to a rural view.    This has been a vision of mine for some time.  A safe space that supports connection to te taiao while maintaining protection from the various weather elements.  Reflecting on my life experiences has led me to the realization that Te Taiao has quietly underpinned all that I am and do.  So, it was only natural that my Youth Work model of practice was the ngahere/forest.   My model is heavily influenced by the Te Aorangi model because it represents the interconnectedness of all (Rangimarie Pere).

Since 2008 I have walked alongside rangatahi in a variety of roles both voluntarily and for various organisations both Government and Non-Government while gaining qualifications in Youth Work.   Ironically, while completing an ‘Adventure Based Learning’ paper with Praxis the opportunity to attend a pilot Youth Workers ‘connect’ course at Outward Bound presented itself.  So, in the middle of winter, I ticked a bucket list goal.