Staff Profile: Introducing Lote Fakatava

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Lote Fakatava, 35 years old, I’m half Tongan/ half Kuki. I am married with 4 beautiful daughters. Born and raised in South Auckland.

What inspired you to work with young people?

After being approached about the potential to work with youth, looking into it I saw a need there and felt like I could really offer something in the youth space. There’s something special about seeing our youth overcome challenges.

What is your role at Reconnect, and how long have you been with us?

I am a youth worker in the Care Support programme, working in our residential homes.

What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’m a chef by trade, I own a couple small business and have recently opened a small cafe in the heart of Māngere at the Māngere Arts Centre called Coffee Island (the best coffee in town) haha can’t wait to see you all there!

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Depending on the routine of the placement as well as the young people in the placement, a typical day will usually be based around their daily routine, if that be school or other activities, that’s what sets the structure of our days.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy seeing the impact that values and structure have on the young people and over time how that shapes them as they grow during their time with us.

Lote (left) with business partner

Can you share a favourite memory or success story from your time working at Reconnect?

Sharing my passions with the young people and seeing how that helps them is a success I think, and I guess being exposed to certain opportunities of growth means I must be doing something right haha.

What do you enjoying doing outside of work?

Our job can be really demanding at times, outside of work I enjoy time with my family, my wife and kids, training/working out, playing sports, eating haha – I love food and coffee!

Are you involved in any work in your wider community?

I coach fitness as well, at the moment I coach CrossFit to school kids, as well as free community fitness classes.