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Rachel
Life Skills Coach / Mentor

Ko Putauaki te maunga
Ko Rangitaiki te awa
Ko Mataatua te waka
Ko Ngāti Hamua me Ngāti Pukeko te hapu
Ko Ngāti Awa te iwi
Ko Rachel Wikeepa ahau. 


My name is Rachel Wikeepa and I have a strong passion for mentoring rangatahi. I have a son who is 15 years old and we currently reside in Pāpāmoa with my partner. As a whānau we are very active and passionate about making the most of our time at the beach.


Originally from Whakatāne, I have lived in Tauranga since 2015 where I was a primary teacher at Ōtūmoetai Intermediate. During my time there, I also oversaw the Sports Academy programme and coached Rugby 7’s and touch. In the past I played for the New Zealand Women’s Rugby 7’s team, Aotearoa Māori Women’s 7’s team, and for the Aotearoa Māori Women’s Rugby League team. 


In 2020, I took an opportunity to work as an office manager and mentor within the Tauranga Boxing Academy for youth under the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust. As someone who has played multiple sports and competed internationally, I understand the power of sports in developing young people mentally and physically.


In my current role, I mentor vulnerable youth from many different backgrounds in a gym environment. I also offer guidance and understanding to help overcome challenges in their lives.  In addition to mentoring in a gym,  I facilitate a youth suicide prevention programme for Pasifika youth alongside a psychologist. 


One of my strengths is building trust and rapport with the rangatahi that I work with.  I place a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with both rangatahi and their whānau. Establishing a strong connection with my youth is crucial for them to open up and grow. 


In my free time I love to fish, surf, swim and hang out at the beach. I would love to involve my passion for the outdoors and sport to help mentor rangatahi who need support through challenges in their lives.  I believe that with my knowledge, experience and passion for working with rangatahi, I can make a positive change in the lives of the rangatahi that I mentor.

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