Person of the Year finalists - Dan Allen-Gordon

Dan Allen-Gordon.

DAN ALLEN-GORDON

Dan Allen-Gordon is the name behind a number of mentoring and support programmes for local youth in the Bay of Plenty.

Mr Allen-Gordon is the founder of the Foundation for Youth Development Bay of Plenty Trust, responsible for a number of programmes including Kiwican, Stars, Project K, Career Navigator and Mentoring Youth New Direction (MYND) for youth offenders.

"The programmes have the potential to significantly benefit New Zealand through a youth population who are better educated, have prospects, greater self-esteem and are healthy and motivated," his nominator said.

"There is a waiting list of schools keen to engage the programme, as they have heard of the benefits and assist with the stability of the school environment."

The Bay of Plenty Times reported in April 2013 the life-skills programme offered to more than 2300 Bay children each week was helping reduce youth crime.

His nominator said Mr Allen-Gordon's work and passion went beyond his role with the trust.

"This only touches a small amount of what Dan is doing. Over the years he has touched many people with his undying passion."