Opinion: Chantelle Walker a true role model for young people

Chantelle Walker, centre, opening her youth justice centre Te Toa Matataki supported by students from Western Heights Primary. Photo / Stephen Parker

Chantelle Walker is the epitome of perserverance.

Of sticking at something you believe in, regardless of what obstacles and challenges you face along the way.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Chantelle when she had just received confirmation from the Ministry of Social Development that the trust she'd set up had been conditionally approved as a Child and Family Support Service.

She had resigned her job as a youth justice social worker at Child Youth and Family six months earlier to put all her focus into her long-held dream of opening a home for youth offenders.

During that interview, she told me she wanted her programme to start as soon as she could find a property - she was hoping that would be within two months.

That was three years ago.

A lesser person might have given up over that time, but Chantelle kept at it and yesterday Te Toa Matataki, a youth justice community home south of Rotorua, officially opened its doors.

One of the great privileges of this job is meeting people who inspire you and who stick in your memory. For me, Chantelle was one such person. She knew what she wanted and how to get there and she was quietly determined to make it happen.

Seeing her open Te Toa Matataki, with the help and support of so many people in this community, was a heartwarming moment.

Having heard first hand the passion and determination she has I have no doubt she will succeed in changing young people's lives.

One thing's for sure, they could not ask for a better role model.