Rotorua's Semu Filipo giving back to the community through its youth

Rotorua's Semu Filipo is back home after a career in acting, and is looking forward to giving back to the community and local youth through the Rotorua Youth Centre.

Filipo said he grew up in Ford Block, going to St Mary's Catholic School and John Paul College.

His years of study after college included Performing Arts at EIT in Hawke's Bay and Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in Wellington.

Filipo was on New Zealand television show Shortland Street from 2005 to 2009 with a recurring guest role and has been in musicals in Auckland.

He has also done Shakespeare Globe performances, including in London and Melbourne, and was in the "Don't bring your mates" commercial.

He said when acting got a bit quiet he did a graduate diploma in teaching at AUT.

He taught for two years in Auckland before teaching at Reporoa College for four years.

"I was just a kid from Ford Block that wanted to be an actor. It doesn't matter where you're from, it's what you want and what you want to do at the end of the day," Filipo said.

"I'm thankful I had supportive friends, family and teachers."

Filipo said he had come back to Rotorua for his family. He has four children - aged 17, 11, 10 and 6.

Acting was great but meant he was always away from his children - athletics day, shows and rugby games.

"It's nice. It feels like a real family now."

Last week was Filipo's first week at the youth centre as youth worker programme co-ordinator.

"It's been great, it's a real positive, fun environment and I know the energy will pick up when school starts."

At the moment the centre was planning its year and he was excited and terribly nervous.

However, he had a supportive team who would help him out when needed, he said.

"I'm looking forward to it. I get to be home and give back to the community.

"I had some great teachers and role models growing up. It's great to come here and reconnect, especially with the pasifika youth here in Rotorua.

"I'm really passionate about youth, I think they have a lot to give to society and the world."

Filipo said it was important for our youth to feel valued, have self-worth and believe in themselves, as some youth struggled with identity at this stage and a lot of other things.

"We've got amazing, talented youth here in this area and it's just trying to guide them and tap into that potential."

He said he wanted to have a look at what things the youth centre had done in the past, and that it would be great to use his skills in acting, and try to get them auditions for those who really want to pursue it.

Rotorua Youth Centre manager Steve Holmes said hiring Filipo was an obvious choice for them.

"We had some strong candidates, but Semu stood out with his attitude and expertise, and his passion for young people is really clear."