Duane Major has a background in education and sport and is a Pastor at South West Baptist Church (SWBC) and the founder of 24-7 YouthWork.

Duane became a volunteer youth worker well over 20 years ago, and says he was drawn to youth work because of its energy and the opportunities it created.  “I saw it as an opportunity to make a real difference” Duane says. “Youth is a fantastic stage of life, and youth workers can be hugely influential during this time.” Duane enjoys working with young people of all ages and backgrounds – and believes the community has a big part to play in ensuring all young people grow into well-rounded adults.

Alan Ameye, and his wife Heather, spent thirteen years working for YFC (Youth for Christ) in Wellington before moving to the City of Sails to serve as youth pastors for nearly eleven years at Windsor Park Baptist Church on the North Shore.

His current role is the Northern Regional Youth Ministry Coach for Baptist Churches, which he has been doing for the last seven years. Alan enjoys identifying and observing trends in youth ministry and endeavours to keep up with new initiatives around the world. He loves sitting with Youth Pastors and hearing their stories over a coffee (which he doesn’t drink so it’s usually a water).

Alan Aitken is a management consultant for a variety of charitable and community-based organisations including 24-7YW.
He has been involved with church and community groups for over 25 years including 16 years as a church pastor which saw him undertake a range of youth, administration, teaching and leadership roles.

Al reflects that success, in whatever charitable organisation, is always about people and always comes back to people.

Grant Chivers is the 018 Manager at South West Baptist Church with responsibilities for all Youth and Children’s work including being involved with seven not-for-profit Trusts within Christchurch. Grant has been involved with various Youth Trusts, Youth Work and Children’s Work of varying sorts for the last 25 years and has a passion to see young people flourish and grow into healthy, contributing, whole adults.

Grant and his wife, Emma, spent three years with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Southern Africa in their life before kids and their passions are youth, children, Global Missions and family – along with a great cup of coffee or a mountain bike ride on a forest track.

Gabrielle Bisseker is a former 24-7YW Youth Worker at Rangiora High. For the last seven years, Gabrielle has been working as a Child and Family Psychologist with a special interest in helping teens with chronic suicidal and self-harm behaviour. She is also clinical educator with the Child and Family Psychology Programme at the University of Canterbury.

Outside of work, Gabrielle enjoys being creative, learning new skills and having mini-adventures. 

Marcus Driller is General Manager Corporate at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. His role encompasses investor and media relations, corporate communications, reporting and sponsorship. Marcus is passionate about seeing businesses, not-for-profit organisations, churches and schools coming together to form stronger communities in Aotearoa. He was drawn to 24-7YW because of their desire to make a difference in the lives of young New Zealanders, who will not only play an important part in our future communities, but are an integral part of our communities today.

Marcus is married to Toni and with their 3 children, they enjoy water-skiing, cycling, travelling and swimming.