October 2014
Media release
Carabiner Mentoring links potential with success
In the six years since its inception, Carabiner Mentoring has provided support, confidence and guidance to dozens of
extraordinary young New Zealanders. Initially established as a mentoring programme for young people with disabilities,
this year Carabiner has expanded its scope.
Remaining true to its ethos of “linking potential with success”, Carabiner is now taking applications from young people
who live with extraordinary challenges, be these physical, mental or situational.
“We’re looking for ambitious, motivated, talented young people,” says Mentoring Coordinator, Jo Dominick. “There’s no
segregation. In changing the criteria, we’ve moved away from any negative connotations and toward a programme that
allows young people to define themselves, focusing on their positive qualities, talents and goals.”
A recent addition to the Carabiner family, Hamilton resident Yaniv Janson has already significantly defined himself
through his art. With an in-depth understanding of environmental and social issues and a fresh perspective on marketing
his work, Yaniv partnered with Carabiner to develop his connections in the art world.
22 year-old Yaniv has an autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy, which affects how he communicates with others. He
chooses to express his ideas through painting, which have culminated in 32 exhibitions, five of which travelled
overseas.
In fact, Yaniv had already sold 136 paintings when he approached Carabiner looking to take his work to the next level.
“The initial discussions with Jo and the team really inspired Yaniv,” says mother Annick. “They showed him that you
really can go as far with your talents as you want.”
With Carabiner’s help, Yaniv recently met with renowned patron of the arts, Sir James Wallace, to discuss how he could
progress his work. “It’s been a fantastic experience for Yaniv to meet one of the leading authorities on local art,”
says Annick. “He’s met someone whom he admires hugely, and got to know one of the most important personalities in the
arts.”
The sky is the limit now for Yaniv, as it is for other young people who are teamed up with New Zealand’s cultural movers
and shakers through Carabiner. With a funding contract from the Ministry of Youth Development, Carabiner are further
developing the services they offer, with the aim to apply the model internationally, expanding the horizons of young
people around the world.
Carabiner is now also collaborating with Heart for Youth to improve their programme, following a mentor training workshop run by Ross McCook from Heart for Youth Mentoring. “Training ensured mentors were offering their mentees all that they can to meet their potential, while at the same
time creating a rewarding mentoring experience for themselves,” explains Jo.
Carabiner Mentoring is a part of The Cube, a collective impact organisation focused on facilitating the development of
equal and reciprocal relationships between organisations and the young people who use their services.
About The Cube
The Cube is an innovative, youth-led initiative, which exists to support young people with disabilities, empowering them
to make informed choices about services that best meet their individual needs and enabling them to lead meaningful
lives.
All Cube partners help young people to participate in fun and productive ways in their community, and feel connected and
proud to be a part of something special. Through The Cube, young people have the opportunity to participate in
everything from education, health and recreation to life skills, personal growth and employment activities.
The Cube works with all young people with disabilities who live, work, study or play in the local community and are
modelling leadership and innovation to the wider youth & disability sectors. Currently, partners are based in Auckland and Christchurch, and are looking to extend their reach
to work with young people from all around New Zealand.
Find out more at www.thecube.org.nz
ENDS