Thomas Chin’s journey with the Halberg Foundation began long before he officially joined the Halberg Youth Council. Growing up around Parafed Canterbury, Thomas was regularly involved in Halberg’s events. His first direct involvement came in 2015 when he competed at the Halberg Games as a member of Team Canterbury – an experience that would set the stage for years of leadership and advocacy.
Shortly after the Games, Thomas was encouraged by the Canterbury Halberg Advisor to apply for a new initiative: a national youth leadership council representing physically disabled young people. This group would go on to become the Halberg Youth Council, and Thomas became a founding member.
Thomas described his time on the Council with one word: growth. Joining as a 16 year old and staying on in various roles until 2022, he experienced personal and professional development through the challenges and responsibilities that came with being part of a national youth voice. Thomas developed many things over the years on the Council including confidence, leadership, and resilience. One of his proudest contributions was leading the development of Māori programmes within Halberg, such as Manaakitanga Programme and iwi involvement. He worked to embed authentic cultural inclusion within the organisation, and he’s proud to have contributed to a positive shift in Halberg’s approach to Te reo Māori.
Beyond strategy and policy, Thomas found some of the most meaningful moments came from being in the community – on the ground, engaging directly with tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau. These interactions reminded him why Halberg’s work is so important.
Since leaving the Youth Council, Thomas has graduated from university and now works as a criminal lawyer in Whakatāne. Although his professional path has moved away from the disability and sport sector, his passion for advocacy remains central to his mahi.
“One of the most powerful things about Halberg is it’s ability to bring people together and ensure that young disabled people are never alone.” That belief continues to guide his work as he advocated for others in the legal system. Thomas still keeps a close eye on Halberg’s work and hopes to find time to support the Foundation again in the future. As for his own goals, he’s focused on growing his legal career, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and continuing his advocacy in both personal and professional spaces.
For young people considering joining the Youth Council, Thomas offers this advice “Make the most of every opportunity and don’t waste it echoing the opinions of someone else. Take pride in thinking differently.”
From a Halberg Games athletes to a national youth leader to a courtroom advocate, Thomas Chin’s journey is a powerful reminder of how the right opportunities – and a willingness to step up – can create lasting change.
