ABOUT US

 

OUR MISSION

To make a positive difference in the lives of young people facing adversity, through social and creative initiatives, safe spaces, access to resources and tuition.​

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OUR VALUES

AROHA - Giving our time, space & empathy inclusively for all rangatahi

TIKA - Doing what's right, doing what's good and doing what's best for rangatahi.

PONO - Being open, honest, transparent and working with integrity.

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WHAT WE ARE

 We’re a Kaupapa Tiriti, multicultural, non-profit charitable trust founded in 2004,  working across Tāmaki Makaurau with a social and creative focus. Our board of trustees and staff are culturally diverse with strong representation from youth, Tangata Whenua and Pacifica members. We are a registered charity with donee status.

 

WHAT WE DO

We deliver strength-based creative group projects, discussion groups, professional development, access to resources, safe spaces and mentoring. We teach creative, technical, digital, music and arts skills with a view to further education and vocation. Our team is made up of dedicated registered youth workers, many of whom are creative professionals and notable and award-winning artists in the NZ creative industries, all sharing the same passion: bridging the gap for our rangatahi. We have a ‘youth for youth’ focus, promoting young leaders and youth-led initiatives. 80% of our current staff started as participants.

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OUR SOCIAL FOCUS

We work to create a more inclusive, resilient and connected community, promoting cultural identity and understanding, engaging  young people with their local communities and opening doors for youth in underserved communities. We promote connectedness, belonging and the overall wellbeing of young people, with a focus on the most under resourced youth. We honour He Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embrace Tangata Whenua and Te Ao Māori.

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OUR CHARITABLE PURPOSES

(As stated in our trust deed)

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a. To facilitate the promotion of a multicultural and diverse artistic and educational community. This includes mentoring and support for members of the community by our volunteers from diverse cultures and backgrounds;

 

b. To promote inclusivity, connectedness, participation, and to create an environment where youth of diverse ethnic backgrounds can come together and share ideas in a safe and understanding place;

 

c. To focus on nurturing career pathways, education and the arts;

 

d. To administer the premises as a venue for youth development programs, discussion groups, visual arts and audio arts and to facilitate its function as a meeting place, and in particular administer, and facilitate the use of the premises as a working art gallery, community radio station, practicing work space, community theatre and venue for films and documentaries;

 

e. To assist individuals and Charitable Bodies and Community Organisations to further any Charitable Purpose;

 

f. To liaise and work with other charitable organisations and groups with a similar mission.

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g. To acknowledge and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to embrace Hapu, Iwi and Whanau of the land in which we live.

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