ABOUT US.

  • In 2022, the Community Co-design process identified the need for stronger youth interventions. In response, the Foundational Youth Exec developed a plan to go beyond youth voice by creating a Youth Consulting Agency—WAYFYNDERS. Inspired by Youth Exec member Chris, the name was spelled with “FY” to highlight its core purpose: “FOR YOUTH.”

  • The system isn’t working for all youth—too many rangatahi feel unseen, unsupported, and stuck in models that don’t reflect their identity or needs. They face cultural disconnect, limited access to relevant learning, and few clear pathways to meaningful futures.

  • The WAYFYNDERS youth development system is a youth-designed journey made up of three connected pathways—Agency, Academy, and Workforce. It supports rangatahi from self-discovery to skill-building to real-world outcomes, growing the potential already within them—not through a one-off programme, but through a system built to guide them to rise and thrive.

  • WAYFYNDERS is youth-led, not adult-designed.
    Created by youth for youth, we don’t just give feedback—we lead, design, and drive positive impact.

    It’s not a one-off programme—it’s a full development pathway.
    Starting with Agency (youth voice and leadership), growing through Academy (education & skills), and launching through Workforce (employment & enterprise), each stage is connected to help young people rise and thrive.

    Culture isn’t a bonus—it’s our foundation.
    Grounded in Pacific, Māori, and Indigenous values, WAYFYNDERS helps youth understand who they are and where they come from.

    We don’t just prepare youth for work—we create opportunities.
    Through paid projects via PAYRISE, youth-led social enterprises such as WAYFYNDERS HQ, industry partnerships, and local work crews, we flip the system and build solutions for our own communities.

    Born in Tamaki, built for beyond.
    Our youth are making an impact in Tāmaki—and across New Zealand and beyond.

Why WAYFYNDERS?

WAYFYNDERS Youth Exec

Sunipa Mafua

  • Born and raised in New Zealand, I have been here my whole life. I have always relied on education as a ticket out of multiple struggles so being part of change not only creates that for me, but for the people I walk past every day. It’s a start and I’m happy to be part of it. 

    “For me, being a Youth Exec of WAYFYNDERS has meant new experiences, new opportunities and a whole new perspective of the world.”

  • I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved with WAYFYNDERS and help other young people connect and support their dreams.

    I’m looking forward to working alongside the team,  to work with our disengaged youth up at our local primary school.

  • Talofa Lava, I am a Year 12 at Tamaki College who was born and raised in NZ. I descend from the beautiful culture of Samoa and my interests are anything associated with The Arts, including: music, literature, dance and theatre. 

    For me, being on the Executive Committee of the WayFYnders has given me the opportunity to learn and understand the importance of change, as we are living in a world that is constantly growing around change and in order to keep up with it as a society, we must be able to learn about it. 

  • Talofa Lava! I am a proud Afakasi Samoan, Year 13 student and Kowhai House Captain at Tāmaki College.

    My humble upbringing in East Tāmaki has instilled the values of respect, love, family, and service in everything I do. This has cultivated my deep-rooted passion for culture, health, and well-being. I believe my purpose is to give back and serve the community that raised me by embracing and navigating social change while also honouring and preserving tradition.

    We  need to relate to, connect with and understand the people we are working with or the people. Surrounding ourselves with like minded people is good but it’s not going to challenge or create diversity in whatever project we are doing, or whatever ideas we have.

  • Kia Ora, I’m Tangaroa Brown, born and raised in the East, and a Year 13 student at Tāmaki College.

    Confident to learn more in music and business and always willing to give back to my community that has raised and helped me.

    Being a part of something that is bigger than me makes me feel alive. My life has changed for the better. I have had so many new experiences and am now involved in projects that are really making a difference. I really enjoy engaging with others and using my voice to help make change in our community.

  • I’m a Year 13 student and proud son of migrant parents who’ve worked hard to support me—now it’s my turn. My dream is to become an entrepreneur, and I’m grateful for the chance to work at WAYFYNDERS HQ in Glen Innes, join the first PAYRISE Youth Entrepreneurs cohort, and receive a Youth4Sure grant to kickstart my business journey. My goal is to give back and help other youth the way WAYFYNDERS has helped me.

WAYFYNDERS Support Crew

  • Former Director, WAYFYNDERS & Associate

    Tash played a key role in shaping WAYFYNDERS—supporting its formation alongside Youth Exec Gloria, serving as an advisor and part of the Rise Group management team. While no longer directly involved, we’re grateful for her incredible contribution and leadership, and will co-opt Tash as and when needed as an associate.

  • Youth Advisor, Associate

    Gloria is a former Deputy Head Girl of Tamaki College and is.a key member of the WAYFYNDERS family, working with the Youth Exec & Rise Group management to set the foundations of WAYFYNDERS as an Agency. Gloria continues to work with us as a Youth Advisor whilst she continues Post-Grad studies.

  • Associate

    With a strong background in youth development, local government, and recently completing a significant tenure as CEO of a Pacific-based NGO, Rouruina has been a valuable contributor—especially to WAYFYNDERS Workforce initiatives and operations at WAYFYNDERS HQ: Café, Events & Co-working Space in Glen Innes.

  • WAYFYNDERS is supported by The Rise Group Trust Board management. For more information, visit www.risegroup.co.nz

WAYFYNDERS Youth Strategy

Take a moment to explore our WAYFYNDERS Strategy that is short, sweet, and to the point.