OUR WORK.
WAYFYNDERS Agency
Leads and co-designs youth projects while recruiting members into learning and earning pathways through the Academy and Workforce.
Past, Present & Future Projects
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YouthFest, hosted by WAYFYNDERS, is Tāmaki’s first free youth-led festival—designed and delivered by young people for their community. Launched in 2023 at the John Cassidy Recreation Centre, it features live music, food, sports, cultural performances, youth enterprise, and workshops. Created as a vibrant, safe space for youth expression and connection, YouthFest is now an annual event, with 2025 marking its third edition.
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In 2024, the WAYFYNDERS Agency trialled weekly Youth Nights every Friday at WAYFYNDERS HQ: Café, Events & Co-working Space, 133 Line Road, Glen Innes—providing a safe, welcoming space for youth aged 14–24 to connect and unwind. While well-received, youth expressed the need for a dedicated 24/7 space. In response, WAYFYNDERS Agency is now exploring facility options for 2025.
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On Wednesday, 23 August, 2024 - The WAYFYNDERS Agency hosted the ‘Shape Your Destiny’ Youth Conference at Te Oro, facilitated by Darren Pereira. The day was packed with energy, inspiration, and fun, as Darren encouraged rangatahi to unlock their potential, understand their strengths, and discover purpose-driven career pathways. Through interactive activities—including personality assessments and trust falls—youth were challenged to overcome fears, support one another, and shape their future with confidence and intention.
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The Youth4Sure Fund is a youth-led participatory funding initiative born from the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Deliberative Democracy Pilot, where local rangatahi explored how Auckland Council could better support youth wellbeing. Their recommendations led to the creation of Youth4Sure—a fund designed by youth, for youth, with four core objectives focused on youth leadership and hauora. Supported by the Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board, Department of Internal Affairs, and Foundation North. Funding was awarded by the Youth4Sure Panel earlier this year to 26 Youth Organisations and Individuals. A showcase event is planned mid year 2026. Dates to be confirmed by the WAYFYNDERS Agency.
A new and dedicated website for Youth4Sure will be created to highlight Youth Stores and Impact.
WAYFYNDERS Academy
We empower youth through hands-on, culturally grounded learning and cross-skilled apprenticeships—building confidence, real-world experience, and pathways to purpose and opportunity.
Past, Present & Future Projects
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Aligned with the Rise Group Trust’s Strategic Plan, a submission was made in May 2025 to the Charter School Agency to establish WAYFYNDERS Academy—an alternative education model for the Tāmaki community. If approved, the school will launch in 2026.
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In 2025, we aim to become an NZQA-registered Private Training Establishment to deliver innovative, project-based learning tailored for youth in Tāmaki.
WAYFYNDERS Workforce
WAYFYNDERS Workforce advances youth enterprise through PAYRISE—connecting young people to earning opportunities, industry experience, and entrepreneurial pathways that lead to meaningful work.
Past, Present & Future Projects
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Te Ara Maranga is a youth employment programme for 15–24 year olds, providing work experience, training, and mentoring through Rise Group’s social enterprises. With wraparound support and a focus on personal growth, it empowers young people to build confidence, skills, and clear career pathways.
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PAYRISE is a youth employment and enterprise platform that connects young people to real-world work experience, paid opportunities, and industry pathways—empowering them to earn while they learn and build meaningful futures. For more information, check out www.payrise.nz