WAYFYNDERS is built as a system, not a single initiative.
Each pillar strengthens a different stage of the journey — from voice and learning, to work and opportunity.
Together they form a connected pathway that helps young people grow capability, access real opportunities, and move forward with confidence.
WAYFYNDERS is not a single programme.
It’s a connected journey.
Each pillar plays a distinct role — but they work together as one pathway.
Young people shape ideas, influence decisions, and deliver real projects in their communities. Youth voice becomes youth leadership.
Through PAYRISE, young people access paid work, industry placements, and enterprise opportunities with real support behind them.
Project-based education builds practical skills, confidence, and recognised credentials — preparing rangatahi for meaningful futures.
Partners, employers, whānau, and community organisations form the ecosystem that surrounds and strengthens every step of the journey.
WAYFYNDERS is powered by youth.
Created with and for young people, we don’t sit on the sidelines offering feedback. We step forward to lead, design solutions, and deliver real change.
This isn’t a programme built around youth — it’s a system built by them.
That shift changes everything.
We couldn’t do this without you. Every opportunity, every project, every young person rising through WAYFYNDERS is made possible through the backing of our funders, partners, and community supporters.
Guiding government regulations and supporting community programmes across New Zealand, DIA help ensure young people’s rights and civic engagement align with country-wide policy.
National body focusing on youth policy, development programmes and support — aligning with WAYFYNDER’s mission to empower young people.
A philanthropic funder investing in community-driven initiatives across Auckland that uplift youth and strengthen social outcomes.
We work with MSD to drive impactful public employment and community development solutions.
Oversees local services, community development, and infrastructure in Tāmaki and beyond, connecting youth with city-level opportunities.
Through our PAYRISE platform, we collaborate with Hoku Foundation to drive youth employment and enterprise, equipping young people with tools to succeed in work and life.
TRC supports young people and their families in Tāmaki by providing access to housing, infrastructure, and community opportunities that create stronger futures.
Through PAYRISE, we partner with All Heart NZ to connect young people to sustainable employment and enterprise pathways, transforming surplus business resources into opportunities for rangatahi and their communities.
Civic organisation that supports community projects, leadership development, and youth engagement — often through scholarships, mentorship, and service initiatives.
Leading tertiary institution in the region, offering advanced learning, research, and partnership pathways for youth transitioning from programmes like PAYRISE.
RISE Group Trust with the WAYFYNDERS brand, was born out of Tāmaki College’s vision for social, economic, cultural, and educational advancement, continuing the commitment to empower its students and their families.
A programme helping students at Tāmaki College engage with health, science, and medical pathways, building futures within the community.
