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Welcome to WAYFYNDERS

WAYFYNDERS is a youth development system that empowers young people to rise and thrive.

Through three pillars — WAYFYNDERS Agency, Academy, and Workforce — supported by the WAYFYNDERS Network, it combines real-world projects, hands-on learning, and earning opportunities.

Together, these pillars connect identity, purpose, and pathways so young people can lead, learn, and earn with confidence.

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Our Story

The WAYFYNDERS System

WAYFYNDERS is not a single programme. It’s a connected journey.

Each pillar plays a distinct role — but they work together as one pathway.

WAYFYNDERS Agency

Young people shape ideas, influence decisions, and deliver real projects in their communities. Youth voice becomes youth leadership.

WAYFYNDERS Workforce

Through PAYRISE, young people access paid work, industry placements, and enterprise opportunities with real support behind them.

WAYFYNDERS Academy

Project-based education builds practical skills, confidence, and recognised credentials — preparing rangatahi for meaningful futures.

WAYFYNDERS Network

Partners, employers, whānau, and community organisations form the ecosystem that surrounds and strengthens every step of the journey.

The WAYFYNDERS Difference

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.

This legend has gone from a 75% attendance, to not missing a single school day since Term 3 started! With a 100% attendance, he is also a newly appointed house captain and the star of the rugby team.
2023 Mentoring Service
Our lovely mentee here has gone from 66% attendance in Term 2 to 94% attendance so far in Term 3. What an awesome accomplishment! Keep it up!
2023 Mentoring Service
Another one of our awesome friends here currently has an attendance of 80%! Mafi describes her as an engaged learner who is a great listener and explorer!
2023 Mentoring Service
Our beautiful friend here currently has a 100% attendance! Amelia has been helping her mentee with attendance but also supporting her well-being.
2023 Mentoring Service
Check out another one of our superstars. Not only is she more engaged and positive about her learning, but her attendance has improved significantly! She’s gone from a 44% attendance rate in Term 2 to an 89% attendance so far in Term 3.
2023 Mentoring Service
Check this guy out! From missing at least one day of school a week, he’s only missed 4 days since the term started. That’s a change from 70% attendance to 89%! He’s also more engaged and positive about school.
2023 Mentoring Service
Our friend here had a 25% attendance improvement from Term 2 to Term 3. He’s also involved in the rugby team and has improved attendance on Mondays
2023 Mentoring Service

Our Sponsors & Supporters

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.