A journey of discovery.

The inspiration behind "Wayfinding" comes from an ancient Pacific practice, navigating the vast open oceans using celestial bodies and ocean swells.

For us, Wayfinding takes on a new meaning — it's about following your inner compass, that deep yearning inside you. It's using self-awareness to not only change yourself and achieve your goals, but also to uplift those around you. As a Wayfinder, you'll always stay on the right course, guided by deep self-knowledge and a keen eye on your thoughts, actions, and habits.

Being a Wayfinder means embarking on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and leadership, making a positive impact on your life and the lives of others.

Our Roots

WayFynders was established in 2021 and is a positive force for Tāmaki College and the local community. We are an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) addressing the social challenges impacting education and wellbeing in the Tāmaki area.

Executive team

Esther Lam Sam

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.

Danielle Meredith

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.

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 on the Executive Committee of the WayFYnders has meant new experiences, new opportunities and a whole new perspective of the world.”

Christopher Tagaloa

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.

Tangaroa Brown

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.