WAYFYNDERS is built as a connected youth development system designed to support rangatahi from leadership and learning through to real employment opportunities.
Each pillar strengthens a different stage of the journey — from voice and learning to work and opportunity. Together, they form a pathway that helps young people grow capability, access real opportunities, and move forward with confidence.
Youth Leadership & Community Action
WAYFYNDERS Agency leads and co-designs youth initiatives while connecting rangatahi into learning and earning pathways through the Academy and Workforce.
Through Agency, young people gain real experience in leadership, collaboration, and community development.
Projects & Initiatives
YouthFest is Tāmaki’s first free youth-led festival — designed and delivered by young people for their community.
First launched in 2023 at the John Cassidy Recreation Centre, the festival features live music, food, sport, cultural performances, youth enterprise, and creative workshops. YouthFest was created to provide a vibrant, safe space for youth expression and connection.
The event has since grown into an annual celebration, with 2025 marking its third edition.
In 2024, WAYFYNDERS Agency trialled weekly Youth Nights every Friday at WAYFYNDERS HQ: Café, Events & Co-working Space, located at 133 Line Road, Glen Innes.
The programme created a welcoming space for young people aged 14–24 to connect, relax, and build friendships in a safe environment.
Feedback from participants highlighted the need for a dedicated youth facility. As a result, WAYFYNDERS is now exploring options for a future youth space.
On Wednesday 23 August 2024, WAYFYNDERS Agency hosted the Shape Your Destiny Youth Conference at Te Oro, facilitated by Darren Pereira.
The day focused on helping rangatahi explore their strengths, build confidence, and discover purpose-driven career pathways.
Through interactive workshops — including personality assessments, leadership exercises, and team challenges — participants were encouraged to push beyond their comfort zones and imagine new possibilities for their future.
The Youth4Sure Fund is a youth-led participatory funding initiative created through the Maungakiekie–Tāmaki Deliberative Democracy Pilot.
Local rangatahi explored how Auckland Council could better support youth wellbeing and recommended a funding model designed and led by youth.
Through Youth4Sure, a youth panel reviews funding applications and allocates support to projects that benefit young people in the community.
Learning that builds capability and confidence
WAYFYNDERS Academy focuses on hands-on, culturally grounded learning that supports rangatahi to develop practical skills, confidence, and purpose.
The Academy pathway is designed to connect education with real-world experience and future employment opportunities.
Programme Development
WAYFYNDERS is exploring the development of an alternative education model designed specifically for rangatahi in the Tāmaki community.
In alignment with the strategic direction of the Rise Group Trust, a submission was made to the Charter School Agency in 2025 to establish WAYFYNDERS Academy as a culturally grounded, project-based learning environment.
While the initial proposal was not selected in that round, the vision for WAYFYNDERS Academy remains a priority. Work is continuing to refine the model and explore future opportunities to deliver this approach to education.
WAYFYNDERS is also exploring the potential development of a Private Training Establishment (PTE).
The goal is to deliver innovative, project-based learning programmes that combine cultural grounding, practical skills development, and industry exposure for rangatahi in Tāmaki.
This work is currently in the exploration and planning phase as we assess the best pathway to deliver meaningful learning opportunities for young people in the community.
Turning skills into real earning opportunities
The Workforce pillar connects young people to paid projects, employment opportunities, and enterprise experiences.
This pathway focuses on helping rangatahi translate their skills into meaningful work and long-term career opportunities.
Programmes
PAYRISE is WAYFYNDERS’ flagship youth employment and enterprise platform. It connects rangatahi to real-world work experience, paid opportunities, and industry pathways — empowering young people to earn while they learn, build skills, and step confidently into meaningful work.
Through PAYRISE, young people access:
Paid work experience with local employers and social enterprises
Mentoring and support to build confidence and capability
Career pathways into apprenticeships, enterprise, and ongoing employment
For more information, visit PAYRISE.
Te Ara Maranga and Ahi Kā laid the foundation for PAYRISE. This youth employment programme provided work experience, training, and mentoring for 15–24-year-olds through Rise Group’s social enterprises.
Many of the lessons, processes, and structures developed through Te Ara Maranga and Ahi Kā continue to shape PAYRISE today.
Partners supporting youth opportunity
WAYFYNDERS works alongside partners, funders, and community organisations who share a commitment to youth development and leadership.
These partnerships help create pathways for rangatahi to access learning, employment, and leadership opportunities.
Key Partners
