NGA TAI O TE AWA – CAYAD WHANGANUI

The call was sent out from Peter Kaua, Principal, Whanganui City College so Nga Tai O te Awa came together to collectively support them with immediate support that we then could extend and develop a relationship with teachers and students around the AOD space.

Tipu Whakarite

After discussions with what was needed from Peter and desired outcomes and “where to from here”, It was proposed to name this Kaupapa ‘Tipu Whakarite” which means “growing to be ready

This gives the Kaupapa a strong foundation and direction to where we want our tauira to move but let them drive the direction and take control of decisions around the Kaupapa with support and beyond with confidence.

The tauira that we received were not “striving” but just around the “surviving” space in school and needed “space” to allow them to move freely mentally and unlock themselves. There was a need to Increase informed community discussion and debate about issues related to alcohol and other drugs, so this was incorporated into our kaupapa

A three phase Kaupapa was initiated around Hauora with the korero that could be relatable with AOD thru various aspects, Peer pressure, environments and individual decisions.

We gave our tauira the task to work with chefs at Whanganui UCOL to give them the opportunity of pressure in a group environment and how this pressure can relate to personal experiences around AOD harm and reduction. These decisions can impact individuals in a positive or negative way depending on outlook. This opportunity also increased local capacity to support young people in education, employment and recreation.

After negotiations, the church agreed to lease the building for the new Morrinsville Community Youth Hub, while still holding once a month church service. It’s a win-win for the church, the youth, and the wider community.

What’s Changed? The Outcomes

• Youth have been offered a safe, youth-friendly space in the heart of Morrinsville.

• Local youth feel valued, seen, heard and supported.

• Opportunity to create access to counselling, AOD services, education, and recreation programmes.

• Over 1000 Morrinsville youth voices have shaped the space through consultations and surveys.

• Opportunity to create long-term sustainable programmes and activities to support youth aspirations and youth health, social and recreational needs.

• Long-term partnerships and networks have formed between schools, iwi, council, health, and community services to support the long-term sustainability of this initiative.

CAYAD’s Role: The Backbone of the Journey

For nearly two decades, CAYAD has been the connector, convener, and catalyst for youth wellbeing in Morrinsville.

• Facilitated over 30 community hui and workshops

• Supported youth leadership development and engagement

• Linked agencies and stakeholders to shared goals

• Led coordination of surveys, youth events, and service mapping

“Having a paid CAYAD coordinator to support the development of this long-term community aspiration to have a space dedicated for youth has helped keep this community action project on track over the years especially when it was tough maintaining momentum.

– Ngaire Te Ahu, CAYAD Coordinator 2025

Looking Ahead

Morrinsville’s proposed Community Youth Hub is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of resilience, partnership, and possibility. Youth-led, community-backed, and two decades in the making, it’s finally happening. To conclude, I want to end with the following quote from one of our rangatahi leaders.

“This space says to me: You matter. You belong. You’re part of Morrinsville’s present and future.”

– Mana Rangatahi youth leader 2024