Autism NZ -
Let's Play
Let’s Play is a whānau programme to bridge the gap between early development concerns with the likelihood of an autism/takiwātanga diagnosis and the start of early intervention services, empowering whānau to begin the role of enduring educator for their tamaiti.
The focus is on increasing awareness and understanding, creating more joyful interactions, play-based learning, and promoting whānau well-being using Te Whare Tapa Whā principles.
Contact: Thecla Moffatt
BGI Wellington -
Te Whānganui-a-Tara Kura Wānanga
Kura Wānanga supports rangatahi Māori aged 16–18 from high depravation backgrounds in Te Whānganui-a-Tara / Wellington to reconnect with their whakapapa, expand their identity and cultural confidence, and grow as leaders.
Through marae-based wānanga and mentoring, participants develop a sense of belonging in safe, supportive spaces led by Māori youth workers.
The programme builds confidence, resilience, and cultural pride. Many return as tuakana, guiding others and sustaining the kaupapa. This initiative strengthens whānau and community connections, helping young people thrive in school and life.
Contact: Mary Major
Email: mary@bgi.org.nz
Centre for Research in Mathematics Education, Massey University -
STEM Holiday Programme
This programme offers free, culturally sustaining STEM learning for Māori and Pacific children aged 5–12 in Auckland. Delivered during school holidays, it combines hands-on mathematics lessons with engaging activities like robotics and coding, all led by Massey University mentors.
By removing cost barriers and embedding cultural identity, the initiative builds confidence, curiosity, and achievement in STEM. It strengthens whānau engagement and creates equitable opportunities for learners who might otherwise miss out—helping children thrive and opening pathways to future study and careers.
Contact: Jodie Hunter
Email: j.hunter1@massey.ac.nz
Hauora mō ngā Tāngata Katoa Charitable Trust -
Te Ara Whakatō : Planting the Pathway
Hauora mō ngā Tāngata Katoa Charitable Trust's after-school programme supports Māori, Pasifika, and neurodiverse rangatahi in the Franklin area who face barriers such as trauma, disengagement and lack of safe spaces after school.
This initiative offers culturally grounded, movement-based sessions that build confidence, emotional regulation, and identity. Sustaining gains from daytime hauora programmes, and removing cost barriers, it strengthens wellbeing and whānau connections—helping young people become more resilient, more able to learn at school, build relationships, develop better emotional regulation and feel positively about themselves and their futures.
Contact: Marama Killen
Email: marama.killen@gmail.com
I Have a Dream -
Te Aka Kaitiaki Year 6 Camp
This three-day camp at Tangihua Lions Lodge gives 32 Year 6 Dreamers (programme participants) from Tikipunga and Totara Grove schools the chance to build leadership, confidence and teamwork in preparation for their senior year at primary school, sparking curiosity and self-belief.
Many of these tamariki face financial hardship and have limited access to outdoor experiences. Through activities like bush survival, rock climbing, and exploring Waipu Caves, they will learn resilience, problem-solving, critical thinking, connection to the natural world and kaitiakitanga.
Fully funded and supported by Navigators, the camp fosters whanaungatanga and prepares Dreamers for a successful transition to intermediate school and beyond.
Contact: Jodie Hannam
Email: jodie@ihaveadream.org.nz
Kaitiaki Kindergartens -
Inclusive Transitions : Expanding Kaiako and Whānau Training 2026
Kaitiaki Kindergartens is expanding its Acorns to Oaks programme to support tamariki with neurodiverse and developmental needs as they transition to primary school. Many children struggle without specialist help, and families often face barriers to accessing support.
This project will deliver workshops for kaiako and whānau across multiple kindergartens, building inclusive teaching practices and empowering parents to strengthen school readiness at home.
By removing inequities and embedding culturally responsive strategies, the initiative will help children thrive, fostering confidence, communication, and a sense of belonging.
Kōhuri Education - Circle of Security Project for Parkvale Kindergarten
This initiative will deliver the Circle of Security programme, a relationship based programme based on attachment theory, to parents and kaiako at Parkvale Kindergarten, Hawke's Bay supporting tamariki to thrive through secure relationships.
Many children enter school without the emotional regulation and confidence needed for learning. Through two tailored courses—one for whānau and one for educators—participants will learn to respond to children’s needs, build attachment security, and create nurturing environments. It includes encouraging adults to reflect on their own experiences and relationship patterns, especially related to trauma or interpersonal difficulties, which may impact their ability to respond to children's needs.
By strengthening social-emotional foundations, this project promotes school readiness and lifelong wellbeing for diverse learners in the Hastings community.
Contact: Judy Hunter
Email: hello@kohuri.co
Manaiakalani Education Trust -
Summer Learning Journey
The Manaiakalani Summer Learning Journey keeps tamariki, across Aotearoa NZ, learning during the long summer break, preventing the “holiday slide” in literacy.
Designed for children in low-income communities, many of whom are Māori and Pasifika, the programme offers engaging online activities and interactive blogging supported by trained commenters. Running from mid-December to late January, it builds confidence, creativity, and critical thinking while strengthening whānau involvement. Impactful learning experiences, that would otherwise not be available due to home circumstances, are provided.
By removing barriers to holiday learning, this initiative helps up to 500 learners start the school year ready to succeed, having stayed engaged with reading and writing on topics of interest over the summer.
Contact: Jenny Oxley
Email: jenny.oxley@manaiakalani.org
Ngā Mātarae Anamata -
Te Taiao me te Kaitiakitanga
This two-week holiday programme in Tauranga Moana reconnects rangatahi Māori aged 13–17 with te taiao and traditional knowledge. Many young people face disconnection from cultural identity and mainstream education, so this kaupapa offers hands-on learning grounded in Mātauranga Māori.
Activities include survival skills, māra kai, conservation projects, and kōrero with kaumātua, fostering confidence, leadership, and environmental guardianship. By removing barriers and creating culturally safe spaces, the programme strengthens identity, wellbeing, and whānau connections—empowering future kaitiaki and building pathways for sustaining learning.
Contact: Birney Ahomiro-Robinson
Email: birneya@mauao.school.nz
Pukenui School, Northland -
Te Tupu Ake Intervention Programme
Te Tupu Ake project aims to close achievement gaps in literacy and mathematics for Māori, Pasifika, neurodiverse, and underserved learners in Years 2–4.
Using the Niho Taniwha culturally responsive framework, the programme combines small-group and 1:1 targeted teaching to address specific learning gaps in a supportive, non-judgemental manner, with strong whānau partnerships. Learning is grounded in identity, language, and wellbeing, creating a safe, affirming environment for tamariki. The emphasis on social-emotional well-being will help re-engage students and increase confidence to learn.
By accelerating progress and building confidence, Te Tupu Ake will help 34 learners thrive academically and socially, laying foundations for lifelong success.
Contact: Louise Rogers
Email: louise@pukenuischool.ac.nz
R. Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust -
All Hands on Deck! Voyage
All Hands on Deck! four-day accessible voyage aboard the R. Tucker Thompson offers Te Taitokerau rangitahi aged 16–21 with intellectual disabilities and neurodiverse needs a rare opportunity to experience adventure learning on Northland’s iconic tall ship.
Co-designed with Blomfield Special School and Special Olympics NZ, the programme provides wraparound support, teamwork, and hands-on sailing skills in a safe, inclusive environment.
By building confidence, independence, and social connection, this kaupapa addresses inequity and opens doors to experiences often out of reach - empowering young people to thrive and discover their potential.
Contact: Catherine Langford
Email: catherine@tucker.co.nz
Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust -
Music Therapy for Neurodiverse Tamariki in Northland - Stewart Germann Grant
This project brings specialised music therapy to tamariki with complex needs at Kamo Primary, Raumanga Kindergarten, and Manaia View Kindergarten in Northland.
Many of these children face challenges such as autism, ADHD, FASD, and developmental delays, alongside social and emotional difficulties. Through weekly group sessions, registered music therapists use evidence-based approaches to build communication, emotional regulation, and cognitive skills.
The programme also supports whānau and educators with practical strategies, creating inclusive environments where tamariki feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Contact: Dr Sarah Paterson-Hamlin
Email: sarahhamlin@rmtc.org.nz
School Start -
First Impressions
The First Impressions project ensures tamariki from vulnerable whānau in Northland & Auckland can begin school with confidence by removing cost barriers. Many families struggle to afford essentials like stationery, uniforms and fees, leaving children at risk of missing their first year of school.
School Start First Impressions provides free starter packs and enrolment support, working through trusted community referrers.
By helping tamariki, mostly from Māori and Pasifika communities, start school prepared and proud, this initiative promotes equity, belonging, and a positive foundation for lifelong learning.
Contact: Jessica Timmins
Email: jessica@ssfi.org.nz
Stonefields Collaborative Trust -
Ngā Kōrero Raraunga
School leaders, through this project, will develop capability to turn data into meaningful stories that drive equity-focused change. Many schools struggle to use data effectively, leaving Māori, Pasifika, neurodiverse, and underserved learners at risk.
Through workshops, coaching, and strategic dashboards, the Stonefields Collaborative Trust will help leaders build evaluative capability, share improvement stories, and embed culturally responsive practices.
Serving 20+ schools across diverse Auckland communities, this initiative strengthens leadership and collaboration - ensuring insights lead to action and every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Contact: Jana Benson
Email: jana@sct.nz
Storytime Foundation -
First 1,000 Days
The First 1,000 Days programme focuses on encouraging and teaching parents to bond, read, talk, sing and fully engage with their children.
Books, resources, support and information to develop confidence and parenting skills critical in the child’s early years are provided. This contributes to creating a better future for their children and reduces disparities in social outcomes.
The Foundation works collaboratively with Talking Matters, Plunket, Family Start, midwives, Ministry of Education, Corrections and others.
Contact: Gilli Sinclair
Email: gilli@storytime.org.nz
Talking Matters -
Korerotia Mai
Talking Matters Korerotia Mai is a practical evidence-based approach to building language rich environments in the home, early learning settings and the community.
The team works with ECEs, iwi, community-based and professional services to adapt the model to local needs.
Language rich environments and increased dialogue with children is strongly linked, in many ways, to more positive outcomes for children.
Contact: Madeleine Sheahan
Email: Madeleine.sheahan@talkingmatters.org.nz
www.talkingmatters.org.nz
Taupo Kahui Ako -
Belong and Dream
Belong and Dream supports vulnerable Year 8 students in Taupo as they transition to secondary school, addressing barriers such as anxiety, behavioural challenges, and academic disengagement. Many participants are Māori, Pasifika, or neurodiverse and face additional pressures like poverty and cultural disconnection.
The programme is successful with improving attendance and engagement, reducing anxiety, depression and behavioural issues, strengthening student/teacher relationships and increasing connections between school and community.
Belong and Dream provides wraparound support - meeting basic needs, fostering whānau engagement, and delivering outdoor education and cultural activities. By building confidence, connection, and resilience, the initiative helps students thrive in school and life, ensuring each child feels they belong and can dream big.
Contact: Martyn Howie
Te Hono O Ngā Waka -
He Māpuna te Tamaiti : The Child is a Treasure
This kaupapa recognises every child as a treasure and seeks to transform the experience of neurodiverse tamariki Māori in Te Tai o Poutini. Many children are misunderstood and unsupported due to lack of access to assessments and culturally safe pathways.
Te Hono o Ngā Waka will provide 20 full neurodiversity assessments, whānau hui, and individual support plans, working alongside kura and health professionals. By removing barriers and embedding kaupapa Māori, this project empowers tamariki, strengthens whānau, and builds inclusive supportive learning environments for the wholistic well being of these tamariki.
Contact: Davida Simpson
Ted’s Space - Fostering Resilience and Equity Through Animal-Assisted Learning
Ted’s Space delivers animal-assisted learning to support neurodiverse and vulnerable tamariki aged 5–18 across eight Wellington schools. Many face barriers such as anxiety, trauma, and poverty, impacting attendance and engagement.
Using therapy dogs and specialist educators, the programme fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and inclusion through one-on-one sessions, group activities, and whānau evenings.
By building confidence and strengthening cultural connections, Ted’s Space helps Māori, Pasifika, and underserved learners thrive - creating equitable opportunities for wellbeing and learning success in school and beyond.
Contact: Marc Paynter
Email: tedsspacenz@gmail.com
Upside Youth Mentoring -
Programme Manager (part-fund)
Upside supports tamariki aged 9-13 years in Auckland who face adversity, poverty, trauma and/or disrupted early attachment, with consequential disruption to learning, many of whom are Māori, Pasifika and/or neurodiverse.
Through long-term, one-on-one mentoring with trained volunteers, the programme builds confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation - key foundations for learning and wellbeing.
Working alongside schools and whānau, Upside creates a wraparound network of care, helping children re-engage with education and thrive. This kaupapa transforms lives through belonging and hope, ensuring every child has the chance to dream big and succeed.
Contact: Jenny Horst
Zeal Youth Trust Aotearoa -
Digital Marketplaces of the Future
Based in West Auckland, this project empowers rangatahi aged 13–15 at risk of disengaging from digitech and commerce. Co-designed with Māori and Pasifika youth, the programme offers creative, culturally responsive learning through hands-on modules in areas like 3D design, game development, and digital storytelling.
Over 12 months, participants explore, create, and showcase projects in supportive spaces that build confidence and real-world skills. By connecting creativity to income opportunities, the initiative aims to disrupt inequity, foster digital inclusion, and open pathways to thriving futures in the digital economy.
Contact: Chris Foster-Winder
Email: chris.w@zeal.nz
Address
Private Bag 92617
Symonds Street
Auckland 1150
New Zealand
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