Ōhinga Tū
This year has been a significant foundation-setting chapter in the journey of Ōhinga Tū. Across the past twelve months, the service has continued to strengthen its position as a leader in youth development across West Auckland, with a clear sense of momentum, purpose, and growing influence. A key milestone was the official opening of the new Youth Hub in Henderson, which has brought fresh energy, visibility, and opportunity to the full range of Ōhinga Tū programmes.
He Poutama Rangatahi cohort outside the youth space in Trading Place
The new space has quickly become a focal point for youth engagement and service delivery. Ōhinga Tū is now operating at capacity, with record numbers of rangatahi involved across Youth Payment, Young Parent Payment, NEETs, Youth Justice, and the newly redesigned Pathways programme. The team is also consistently performing above national norms for youth service delivery, demonstrating both the effectiveness of the model and the strength of the relationships being built with young people.
The team engaged with thousands of rangatahi during Youth Week.
Ōhinga Tū has also continued to expand its reach and leadership beyond direct service delivery. During national Youth Week, the team engaged with thousands of West Auckland rangatahi through a range of kaupapa delivered across Waitākere. This provided a strong platform to celebrate youth voice, increase connection, and raise awareness of the support available to young people across the region.
Another important development has been the establishment of the Step Up West Auckland Youth Workers Network. Through this initiative, Ōhinga Tū has helped develop a database of more than 200 youth development practitioners, strengthening collaboration, sector connection, and shared learning across West Auckland. In addition, the service has supported two youth voice boards that contribute to Auckland Council initiatives, further ensuring rangatahi perspectives are heard in local decision-making.
Rangatahi practice interview skills with kaimahi
The year has not been without challenge. Contract reductions remain a significant pressure, particularly at a time when demand for youth support is at an all-time high. While the team is fully staffed and operating strongly, additional resourcing is needed to enable Ōhinga Tū to grow in line with community need and to sustain the level of impact already being achieved.
One of the greatest strengths of Ōhinga Tū is the culture of the team. The strong sense of unity, commitment, and care among kaimahi has supported staff through complex and demanding mahi and has contributed to reduced staff turnover in recent years. This team culture continues to be a key foundation for the service’s success.
There is a clear sense that something special is developing at Ōhinga Tū. With strong leadership, a committed team, growing community trust, and increasing sector influence, the service is well placed for the future. If the right level of resourcing can be matched with the team’s passion and vision, Ōhinga Tū has the potential to take a major step forward in its impact for rangatahi across West Auckland.
YOUTH RECEIVED MENTORING AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Alaha’s Story
The transition from high school to university was challenging. Alaha was keen to find work to support her studies and help out with family expenses, but a competitive job market was making that feel impossible.