Founded by Georgina and Andrew, Ko Wai Au is a mentoring initiative that helps young people reconnect with their roots and discover their identity. We asked Georgina to share how the kaupapa began, what drives their approach, and the powerful impact of mentoring across Aotearoa.
The Heart Behind the Kaupapa:
After moving to Te Awamutu, noticing a huge gap in services and support for young people in the Waipā region. Georgina recalls how she and Andrew have "always had a passion and desire to help those in need". She explains that "Ko Wai Au was born from that vision — to walk alongside young people and help them discover who they are and what they're capable of."
Both Georgina and Andrew bring extensive experience from the social services sector, where they witnessed first-hand the challenges rangatahi face, from limited support networks to inconsistent systems.
"Professionally, it's taught us the importance of early intervention, consistency, and building genuine, trusting relationships," Georgina shares. "On a personal level, we've both had our own experiences navigating challenges growing up…those moments taught us the power of being heard, valued, and supported without judgment."
This blend of professional insight and lived experience has shaped Ko Wai Au's approach.
Building Something Worth Waiting For:
Starting Ko Wai Au wasn’t without its challenges. Funding proved to be one of the biggest hurdles. “As a new provider without existing data or a track record, we had to work really hard to prove that what we wanted to do would make a real difference,” Georgina recalls.
Because funding often focuses on larger, city-based providers, the couple had to advocate strongly for their rural community. “Ko Wai Au was five years in the making,” Georgina says. “Looking back, taking that time allowed us to build something strong, authentic, and grounded in our community.”
Being, Belonging, and Becoming:
At the heart of Ko Wai Au’s kaupapa are its values and rangatahi. Everything is grounded in Being, Belonging, and Becoming, supporting young people in understanding who they are, where they come from, and who they aspire to be.
Their mahi is guided by the values of Pono, Manaakitanga, and Kotahitanga, which are woven into every interaction and relationship.
“Our passion lies in walking alongside rangatahi,” Georgina says, “empowering them to grow in confidence, build resilience, and find their place within their whānau and community. They are, and always will be, the heart of everything we do.”
A Mentoring Approach Like No Other:
What sets Ko Wai Au apart is its relationship-led and individualised approach. There are no time limits, no one-size-fits-all programmes. “Our support is guided by the needs of each rangatahi, not by a fixed programme length,” Georgina explains.
Most young people engage for 6–9 months, receiving one-on-one mentoring and pastoral care that extends far beyond the formal sessions. Alongside mentoring, Ko Wai Au’s hauora service provides wraparound wellbeing support, encompassing physical, emotional, cultural, and social aspects.
“We recognise that every journey is different, growth doesn’t happen on a timeline,” Georgina says. “Our flexibility means we can respond to each young person’s changing needs, walking beside them through the ups and downs, celebrating the wins, and helping them rebuild when things feel tough.”
Their Māori values-based approach ensures rangatahi feel seen, valued, and capable; not just while they’re part of Ko Wai Au, but long after.
Mentoring is never the same twice:
Georgina shared stories with us of a young woman who had recently moved into the area, shy and uncertain about her own future. Taking part in mentoring has enabled her to achieve several educational milestones, including obtaining her Learner Driver's Licence and First Aid Certificate, as well as securing part-time employment, which marks a significant milestone in her journey towards independence.
A rangatahi presented with health issues, including breathing difficulties, who felt like he could not get enough air into his lungs, especially when exercising, vaping, or in cold weather. He didn't have a regular doctor and often borrowed his Nan's medication. With support for himself and his whanau, he is now enrolled with a GP, with a counsellor, and has seen improvements in his overall wellbeing.
These two examples help illustrate the range of interventions needed and the importance of wraparound services.
Lessons in Leadership:
Through this journey, Georgina has gained deep insights into leadership, teamwork, and the power of collective purpose.
“Leadership for me has been about trusting the process and the people around me making sure we have the right kaimahi in the right roles and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.”
She also learnt that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. “It’s about empowering others, listening, and leading with compassion and integrity,” she says. “Through mentoring, I’ve seen that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply walk alongside someone and believe in them until they believe in themselves.”
Looking Ahead: Growth and Vision:
The team at Ko Wai Au are focused on their future growth. “First and foremost, we need a hub in Cambridge,” Georgina explains. “Our team already covers a large area, travelling between Te Awamutu and Cambridge. Having a local base would allow us to strengthen connections, increase accessibility, and continue delivering the quality of support our rangatahi deserve.”
But growth for Ko Wai Au isn’t just about expanding, it’s about sharing. “I want to share our story and our model to help other communities across Aotearoa identify their own needs and create services that truly reflect their people,” Georgina says. “Growth for us is about connecting and supporting others to build spaces where rangatahi everywhere can thrive.”
How to Support the Kaupapa:
Like many community-based organisations, Ko Wai Au relies on collective support. “We’re always looking for sponsors and supporters, not just donors, but people and organisations who want to make a hands-on difference,” Georgina says.
Support can come in many forms, such as offering work experience, hosting wellbeing activities, or donating hygiene and essential items for rangatahi. “Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue providing meaningful support and experiences for young people across the Waipā.” The team warmly welcomes anyone who wants to connect, collaborate, or contribute to the mentoring kaupapa.
Ko Wai Au is emblematic of the local responses to gaps in social support that we see around the country, and their journey highlights how mentoring often fits into broader support for young people. Common themes of belonging, identity, and empowerment are woven through these community initiatives, as are struggles to gain funding and support.
From the network’s perspective, it’s important that these lessons are shared so that, through the ‘network effect’, communities around the country can learn from each other and better respond to their own needs. Through genuine connection and kaupapa-driven care, Georgina and Andrew are helping reshape what support for rangatahi can look like, one relationship at a time.
