Mentoring Providers
Community Connect
Pūmanawa Āwhina, also known as Community Connect, started in 2016 as a joint effort with NZ Police. It was created to offer free fun activities—like sports, music, art, and cultural events—on evenings when there wasn’t much else positive happening, and where anti-social behavior was common. The goal was to create safe, welcoming spaces that met the unique needs of each community, while also offering support services for those who needed it.
Our latest programme Igniting Potential in Rangatahi is designed to inspire and support young people (rangatahi) across New Zealand by rewarding their efforts, recognizing their achievements, and giving them chances to grow and succeed in life.
Programme details
Overview
Igniting Potential in Rangatahi combines the original Pūmanawa Āwhina model with the AWHI principles (which focus on care and support). The main aim is to help young people grow in all areas of life by giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed—both personally and professionally.
The priority outcomes once our rangatahi have registered to the program are the following: Driver’s Licensing, Financial Literacy, CV and Reference Letter, IT support (bank account, MyIR IRD, email), Safeguarding, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Competency, 1st Aid Certification, AoD Awareness, Community Connect Practical Event Support.
About the mentoring
This program is designed for young people aged 14 to 24. We aim to help them complete the priority outcomes within 12 months. But if they choose to stay in the program longer, they’ll have the chance to take part in three extra areas: sport and recreation, event management, and media, marketing, and the arts. These give rangatahi even more ways to learn new skills, gain experience, and explore their interests.
Contact details
Sarah Leaf – IPIR Development Lead Tāmaki Makaurau
022 647 4398
sarah@communityconnect.nz
OR
JB Radovanovich – IPIR Development Lead Te Tai Tokerau
022 082 4126
jb@communityconnect.nz
