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Mentoring Providers

Youth Encounter

Youth Encounter is a non-profit organisation based in Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty. Our vision is to empower all youth of NZ Aotearoa to live life wide open. We are dedicated to creating an environment where genuine acceptance can be found and authentic connections formed. Through our fun culture, we create a space where people not only discover their true value but are also empowered to live life to the fullest.

Programme details

Overview

Poutama Mentoring: A transformative 52-hour one-on-one mentoring journey designed to empower young people to uncover their identity, grow in confidence, and live with purpose. Grounded in strong, supportive relationships, this high-engagement programme weaves cultural values and therapeutic insight into every session—supporting rangatahi to climb their own poutama (stairway of growth).

Specialised Connect: A tailored one-on-one mentoring experience that uses engaging, activity-based sessions to explore each young person’s unique interests, identity, and aspirations. Guided by trained facilitators, this values-based approach empowers rangatahi to reflect on and integrate their personal values, aligning them with real-world goals for authentic, lasting growth.

Moroki Mentoring: Moroki Mentoring offers ongoing one-on-one support to sustain connection, reinforce progress, and encourage continuous personal growth. This phase of the mentoring journey ensures that rangatahi remain supported beyond their initial engagement—nurturing long-term resilience, identity, and independence. With a strong relational foundation already built, mentors walk alongside young people as they apply life skills in real-world contexts, prepare for future opportunities, and stay anchored in their growth journey. Fun activities to develop life skills and kai are used as the means to form healthy and strong connections between the young people and their mentors, to create meaningful discussions about life and the issues they are facing.

Regions

About the mentoring

Our main mentoring service at Youth Encounter, Poutama Mentoring, is based around a 52-hour unit - in which rangatahi receive 52-hours of our support. Each participant is matched with their own mentor. At the beginning of the mentoring relationship, mentors will meet with their mentees on a weekly basis for 2-hours. As the relationship progresses, the frequency of which they meet will change depending on what we see fit. This will often look like fortnightly sessions after 3-4 months, and monthly sessions after 6 months.

Contact details

Mary Wanhill (CEO)

021 627 970
mary@youthencoutner.co.nz