ABOUT US.

In 2022, the Community Co-design process identified the need for stronger youth interventions. In response, the Foundational Youth Exec developed a plan to go beyond youth voice by creating a Youth Consulting Agency—WAYFYNDERS. Inspired by Youth Exec member Chris, the name was spelled with “FY” to highlight its core purpose: “FOR YOUTH.”
The system isn’t working for all youth—too many rangatahi feel unseen, unsupported, and stuck in models that don’t reflect their identity or needs. They face cultural disconnect, limited access to relevant learning, and few clear pathways to meaningful futures.
The WAYFYNDERS youth development system is a youth-designed journey made up of three connected pathways—Agency, Academy, and Workforce. It supports rangatahi from self-discovery to skill-building to real-world outcomes, growing the potential already within them—not through a one-off programme, but through a system built to guide them to rise and thrive.
WAYFYNDERS is youth-led, not adult-designed.
Created by youth for youth, we don’t just give feedback—we lead, design, and drive positive impact.
It’s not a one-off programme—it’s a full development pathway.
Starting with Agency (youth voice and leadership), growing through Academy (education & skills), and launching through Workforce (employment & enterprise), each stage is connected to help young people rise and thrive.
Culture isn’t a bonus—it’s our foundation.
Grounded in Pacific, Māori, and Indigenous values, WAYFYNDERS helps youth understand who they are and where they come from.
We don’t just prepare youth for work—we create opportunities.
Through paid projects via PAYRISE, youth-led social enterprises such as WAYFYNDERS HQ, industry partnerships, and local work crews, we flip the system and build solutions for our own communities.
Born in Tamaki, built for beyond.
Our youth are making an impact in Tāmaki—and across New Zealand and beyond.

Why WAYFYNDERS?

OUR JOURNEY.

WAYFYNDERS emerged from the Rise Group Trust Board’s commitment to youth empowerment, evolving through years of planning, co-design, and grassroots activations—driven by experience, innovation, and impact.

Here’s a timeline of our journey so far.

Tamaki College’s SLT and board established Project RISE as a bold initiative to support students, families, and the wider community.
A strategy session led by Ina Michael (then TRC Strategic Advisor) recommended forming a Social Innovation Agency. Principal Soana Pamaka and Chair DJ Tuaru Temu invited Ina to lead it as CEO, with TRC approving the secondment.
Tamaki Connect Trust is established to lead Project RISE.
Natasha Audi is brought on to lead literacy and youth programs, while Deputy Principal Russel Dunn supports pathway development and partnerships between Tamaki College and Rise Group.
TRC approves land for student accommodation and a Hauora Clinic.
A co-design process is launched in late 2021 to ensure Project RISE aligns with the needs of students, families, and the local community.
ALTA provides pilot funding to test local literacy service needs in the Tāmaki community.
After nine months—including COVID-19 delays—the Project RISE co-design process wrapped with a Co-design Day in April 2022, led by Kerry Topp and the Rise Group Exec. The process confirmed stakeholder needs and shaped key initiatives.
WAYFYNDERS, a youth consulting agency, was the first to launch, supported by catalyst funding from MSD. Additional contracts followed from the Ministry of Education and Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
MSD praised Project RISE as one of the most compelling proposals in two decades, leading to further funding opportunities in 2023.
To reflect its evolving direction, the board approved a name change from Tamaki Connect Trust to Rise Group Trust Board.
Project RISE secures its first major public contract with MSD to deliver Te Ara Maranga, a youth employment program.
This leads to the creation of two social enterprises—Soulfood & Friends and ROOSTA—and a shared kitchen collaboration with Tamaki College.
ALTA funding expands, establishing the Tamaki Ako Hub for local literacy services.
In June, the first WAYFYNDERS Youth Exec attends Festival for the Future in Wellington—many experiencing travel outside Auckland for the first time.
Soulfood & Friends later teams up with Everybody Eats and Line Road Café to form Tatou, a food collective at TRC’s 133 Line Road site. This sparks the Good Food Project and launches the ITU Pasifika food brand.
Youth space is secured, with weekly Youth Nights run by WAYFYNDERS.
DigiTRIBE is launched, with plans to grow in 2024.
Foundation North and DIA provide matched funding, recognising Project RISE as a high-impact initiative.
WAYFYNDERS also delivers its first annual YOUTHFEST.
WAYFYNDERS Agency pilots a mentoring program at Glen Taylor School to boost student attendance and engagement.
It is contracted by Auckland Council, DIA, and Foundation North to act as a Youth Commissioning Agency—managing and allocating funding to youth organisations and individuals under the banner Youth4Sure.
Soulfood & Friends expands at Tatou, creating jobs for youth involved in Tamaki College and the Te Ara Maranga program.
The goal is for Soulfood & Friends to evolve into a fully youth-led community hub, showcasing local talent and strengthening ties within the Tamaki community.
Following a full review, the organisation sharpens its focus on building an exemplar WAYFYNDERS Youth Development System—an integrated model combining WAYFYNDERS Agency, Academy, and Workforce to deliver project-based learning, skill-building, and pathways to employment and enterprise. This is further strengthened by the launch of PAYRISE, an innovative youth workforce platform.
The shift is backed by new partnerships, including Hoku Foundation and the Ministry of Youth Development. The organisation also achieves Level 2 Social Accreditation from Te Kāhui Kahu, recognising its impact, systems, and governance.