Help young people build brighter futures.
"Take care of our childrenTake care of what they hearTake care of what they seeTake care of what they feelFor how the children growSo will be the shape of Aotearoa"
- Dame Whina Cooper
The wellbeing of our tamariki and rangatahi shapes the future of Aotearoa. Yet thousands of young people face barriers to stability, connection and opportunity.
Around 20,000 children have a parent in prison, placing them at a higher risk of poor health, disrupted education and social isolation. Youth homelessness is rising, with nearly half of Auckland’s rough sleepers under the age of 25.
At Te Pā, we strengthen whānau connections, nurture cultural identity, provide safe housing and create pathways to education and employment through our programmes.
We believe every child deserves to know where they come from. Every rangatahi deserves a safe place to belong. Every whānau deserves the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build stronger communities and a brighter future for generations to come.
Your support. Their turning points. Help young people build brighter futures.
"Take care of our childrenTake care of what they hearTake care of what they seeTake care of what they feelFor how the children growSo will be the shape of Aotearoa"
- Dame Whina Cooper
The wellbeing of our tamariki and rangatahi shapes the future of Aotearoa. Yet thousands of young people face barriers to stability, connection and opportunity.
Around 20,000 children have a parent in prison, placing them at higher risk of poor health, disrupted education and social isolation. Youth homelessness is rising. with nearly half of Auckland’s rough sleepers under the age of 25..
At Te Pā, we strengthen whānau connections, nurture cultural identity, provide safe housing and create pathways to education and employment through our programmes.
We believe every child deserves to know where they come from. Every rangatahi deserves a safe place to belong. Every whānau deserves the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build stronger communities and a brighter future for generations to come.
Our Whānau Services
Child Travel Fund
Our Child Travel Fund, supported by the Department of Corrections, helps remove financial barriers so tamariki can stay connected, stand strong in their identity, and maintain relationships that matter most. Through travel reimbursement and accommodation support for longer journeys, we help strengthen whānau connections and nurture their wellbeing.
Te Ohomai Rangatahi
Te Ohomai Rangatahi is a rangatahi-centred and whānau-inclusive service for rangatahi who have been part of the justice system. It supports rangatahi and young adults (aged 11-30 years) to reintegrate into their whānau and/or communities of choice. This service also works to prevent them from entering the justice system and supports those already involved to exit the system and stay out.
Kia Puāwai te Kākano (KPK)
Kia Puāwai te Kākano provides a safe, nurturing environment where tamariki can grow, learn, and thrive. Through our programme, tamariki learn essential life skills, communication skills, self-care, healthy relationships, and an understanding of kai and hauora. Guided through the lens of mātauranga Māori, both tamariki and their whānau are supported to strengthen their wellbeing and connection.
Te Whitinga o Te Rā
Te Whitinga o Te Rā is a strengths-based programme for rangatahi aged 16–24 that supports cultural reconnection, identity, wellbeing, and independence through music, tikanga Māori, and practical life skills. Through music therapy, whakawhanaungatanga, and strengths-based learning, rangatahi build confidence, emotional regulation, employment readiness, and a stronger sense of purpose to thrive within their whānau and communities.
Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai.
Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
Te Pā is proud to have been chosen as a charity ‘making a difference’ by addressing inequality for New Zealand children in partnership with Share My Super.
The goal of Share My Super is to encourage generous New Zealanders to donate part or all of their superannuation to support the important work of charities like Te Pā in the work we do to ‘stop the intergenerational pipeline of disadvantage for children and youth’.
Each year, we work with approximately 80 rangatahi through our creative arts mentoring and wraparound support programmes.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us reach more young people who need support, guidance and someone in their corner so they can begin to see what they’re truly capable of.
Briha & Savior's story
From uncertainty to a place they can call home.
With the support of Te Pā, Briha and Savior found stability, guidance and belief in themselves – and now they have a home of their own.
The reality for tamariki & rangatahi in Aotearoa
940
people were sleeping rough in Auckland in 2025. 426 in 2024.
Nearly 50%
are under 25 years old
Rising
year on year. The numbers continue to climb.
20,000
children in Aotearoa are growing up with a parent in prison.
These are not just statistics. They are young people navigating instability trauma, disconnection and uncertainty.
Their Stories
Our Supporters
We are grateful to our current partners and supporters.
