Tuakau Youth Centre
Tuakau Youth Centre
“We’ve seen a lot of kids have different talents,” Jae explains. “And we want to make sure that they have access to expression."
The Tuakau Youth Centre (TYC) Charitable Trust is about connection and building relationships that spread outwards to support an entire community. Tuakau is a town with a strong sense of identity and over time, TYC has become a network of care and belonging that stretches across generations, from tamariki to kaumātua.
The Trust operates through three core initiatives: the Tuakau Youth Centre drop-in programme, the SWYM Hub (Semau Whānau Youth Mentorship), and Hei Tīaki, a programme dedicated to kaumātua and vulnerable members of the community. Together, these initiatives create a space where people are not only supported but seen, heard, and valued.
On any given afternoon, the Tuakau Youth Centre drop-in programme comes alive with activities. Young people drift in after school, some drawn by the promise of food, others by the chance to unwind with friends. Inside the Tuakau Library, there might be video games running, board games scattered across tables, or quiet corners where attendees read or draw. Outside, depending on the day, there could be sports at the skate park or arts and crafts sessions at the nearby hub.
It is a straightforward setup, but its impact runs deep. The youth centre provides something many young people lack which is a safe, consistent environment. Food and free Wi-Fi might bring them through the door, but what keeps them coming back is the sense of connection.
“Most of the time, probably the number one thing is food,” Chairperson Ashley Raiwahra explains. “They know that if they sign in, they can get a feed and then that’s where we can start creating the relationship, the connection.”
From that starting point, relationships grow. Volunteers and youth leaders take the time to talk, listen, and notice when something isn’t right. “If they’re not having a good day, we’re like, ‘okay, let’s go over here and have a talk.’”
It is this consistency of care that builds trust, and trust, as Operations Manager Jae Parker Semau emphasises, is everything.
“You can’t apply your authority unless you have their trust,” she says. “They won’t listen to you otherwise.”
One of the defining strengths of the Trust is its commitment to developing young leaders. Through the SWYM Hub, rangatahi aged 10 to 18 are encouraged to step into leadership roles, helping to run activities, organise events, and mentor younger participants.
This is not leadership in name only. It is hands-on and grounded in real responsibility. Young leaders are expected to show commitment, reliability, and initiative, skills that translate directly into future employment and education pathways.
“We always say commitment,” Jae explains. “You need to show your commitment here because it will help you in work life later.”
The programme also opens doors. Through community events, young people meet representatives from local organisations, councils, and businesses. These interactions broaden their horizons, offering glimpses of possibilities they may not have considered.
For many, TYC becomes a place to turn when life is difficult or uncertain. “We’re pretty much like a second family to them,” Jae says. “If they ever feel lost in any way, they know that they have extra aunties and uncles to help uplift them.”
Creativity runs through every aspect of the Trust’s work. Whether it is music, dance, visual arts, or performance, creative expression is treated not as an extra, but as a vital part of wellbeing. Friday nights at the SWYM Hub are a testament to this. Hosted in a shared community space, these evenings are filled with live bands, singing, dancing, and karaoke.
“That’s where our creative juices get flowing,” Raiwahra says.
Young people are encouraged to explore their interests, whatever they may be. If a group becomes interested in ballet, the team reaches out to find someone who can teach it. If others prefer spoken word or music production, those avenues are supported too.
“We’ve seen a lot of kids have different talents,” Jae explains. “And we want to make sure that they have access to expression.”
Creativity is also woven into everyday activities. Arts and crafts sessions often involve resourcefulness and sustainability, with materials sourced from donations or recycled items.
“At Easter we’ll make baskets out of what we can recycle,” Ashley says. “We use whatever we can for free.” This approach not only makes activities accessible but fosters problem-solving and innovation.
For volunteer leader Keegan Schindler, creativity takes a more physical form. As a Zumba enthusiast, he uses dance as a way to connect with young people and share joy.
“That’s my outlet,” he says. “And also I enjoy teaching our kids so they can teach others.”
Whether through music, movement, or making, creative practice becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence-building.
Underlying all of the Trust’s programmes is a strong focus on holistic wellbeing. Drawing on the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā, the team supports young people across spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions.
“We sit down and talk about how’s your home doing, how’s your school life, work life, community,” Ashley explains.
These conversations are not one-off but ongoing check-ins. Volunteers follow up, offering guidance and encouragement as young people navigate challenges. And for many participants, this consistent support makes a significant difference. It provides a sense of stability and reassurance that they are not facing difficulties alone.
While the Youth Centre began with a focus on young people, it soon became clear that another group in the community needed support; the elderly.
Hei Tīaki was created to fill that gap, offering a weekly gathering for kaumātua and vulnerable adults. What began as a small initiative has grown into a vibrant, diverse community event. “There’s such joy in that group,” Raiwahra reflects.
The programme includes shared meals, bingo, guest speakers, and a range of activities designed to engage both mind and body. But at its core, Hei Tīaki is about connection.
“I think a lot of it is more now needing a social connection,” Ashley says. “A lot of our elderly are kind of lonely these days. And this gives them a platform to come.”
“They look forward to getting out of the house, to connect with old friends, new friends,” she adds.
Angela Reardon, a volunteer of several years, highlights the importance of these gatherings. “You’ve got different ages meeting up all together, having a bit of fun,” she says. “And it’s still good for you to keep learning, no matter what age you are.”
The inclusion of guest speakers from health services and local councils also ensures that important information is accessible, bringing resources directly to those who may struggle to seek them out.
One of the most powerful aspects of the Trust’s work is its commitment to intergenerational connection. Through these combined events, young people and kaumātua come together to share experiences and build mutual understanding.
“It is really important to have that youth and the elderly together in a space where they can share,” Jae says.
These interactions break down barriers and challenge assumptions. Older participants gain insight into the challenges faced by today’s youth while young people develop a deeper appreciation for the values and experiences of older generations. The result is a stronger, more cohesive community where individuals feel connected across age groups.
At the heart of everything the Trust does is its volunteer network. From youth leaders to community members, volunteers bring energy, compassion, and dedication to every programme. For Keegan, volunteering is driven by a simple but powerful motivation in seeing young people happy.
“Just seeing the kids happy and smiling, knowing that they can come and feel safe and feel like they belong somewhere.”
Volunteering also creates a cycle of giving. Young people who benefit from the programmes often go on to become leaders and mentors themselves, passing on what they have learned.
The success of the Trust is deeply rooted in community collaboration. Local businesses, organisations, and individuals contribute resources, sponsorship, and support, helping to sustain and grow the programmes.
“The collaboration is key,” Ashley says. “It takes a village.”
This support is not taken for granted. The Trust actively acknowledges and promotes its partners, encouraging the community to give back in return. The result is a self-sustaining system where generosity flows in multiple directions. As the Trust continues to grow, its goal remains clear: to expand its reach and create even more opportunities for connection and creativity.
That ambition is grounded in a strong foundation through years of relationship-building, trust, and community engagement.
The Tuakau Youth Centre Charitable Trust is more than a service. It is an example of what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose to support one another and create spaces of belonging. A community where everyone, young and old, has the opportunity to thrive.