Ngā Kaupapa
“Disrupting the systems that fail our rangatahi, so the next generation inherits hope, not hardship.” Kirimangu Tautogia.
Youth homelessness is rising, but in South Auckland, hope is rising too. Lifeskills (formerly QES) has partnered with Foundation North to launch He Rangatahi Taurikura – Thriving Rangatahi, a bold new initiative set to break cycles of poverty and housing instability for up to 500 young people and their pēpi.
Grounded in a shared vision of equity and transformation, this three-year kaupapa will deliver a comprehensive community response that is rooted in Te Whare Tapa Whā and Mana Taiohi principles. With a strong focus on cultural reconnection, whānau engagement, and real-world solutions, it offers a practical and principled answer to one of our country’s most urgent issues.
“Through this kaupapa, we're not just addressing housing instability,” says Tautogia, Group General Manager at Lifeskills. “We’re restoring mana, strengthening identity, and setting rangatahi up to thrive as leaders for their whānau and in their communities.”
The service will offer marae-based wānanga, trauma-informed mental health care, addiction support, and tailored education and employment pathways.
Delivered by a team that consist of 80% Māori and Pacific kaimahi, many with lived experience and deep roots in South Auckland—Lifeskills is uniquely positioned to meet rangatahi where they are and walk alongside them toward long-term wellbeing through impactful, culturally affirming services.
This is a community-led solution with proven impact. An independent evaluation projects a $4.30 social return for every $1 invested—showing that investing in rangatahi isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart policy.
Expected outcomes over the three-year term include:
- 70% of participants transitioning into stable housing,
- 60% reporting improved mental health,
- 60% showing gains in literacy and numeracy, and
- 90% developing stronger cultural identity through wānanga and reconnection.
“This is about restoring hope and creating a future where no young person is left behind... we are so grateful to Foundation North for believing in the potential of our rangatahi and walking alongside us on this journey.” says Tautogia.
He Rangatahi Taurikura reflects Lifeskills’ longstanding commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its legacy of grassroots leadership. With wraparound support and a fiercely local delivery model, this kaupapa shows what’s possible when communities lead from the front.
Now more than ever, it’s time to back solutions that really work.
If you’re serious about equity—join us!
Contact For media inquiries or partnership opportunities:
Email: manu.palelei@lifeskills.nz
Phone: 021 283 602
