Ngā mihi ki ngā Atua Māori katoa. Ngā mihi ki Te Mātua, Te Tamaiti me te Wairua Tapu mō te arohanui ki tēnei ao. Ngā mihi ki te mana whenua, ko Te Āti Awa. Ngā mihi ki tō tātou poutokomanawa, ko Arohanui ki ngā Rangatahi.
Every year at BGI brings fresh stories of courage, growth, and change. This year has been no different. Our kaupapa is really taking root across Pōneke, with more rangatahi than ever engaging in our mentoring, learning, and cultural programmes. Every young person who comes through our doors reminds us why we do this mahi: to stand alongside them in the tough moments, to celebrate their wins, and to walk with them in aroha and hope.
We have seen remarkable shifts in the lives of our rangatahi. One whānau shared, “Thank you for helping our girl find her mojo again… we’re so grateful to have our happy girl back.” Another told us, “She’s been so much happier since having a safe space here.” A parent reflected that their son has become “more independent and self-driven.” And one 15-year-old rangatahi living with a disability found the courage to start speaking in our Paper Bag Lunch programme.
These moments are powerful proof of what can happen when rangatahi are given time, care, and a place where they feel they belong. They show the impact of consistent relationships, patient support, and kaupapa that honours young people as taonga. It’s a privilege to witness their confidence return, their independence grow, and their whānau regain hope alongside them.
It has been a strong year, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2026. Take care over the break, stay safe, and look after yourselves.
Thank you for being part of our BGI whānau.
Arohanui,
Ross Davis
Director of Youth and Community Projects
