20/05/2026
A huge mihi to the Ministry of Youth Development (Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi) and Foundation North.
Through their support we have the opportunity to bring life-changing programmes to rangatahi from Tāmaki Makaurau in 2026.
The programmes, running from January to December 2026, are designed to walk alongside young people aged 12 to 24 providing them with the tools, confidence, and connections to thrive in education, work, and life.
Word -The Front Line curates safe spaces where young people explore and find their voice. Through spoken word, rangatahi are given a powerful outlet to name their experiences, tell their stories, and step into their identity with confidence. For many, it's the first time they've felt truly heard, and for us as community to hear them. That sense of being seen ripples outward — into how they show up at school, in their communities, and in life.
The Employment Incubator takes that foundation further, offering structured mentoring, paid and unpaid work experience, and hands-on skills development. Its focus? Preparing rangatahi for meaningful employment, further study, or leadership roles — especially in the creative and youth sectors where their voices and perspectives are needed most.
“We're incredibly grateful to the Ministry of Youth Development and Foundation North for believing in what we do, for believing in our rangatahi and supporting us to provide spaces to see them thrive! Thank you! At this moment in time it is absolutely crucial to bring together these diverse young people, wrap around them and witness their collective solidarity and strength! He reo rangatahi, he ao hurihuri – the voices of youth keep the world turning” — Ramon Narayan, Chief Executive Officer, Action Ed.
Together, the two programmes take a holistic approach: building the inner confidence young people need while opening the outer doors of opportunity. With the backing of the Ministry of Youth Development's Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund and the generous co-investment from Foundation North, Action Education can deliver this work at scale — reaching many more young people across our rohe.
