Challenge Day NZ

Challenge Day NZ Challenge Day helps youth and adults unlearn harmful habits & discover strength in vulnerability.

"Here was a day I thought I was cutting from school, but instead I found myself telling the people that I hurt that I wa...
10/10/2026

"Here was a day I thought I was cutting from school, but instead I found myself telling the people that I hurt that I was sorry, and people were saying the same thing to me. It was like we were all one family and we never knew it until that day. It wasn't magic-we just looked at each other in a different light."

-Student who participated in Challenge Day (retold in 'Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul' Page 183)

Reason why schools in Aotearoa should hold a Challenge Day: Challenge Day helps with what is underneath the bullying. Th...
22/08/2026

Reason why schools in Aotearoa should hold a Challenge Day: Challenge Day helps with what is underneath the bullying. The need to belong, to feel seen, to be part of a school wide whanau, to be included.

10/05/2026

Thank YOU John Kirwan Foundation! We love your mahi!

"What research tells us is that we need to create strong, long term relationships for children to become attached to sch...
03/02/2026

"What research tells us is that we need to create strong, long term relationships for children to become attached to school and to the adults and other children in it"
-Dr Linda Darling Hammond
Professor of Education Emeritus
Stanford Graduate School of Education

We'd like to start off 2026 with our motto here at Challenge Day NZ. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Muha...
23/01/2026

We'd like to start off 2026 with our motto here at Challenge Day NZ.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Muhatma Ghandi

This statue sits outside the Wellington Train station and was a reminder for me to continue pushing for Challenge Day to be a part of our culture here at schools and in the community.

What is something you would like to change this year?

If you really knew me, you would know that I'm passionate about our rangatahi feeling safe, loved and included at school...
24/09/2025

If you really knew me, you would know that I'm passionate about our rangatahi feeling safe, loved and included at school.

New Zealand MUST be better than at the bottom of the list for student wellbeing. Give us one day. One day to connect, help students feel heard and a part of their school and community.

03/09/2025

In Denmark, empathy is part of the curriculum. Since 1993, children aged 6 to 16 have taken weekly classes designed to build compassion, cooperation, and emotional understanding. These lessons encourage students to share feelings, listen deeply, and support peers skills that research shows reduce bullying and improve social connection. By teaching empathy alongside academics, Denmark has cultivated a generation that values kindness and community. The result is one of the world’s most compassionate societies, where children learn that emotional intelligence is as vital as intellectual growth.

Challenge Day is an experience designed to build community. Not only does it have an impact on each students life, it al...
05/08/2025

Challenge Day is an experience designed to build community. Not only does it have an impact on each students life, it also helps to shift the schools culture to a more inclusive one. We don't just come in for a day and talk for hours. It's an experience. We play games, we have fun and then we slow things down and have some REAL conversations.
The concept is simple- Once a students social and emotional needs are met, they can better learn, and mental health and well being can improve. Our intention is to give rangatahi a safe space to express themselves without judgement and feel supported.
Challenge Day is one of the most successful and longest running school programs in the world!
If you are interested in volunteering or having us at your child's school next year, flick me a PM

Did you know a documentary was made about the mahi Challenge Day does overseas, and we won an Emmy for it?! Check it out...
05/08/2025

Did you know a documentary was made about the mahi Challenge Day does overseas, and we won an Emmy for it?! Check it out on Youtube: Teen Files:Surviving High School

"Belonging isn’t just a feeling, it’s the foundation for learning.Expert teachers create environments where every learne...
25/07/2025

"Belonging isn’t just a feeling, it’s the foundation for learning.
Expert teachers create environments where every learner feels safe, seen, and valued. When culture and identity are woven into the classroom, students thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Because when young people feel proud of who they are, they’re ready to grow." -Teaching Council of New Zealand.

WE AGREE 100%

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Nelson

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9am - 5pm

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