Our Impact

Growing Our Reach 

TTK has grown from supporting a small number of tamariki each week to working across kura and communities throughout Te Tai Tokerau. As relationships with kura, whānau and community have strengthened, so too has our ability to respond when support is needed.

Our growth has never simply been about reaching bigger numbers. It has been about creating more opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi to access consistent relationships, positive experiences and support within the places they already belong.

What Impact Looks Like 

For TTK, impact is not only measured by how many tamariki and rangatahi we reach. It can be seen in the relationships built, the confidence gained, the return to learning, the willingness to try again and the moments when a young person begins to see their own strengths differently.

Sometimes progress is significant and visible. Other times it is a young person turning up, staying engaged, managing a difficult moment differently or knowing there is someone consistent in their corner. These moments matter.

Impact in Practice 

Behind every number is a tamaiti or rangatahi with their own strengths, challenges and journey. Our mahi adapts around what each young person needs, and progress can look different for everyone. 

Seeing Beyond the Behaviour 

Sometimes behaviour is only what we see on the surface. One young person supported by TTK was becoming known for being disruptive at school. Through consistent mentoring and taking the time to build trust, a different picture began to emerge.

He was carrying significant worry about his mum and what was happening outside of school. Rather than focusing only on the behaviour, the mentoring relationship gave him space to talk, feel understood and receive support around what was actually affecting him.

For TTK, this is why relationships come first. Taking the time to understand what sits behind behaviour can completely change how we respond to a young person.

“Do I need to be naughty to get one?” 

Support Before Crisis 

That question from a rangatahi has stayed with us. It reflects something important about how support is often accessed. Tamariki and rangatahi should not have to reach crisis, disengage from learning or become known for challenging behaviour before they have access to a positive and consistent mentor.

At TTK, we believe early support matters. Every young person deserves opportunities, positive relationships and people in their corner because of their potential, not only when something has gone wrong.

Where Progress Can Lead 

The outcomes of mentoring do not look the same for every rangatahi. Across our mahi, we have seen young people reconnect with school, move into employment and training, strengthen their ability to manage emotions, build confidence and begin to recognise their own strengths.

For some, progress happens quickly. For others, it is built through months of showing up, trying again and having someone continue to believe in what is possible for them.

Want to Work Alongside TTK? 

Whether you are a kura, agency, community organisation or whānau looking for support, we welcome the opportunity to kōrero about how TTK may be able to help.