Grantee impact highlights – May 2026
Sense Rugby NZ Trust – Social Inclusion
“Empowering disabled and neurodiverse tamariki and rangatahi through rugby” – Sense Rugby NZ Trust
At the heart of Sense Rugby’s occupational therapy-led rugby programme is a clear vision: for all tamariki and rangatahi to experience the joy of participating in active recreation and sport, regardless of their differences.
Young people living with disabilities or neurodivergence often have limited access to meaningful, informed and consistent active recreation opportunities – recognising the need for programmes that support and include young people with diverse needs, Sense Rugby was established to provide a free specialised rugby programme that aims to grow the skills and confidence of young people and help them achieve success.
Outwest Youth Community Trust – Increased Equity
“We believe every young person is created with intrinsic value, has a place to belong, and the right to experience purpose and success.” – Outwest Youth Community Trust
Outwest Youth Community Trust (OWY) is a charitable trust based in Helensville that is dedicated to supporting and developing local rangatahi through a range of programmes and initiatives delivered by their team of passionate youth workers.
The impact of this kaupapa’s mahi continues to grow, with 131 young people achieving their restricted licence in 2025, mentoring referrals increasing by 80% in the past year, and former clients returning as youth workers to support the next generation of rangatahi.
Kaipātiki Project – Regenerative Environment
For over 25 years, Kaipātiki Project has been growing a sustainable future for te taiao and tangata through its community-led environmental mahi grounded in care, connection and collective action.
Based in north Tāmaki Makaurau, the EcoHub maintains a thriving native plant nursery, delivers a wide range of environmental programmes and initiatives designed to conserve, restore and renew the environment, and uses practical education to strengthen the community’s knowledge and sustainable living practices.
