Defying Gravity – Tāmaki

Time

  • 10:30 am

Date

  • 23/09/2025

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • Gravity Trampoline Park

Recently, the VOYCE Tāmaki team ran an exciting tūhono during the school holidays at Gravity Trampoline Park in St Johns. The day buzzed with energy, laughter, and connection – because who doesn’t love bouncing around with friends?

With ages ranging from 8 – 16, everyone jumped in, encouraged each other, and made new friends. Kaimahi saw the tamariki taking turns during activities and actively supporting a rangatira whaikaha who joined the fun.

For some, it was their first time meeting other young people in care or attending a VOYCE tūhono – and the joy of discovering connection and belonging shone through. Nearly all of the young people shared that they had heaps of fun, met someone new, and couldn’t wait to come to another tūhono.

Days like this show what tūhono is all about – creating safe, fun spaces where rangatahi and tamariki atawhai can connect, be themselves, and simply enjoy the moment together.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.