On 20 November 2025, VOYCE hosted a Drop In and Hang Out event at our Tāmaki office, led by Sarah and Brianna. This laid back tūhono (event) brought together nine care experienced rangatahi aged 14+ and three caregivers, creating a relaxed and welcoming space for connection.

The hang out prioritised giving rangatahi the freedom to connect with others of a similar age in ways that felt comfortable to them. Everyone was free to move in and out of activities, try out some games and crafts, and share a meal together at their own pace. One of our highlights from the evening was seeing a large group of rangatahi choose to sit together for dinner, chatting and spending time as a group.

Drop In & Hang Out was actually organised as a follow up event from the L’Oréal ‘Style Lab’ event held during the Term 3 school holidays – with a lot of the same rangatahi coming to both. It was encouraging to see several rangatahi reconnect with peers they had met previously, with some expressing genuine excitement at unexpectedly seeing familiar faces again, as they’d made friends with one another at the Style Lab event. Others who were unable to attend Style Lab were able to join for the first time, helping to expand and strengthen these emerging friendships.

The feedback from rangatahi was positive, with one young person sharing with their kaiwhakamana (advocate) that they wished this type of tūhono (event) could happen weekly. This reinforces the value of providing consistent, low-pressure opportunities for rangatahi to build relationships, try new activities, and have space to share what matters to them.

This event forms part of an ongoing Drop In & Hang Out series for the Tāmaki crew, designed to support relationship-building over time and ensure rangatahi continue to feel heard, connected, and supported within their VOYCE community.