Rangatahi Reef Ecology Experience – Tairāwhiti 

Time

  • 2:00 pm

Date

  • 02/04/2025

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • Tairāwhiti

The VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai Coast Team recently hosted a powerful and unforgettable experience for our care-experienced rangatahi with the Rangatahi Reef Ecology Tour in beautiful Gisborne.

Thanks to the generous support of Eastern and Central Community Trust, 10 of our tamariki and rangatahi (ages 10 and up) were able to step away from daily routines and dive into a hands-on marine ecology adventure with Dive Tatapouri. Guided by our Coast Team leaders, Naomi and Adam, the group explored the magic of the ocean environment and got up close with wild stingrays – the tamariki of Tangaroa.

This unique experience was designed to reconnect rangatahi with the natural world, build confidence, and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. Their feedback speaks volumes, with one young person sharing:

“This was amazing. I felt like I could just be a kid again. Just have fun ya know.”

Moments like these are at the heart of what we do. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners for making this special day possible, and we look forward to many more opportunities to uplift and empower our future leaders. 💙🌟🌿

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.