A Different Approach to Support
Te Kupenga is a community-based mentoring and re-engagement initiative based in Papatoetoe, supporting rangatahi from Papatoetoe and surrounding suburbs who are struggling to stay connected to education, or who have already become disengaged. Te Kupenga provides relational, strengths-based support that helps young people rebuild confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and take positive steps towards re-engaging with education, training, or other purposeful pathways.
Ka pū te ruha,
ka hao te rangatahi.
When the old net is cast aside,
the new net goes fishing.
Why Te Kupenga?
We know that some rangatahi need more support than mainstream systems are able to provide on their own. Te Kupenga exists to come alongside young people who are feeling disconnected, stuck, or at risk of dropping out of education.
Through mentoring and personalised support, Te Kupenga helps rangatahi to:
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Build trust and connection with a consistent adult.
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Strengthen confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
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Identify goals and next steps.
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Grow leadership, life skills, and self-belief.
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Reconnect with education, training, or other positive pathways.
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Experience encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.
At the heart of Te Kupenga is the belief that young people thrive when they are seen, supported, and given practical help to move forward.
Holistic Support for Rangatahi
Te Kupenga is guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Lighthouse framework, supporting young people in a way that is both holistic and practical.
Taha Tinana (Physical Well-being) – Encouraging fitness, movement, outdoor activities, and healthy lifestyle choices
Taha Hinengaro (Mental Well-being) – Supporting emotional regulation, resilience, and self-development through mentoring and group work
Taha Wairua (Spiritual Well-being) – Creating space for rangatahi to explore identity, values, and personal growth
Taha Whānau (Social Well-being) – Building a strong sense of belonging and connection, both within Te Kupenga and with whanau
The Lighthouse framework helps guide our mentoring practice, supporting rangatahi to grow in self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, resilience, and positive direction.
Together, these frameworks help us come alongside young people in a way that builds confidence, strengthens wellbeing, and supports meaningful re-engagement.
Referrals and Getting in Touch
Te Kupenga is open to referrals for rangatahi in Papatoetoe and surrounding suburbs who are disengaged from education, at risk of disengaging, or needing extra mentoring and support to move forward.
We welcome enquiries from schools, whānau, churches, and community organisations supporting rangatahi in South Auckland.
If you would like to discuss whether Te Kupenga could be a good fit for a young person, please contact PACT directly.
PACT Contact