Our heart and purpose is to journey alongside rangatahi and their whaanau who have been excluded or disengaged from education and may be at risk of, or already participating in, criminal behaviour and/or social harm. Our programs enable rangatahi to gain skills that empower them to positively impact their communities and understand how their choices affect others. Our unique approach to supporting our community is about bringing hope and restoring futures, by walking alongside one individual, one whaanau at a time. We work holistically with each whaanau, activating change to restore hauora and build hope that creates real and lasting transformation. Through our services—including financial mentoring, youth and parent mentoring, education re-engagement, emergency relief and food support, and one-on-one guidance—we are committed to providing essential support, education, and pathways to positive change.

Kids in Need Waikato support children being raised in care by someone other than their biological parents, including support for the caregiver.

They provide children aged from newborn to 17 years with personalised seasonal care packs each year, containing essential items of clothing, shoes and toiletries, as well as reading/activity books, a toy and something to cuddle.  Our service includes emergency packs for children who are uplifted by social agencies and an annual Christmas campaign ensures we provide gifts for each child and their carer, made possible by generous community donations from wish lists. 

We host activities throughout the year for children and their carers, as well as caregiver monthly coffee groups in towns around the Waikato.

Children may remain in care temporarily or permanently and as long as the carer requires support for them, Kids in Need Waikato is there to help.  

We currently serve 514 carers who are collectively raising 1245 children. 

MATES Matter NZ – Standing Together for Mental Wellness in Waikato

MATES Matter NZ Charitable Trust is a grassroots movement dedicated to turning the tide on suicide in the Waikato. In a region where too many lives are lost, we step up—breaking down stigma, starting real conversations, and ensuring no one feels alone in their struggles.

We work where it matters most to provide practical suicide prevention, mental health programmes, and mental wellness resources. Our approach is built on Aroha, Manaakitanga, and Integrity, ensuring that every person we reach feels supported, valued, and heard.

Through education, connection, and action, we’re building life-affirming communities where mental well-being is prioritised and support is always within reach. At MATES Matter NZ, we believe that together, we can change the conversation, save lives, and create a Waikato where no one has to face their battles alone.

Paws 4 Life Charitable Trust rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes kittens and cats in the Waikato Region. We take in kittens and cats from within our communities that may have been abandoned, are unwanted, abused or are sick and injured. Paws 4 Life can take up to 1,500 per year. The need however is far greater. We have rescued well over 15,000 animals since we started and we have the most incredible volunteers to help in the Shelter every day and we have so many amazing foster families who care for our little ones. Every single animal is vet checked, treated for any medical conditions, they are all desexed, they start their vaccinations, they are microchipped, registered and treated for parasites, all before being ready for adoption!