The Y Raise Up Whau Crew has continued to grow in confidence, connection, and impact throughout 2025. Made up of 25 rangatahi aged 13 to 18 from local schools, the crew has shown what’s possible when young people are trusted to lead, contribute, and shape the communities around them.
Over the year, the Whau Crew ran and took part in 13 events, workshops and outreach activities. From hosting stalls at local family days and organising a Halloween party attended by more than 100 young people, to beach clean-ups at Green Bay and completing first aid training, the crew stayed actively engaged in opportunities that built skills, relationships and a strong sense of purpose.
Beyond individual events, what truly stood out was the commitment of the group. Together, the Whau Crew contributed an impressive 2,428 volunteer hours in 2025, showing up consistently not only for Raise Up activities but also for wider Y events. From volunteering at Round the Bays to the New Found Sound finals, the crew made the most of every opportunity to be involved, learn, and support others.
Their willingness to step forward saw them represent Raise Up across the wider organisation, including helping at the KidsCan Ball handball event and supporting the HYROX simulation at The Y Auckland City gym. These moments strengthened connections across teams and highlighted the leadership and reliability of the group.
Many members of the Whau Crew are also active leaders beyond Raise Up, contributing to youth boards, Model United Nations (an educational simulation where young people step into the role of United Nations delegates and debate real-world global issues) and other community initiatives. Most recently, four crew members joined a Whau Local Board-funded co-design group, representing the voices of rangatahi and helping shape future decisions about how young people are supported in the area.
As the year comes to a close, the Whau Crew continues to build momentum. We’re excited to see them keep growing, learning, and leading - and to support more opportunities where young people feel heard, valued and empowered.