ACROSS Te Kotahitanga o te Wairua is a faith-based, not-for-profit social services organisation supporting tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, and individuals across the Manawatū and surrounding regions. Guided by the values of hope, compassion, and connection, we offer a range of services to strengthen wellbeing and empower communities at no extra cost.
Services We Offer:
Social work | Counselling | Supervised contact | Bereaved by suicide support group | Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) | Strengthening families
Recent Highlights
Supporting Our Rangatahi Through Basketball
Last year, ACROSS Te Kotahitanga o te Wairua launched the Rangatahi Raukura Basketball Program, a kaupapa designed to strengthen belonging, identity, and wellbeing for our rangatahi through sport and community connection.
The program began with shared kai to foster whanaungatanga, followed by basketball practices, social games, and matches with community members like Sport Manawatū staff, local police, and volunteers.
Following the success of last year’s program, we are excited to announce that the Rangatahi Raukura Basketball Program will return again this year.
Rangatahi-Led, Community-Backed
From the beginning, this kaupapa has been shaped by our rangatahi.
Through surveys, conversations, and a special planning session with Sport Manawatū, our rangatahi shared how important basketball is to them – not just for fitness, but for belonging, enjoyment, and growth.
Their voices guided the design of the program, from session structure to the location, and even their choice of full black uniforms with a white dot.
Removing Barriers to Participation
Many of the rangatahi we support face financial hardship, mental health challenges, and the impacts of trauma. To remove barriers and create equitable access, the program continues to provide:
- Uniforms, basketball equipment, and second-hand shoes where needed
- Kai at every session, honouring the cultural importance of food for our Māori and Pasifika rangatahi
- A safe, supportive environment with mental health and wellbeing woven through every aspect
By offering these supports, we ensure that every rangatahi has the opportunity to fully participate, grow, and thrive.
A Pathway for Growth
Through Rangatahi Raukura, we are seeing the power of sport to:
- Build a strong sense of belonging and identity
- Develop confidence, leadership, and teamwork
- Strengthen mental health and wellbeing in a positive, supportive space
We are incredibly proud of our rangatahi for the energy, leadership, and passion they bring to this kaupapa.
We can’t wait to see them shine again this year.
Want to Support Our Rangatahi?
If you’d like to help remove barriers and ensure all young people can participate in this kaupapa, please consider donating to ACROSS. Your support helps provide uniforms, kai, transport, and a safe environment where our rangatahi can thrive.
Donate to:
ACROSS Te Kotahitanga o Te Wairua
Westpac 03-0726-0544867-00
(Please include “Rangatahi” as a reference if you’d like your donation to support this specific program.)
Together, we can continue to uplift the next generation.
Ngā mihi nui for your support.
How to Get in Touch
We welcome new referrals, volunteers, and community connections.
- Website: www.across.org.nz (new website launching soon!)
- Phone: 06 356 7486
- Email: reception@across.org.nz