A Beautiful Dream Come to Life

I Have a Dream team members from Whangārei New Zealand and Boulder County, Colorado, USA have been forging a meaningful connection across the last few years hoping to one day meet in person.  That long held dream finally came to life late last month as members of the Boulder team travelled to Whangārei for an inspiring week meeting local Navigators, Dreamers and partners.

The visiting team comprised Dr. Perla Delgado, CEO of the I Have a Dream Foundation Boulder affiliate; who travelled out with her daughter Bianca; Programme Director Aurora Santos; and Community Centre Manager Estefania Corral. Together, they represent a passionate team of 35 staff supporting more than 550 Dreamers and their families across Boulder County and the Carbon Valley Area.

Their arrival in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland was marked by a heartfelt pōwhiri at Pehiāweri Marae, where our General Manager, Mo Matautia-Tepania shared at the end of the week, “It didn’t feel like they were manuhiri (visitors) – the connection was felt straight away.” 

That spirit of whanaungatanga (relationship building) carried through the entire visit as the Boulder team immersed themselves in our mahi (work) and community.

From exploring cultural sites like Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Ngāwhā Springs, and Otuihau Falls, to sitting in on classroom activities and joining lunch time and after-school programmes, the week was filled with meaningful moments.

Our Dreamers were fascinated by the American team and lit up at the chance to interact, ask questions, mimic accents and play alongside them.

Reflecting on the week, Perla noted that while Boulder operates in cohorts, New Zealand’s all-school model offers a unique approach.

“Another key difference is the integration of Māori culture and language into Dreamer programming,” she said. “Experiencing this cultural interweaving firsthand was truly beautiful.”

For Aurora, whose Polynesian heritage was one of the reasons she was chosen to come, the trip was deeply personal. “Watching tamariki speak Māori at the pōwhiri was powerful,” she said. “My father is Chamorro, and our language has nearly disappeared. This experience has inspired me to dream of a future where, in 30 years’ time, kids will once again speak Chamorro.”

Our Navigators were equally uplifted by the visit. Year 4 Navigator Brenz McGillan thanked the Boulder team for showing the real “Navigator heart”. Whether it was tumbling through gymnastics, playing rugby or juggling with the Dreamers, they all got stuck in. 

Watch video >> Aurora speaks about her time in New Zealand >>

Primary Team Lead Khintay-yee (Htay) Matete shared that spending time with the team through the week had been very special, adding that she and Perla looked so alike, freckles and all, that Dreamers kept mixing them up!

At the farewell, Estefania told the team she was struck by the environment created here in Whangārei, where kids can truly be kids. “That’s something I hope to bring back to my own community.”

For Perla, the journey was especially profound, as she had to overcome a fear of flying to make the trip. “Connecting directly with the Dreamers was unforgettable. They opened their hearts to us, and those connections will stay with me forever. I felt loved and welcomed — it was surreal.”

She believes the Northland team’s expertise, dedication, and mission-driven approach are making a lasting impact, and that our diverse backgrounds are a true asset to the Whangārei community.

As a parting gift, the Boulder team generously donated school supplies. In return, they each received an I Have a Dream hoodie as a small symbol of the big bond that now exists between our teams.

Despite the distance, it’s clear both teams are driven by the same kaupapa: empowering young people through trusted relationships, cultural pride, and community connection. This visit was more than just a cultural exchange. It was a celebration of shared purpose, mutual respect, and the power of dreaming big together.