Whanaungatanga and Mahi in Action

Thanks to the warm hospitality of our hosts at Tikipunga Primary School and the Dream Team working together to shine a light on our mahi, the I Have a Dream Visitor Open Day held at the end of term 3 was a true celebration of connection, kaupapa, and whanaungatanga.

Visitor Open Days are an opportunity for donors, partners, and supporters to experience our kaupapa firsthand and this year, from the moment our manuhiri arrived, they were immersed in the energy and purpose that drives our work.

The day began with a moving pōwhiri led by Matua Angus and the talented Tikipunga Primary School kapa haka group. Their manaakitanga set the tone, beautifully reflecting both our core values and those of the kura.

After morning tea, manuhiri were split into groups and guided through four immersive programme pods, each one a testament to the creativity and commitment of our Navigators and Dreamers.

This year, we chose to focus on two after-school primary school programmes, WithIN NATURE and the Hundertwasser Art Programme, along with two senior school projects, the youth-led Dream Mural and the Tikipunga High School Automotive Trades Academy MG Car Restoration, complete with the vehicle onsite, which got a lot of attention from tamariki in the kura – especially when the Dreamers turned the car on, revved up the engine and tooted the horn.

Each pod was co-hosted by Navigators and Dreamers who participated in these programmes. The Dreamers did so well, confidently sharing their experiences and answering several tricky questions from the groups, helping bring the programmes to life through their own voices. The mutual respect and connection between Navigators and Dreamers were visible in every interaction, leaving our team feeling deeply affirmed and inspired.

The visitors also got to see not only our Dreamers, but also tamariki from the kura engaging with Navigators in real-time, sharing stories and asking questions, which showcased the trust and aroha that underpin these relationships with our partner schools.

After the pod rotations, everyone came together for a shared lunch, before the group were offered the opportunity to ask final questions and reflect on what they’d seen.

Among our guests were members of Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho-Ake Trust, who closed the day with heartfelt kōrero and waiata, an expression of gratitude that resonated deeply with our team.

The day was more than a showcase; it was a celebration of the relationships, values, and vision that make I Have a Dream so powerful. As I Have a Dream CEO, Shane Gorst, expressed in his farewell speech, “I feel like my cup is filled after today.”

The team is very grateful to Tikipunga Primary School for all their support leading up to and throughout the day,  and to everyone who travelled far and wide to join us. We also want to say a special thank you to our Dreamers, whose voices continue to lead the way.