Walking with rangatahi through a transition of immense change.

Supporting young people transitioning from custody back into their communities, whānau, and their own futures.

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Canterbury’s only specialist youth reintegration service

Rangatahi leaving youth justice or correctional facilities face a moment of enormous possibility and enormous risk. Without the right support, the window closes quickly.

Waipuna has been walking alongside rangatahi through this transition for over 15 years. We build relationships before release, continue through the early weeks and months back in community, and stay connected as long as the young person needs us. Our approach is relational, strengths-based, and grounded in evidence.

What we do

Our programme wraps around rangatahi from before release through to long-term community connection.

Pre-release planning

We build the relationship and the plan before the young person leaves custody. Whanau are involved from the start.

Transition support

Practical help through the critical first weeks: housing, ID, income, reconnecting with whanau and community.

Education and employment

Connecting rangatahi with training, education, and employment pathways that give them a reason to stay engaged.

Long-term connection

We do not disappear at the 12-week mark. We stay connected for as long as the young person needs us.

St John of God Hauora Trust programme activity

$15.44 for every dollar invested

Independent social return on investment analysis confirms what we have always known: investing in rangatahi at this critical moment changes lives and communities. Read the full story of the reintegration impact of Waipuna Adventure Therapy.

Read the story