Manawa Ora: Navigators 2019

Ngā Rangatahi Toa is a youth development organisation that inspires young people to re-engage with opportunities in education and employment. This is the seventh year the group has staged Manawa Ora, an electrifying series of performances at Auckland’s Basement Theatre that showcases the skills and energy of more than 20 rangatahi.

The Manawa Ora performances are the culmination of a year’s work behind the scenes, so there’s a lot riding on them. Staging a production like this isn’t cheap: even the revenue from sellout shows won’t be enough to cover the costs of lighting, staging, transport, and paying for the time of the mentors who help rangatahi devise and shape the show.

Working closely with communities in South Auckland, Ngā Rangatahi Toa walks with rangatahi in a journey to explore higher learning and work placement opportunities. The charitable organisation is founded on the belief that every child in Aotearoa has the right to opportunities that fulfill their potential, no matter what their postcode.

The success of Ngā Rangatahi Toa’s work has been proven many times over since it was founded in 2009. The organisation works with rangatahi in a series of wānanga throughout the year, and Manawa Ora is the culmination of that work, the big reveal of their talents to a wider audience. It’s a night when the rangatahi get to stand in the glare of the stage lights and show audiences how they can shine.

We have a goal of raising $15,000 to ensure this year’s Manawa Ora performances can go ahead as planned. Opening night is October 8, so we are getting close now! Your support would be hugely helpful in allowing these rangatahi their moment in the spotlight – a moment that we hope will lead to many more.