Building Futures

30/08/2026

Here is what Joedecy had to say about her goals coming into the Building Futures programme.

“Before starting Building Futures, I honestly just wanted to get my restricted and a job, those were my main goals. Well, I have achieved both with the help and support I got from Building Futures.”

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate how much Joedecy has achieved since joining our programme. Aside from her licence upgrade, she achieved an OSH forklift certificate, completed Site Safe Foundation Passport, Safe Working at Heights, and First Aid training as well.

Congratulations on getting your restricted licence — enjoy the freedom of driving yourself to work!

28/08/2026

Have you visited the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market in Hastings lately? If so, you've probably spotted the beautiful pine picnic tables dotted around the market. What you may not know is that these high-quality tables are handcrafted by the talented rangatahi at Building Futures.

They're built to last and look right at home while you're enjoying your morning coffee and bacon butty. And once you've had a chance to sit at one, we're pretty sure you'll want one of your own!

To place an order, email [email protected] or call 0800 355 7565.

Available in stock at our premises now:
Rectangle Picnic Tables: $287.50
Hexagonal Picnic Tables: $420.00 (not displayed at market)

By purchasing a table, you're not only getting a fantastic addition to your outdoor area, workplace, or community space, you're also supporting local rangatahi as they develop practical skills, confidence, and pathways into employment.

28/08/2026

Check these guys out! Another great example of Building Futures participants gaining real-world experience while making a positive contribution to our local community.

Out there today, helping one of our local candidates prepare for their election campaign advertising. Not only did they put their skills into action, but they also took pride in delivering a professional result that will be seen across the community.

They're incredibly proud of their work, and rightly so! Well done team.

27/08/2026

Learning skills that save lives! Our group got hands-on with first aid training yesterday, building confidence and practical knowledge for both the workplace and everyday life. Big thanks to Industrial Training Associates for a fantastic session and for showing us how it's done.

27/08/2026

Congratulations to Saxon on earning his Restricted Licence today! Another important milestone unlocked and another step closer to achieving his goals.

Well done, Saxon. Keep smashing those goals!

21/08/2026

What a way to start our Friday! With the sun shining and a stunning view from the top of Te Mata, the morning felt full of energy, optimism.

20/08/2026

Thanks so much for your support Sally.

We look forward to following your journey with the on-farm education facility.

Picked up a couple of new hexagonal picnic benches, for our on-farm learning shed today….made by the team Building Futures 🔨
If you’re in the market for a well made picnic bench, you won’t go wrong with this crew. Thanks to Kirsten, Jay & Halex (pictured) and everyone involved with this fantastic initiative. Hands on skills 😎👌👷‍♂️

20/08/2026

As we know, securing your restricted licence is a huge milestone. It’s more than just being allowed to drive. It is proof of hard work, focus, commitment, and responsibility. It shows you listened, learned, practised, and earned the trust to take the wheel with confidence and independence.

This is the kind of achievement that opens doors to work, sport, and everyday adventures. It means more freedom, more confidence, and one big step closer to adulthood. So, a massive congratulations to this guy. Jay, you absolutely nailed it and on the first attempt too! What an awesome achievement. Well done!

19/08/2026

Big shout-out to the team! This week, they turned a practical challenge into a tidy, professional solution by creating a custom water pump cover.

The result? A great-looking finish, a protected pump, and one very happy customer (aka Brendan). Awesome mahi, team.

18/08/2026

Happy 5th birthday to Building Futures!

On 16 August 2021, a small group of rangatahi came together and sparked the beginning of Building Futures. Five years on, we’re celebrating how far the programme has come, the people who have shaped it, and the futures we continue to build together.

From early walks up Te Mata Peak to learning, creating, and growing together from a container shelter, the early days were cold, wet, and full of energy, hope, and possibility.

Since then, our journey has included Covid lockdowns, Cyclone Gabrielle, homelessness for some of our rangatahi, and tough economic conditions that made meaningful mahi harder to secure. These moments tested us, but they also strengthened our purpose and reminded us why this mahi matters.

Through every challenge, the amazing experiences have far outweighed the hard times. We’ve seen quiet young people find their voice, build skills and confidence, grow their talents, and take pride in who they are and what they can achieve.

Today, Building Futures is more than just a pre-employment training programme. It is a place of connection, challenge, resilience, creativity, and hope, helping rangatahi take confident steps into the next chapter of their lives.

We are grateful for the strong support across Hawke’s Bay, including whānau, sponsors, donors, employers, training providers, and community partners who continue to open doors and believe in our rangatahi.

Our aim remains the same: to keep building futures for local rangatahi across our community for many years to come.