Kāwai Pahi
It all began with a throw away conversation…
Faced with the reality of operating in four different locations throughout the week, the idea of a static youth centre seemed impractical. Then, someone suggested, "What if we turned a bus into a mobile youth centre?"
Six months later, that fleeting idea became a reality.
Kāwai Pahi project was born. We purchased our Pink bus and set about making plans to turn our dream into a reality
The Kāwai Pahi headed into the Paint shop for a new paint job thanks to the generous support from Kiwi Gaming Foundation.
Rātā Foundation supported with the next part of the journey, funding the fit out.
James from APS Auto Electrics and the team at Cruzar Custom Campervans refitted the interior with the all the essentials like power and heating ready for the joinery and other furnishings. Christchurch City Council are supported with the final stages of the journey and the first year of operation once the fit out is complete.
Kāwai Pahi
The Kāwai Pahi is our mobile youth hub, created to connect, uplift, and engage with rangatahi and their whānau wherever they are. Now fully completed, the Kāwai Pahi travels across our local neighbourhoods delivering fun, creativity, and support through a wide range of activities.
You may have spotted the Kāwai Pahi at Eastgate activations, Kainga Ora pop‑up events and in future we hope to do school visits, and many more community gatherings. With its inviting setup and flexible space, the Kāwai Pahi helps us bring programmes, activities, and positive experiences directly to tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.
Wherever it goes, the Kāwai Pahi carries the heart of our Kāwai Rangatahi kaupapa - connection, opportunity, and community.