Question 1

Is MacStrong Accredited

Accepted Answer

Yes. MacStrong is accredited through Te Kahui Kahu - Social Services Accreditation.This is approved under s403 of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

Question 2

Do you work with young people with high needs, disabilities, or neurodevelopment conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are dedicated to providing inclusive and supportive mentoring services to young people with a wide range of needs, including disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions. Our mentors and programs are designed to accommodate diverse requirements, ensuring that all rangatahi and tamariki have the opportunity to benefit from our services. We believe in creating an environment where every young person can thrive and reach their full potential. If you have a young person with specific needs or conditions, please let us know during the referral process so that we can tailor our mentoring approach to best support them.

Question 3

What does MacStrong do?

Accepted Answer

We Support young people to reach their full potential by delivering programmes within the community in a safe and supportive environment. We provide positive programmes delivered by experienced members of our team, reaching the needs of at-risk and vulnerable rangatahi and enabling these young people to transform their lives for the benefit of themselves, their Whānau and their community. By having robust relationships with these Young People, their Whānau and their support network we create a client centric wraparound service of support which allows these young people to flourish.

Question 4

What are the benefits of the activities MacStrong does?

Accepted Answer

At MacStrong, we believe in the transformative power of experience, not just entertainment. While we love a good game of ten-pin bowling, arcade, or a dinner out, the activities go far beyond simple fun. They're carefully designed to unlock a treasure chest of essential life skills, hidden in plain sight.

Building, mowing, painting, water blasting – the list goes on! These tasks are more than just chores. They teach teamwork, collaboration, and the satisfaction of accomplishment. Struggling with a stubborn paintbrush? That's resilience and problem-solving in action! Our young people gain meaningful job and life skills they can transfer into trades or hold onto as essential skills later in life. 
Food banks and community service? These experiences offer invaluable lessons in empathy, social responsibility, and understanding the needs of others. Seeing firsthand the impact of your actions builds compassion and a sense of belonging.
But what about bowling, movies, and dining out? These "social" activities might raise eyebrows, but don't underestimate their power. Ten-pin bowling strengthens hand-eye coordination and concentration, while also teaching teamwork and sportsmanship. Counting scores and learning basic math like addition, subtraction and multiplication. Mastering the art of ordering a meal in a restaurant? That's social skills, decision-making, and public etiquette in practice.
The secret? It's all about the context. We believe that every experience, from the thrill of victory to the sting of defeat, offers a learning opportunity. Our mentors are skilled at guiding these experiences, using everyday situations to build:
Social skills: Communication, conflict resolution, relationship building
Life skills: Decision-making, financial literacy, critical thinking
Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, emotional regulation, coping mechanisms
Resilience: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Confidence: Belief in oneself and one's abilities

So, when you see our mentors and their mentees reporting on bowling or going out for dinner, remember – it's more than just fun. It's a carefully crafted learning experience, designed to unlock the potential within each young person. It's about building a future filled with confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose. While the outward appearance may suggest entertainment, the underlying purpose is to create learning opportunities in real-world scenarios, fostering personal growth and achievement of predefined goals.

Question 5

How does mentoring benefit rangatahi and tamariki?

Accepted Answer

Mentoring plays a crucial role in the development of rangatahi and tamariki by offering them positive role models who can provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to discuss their concerns. Mentors help them build self-esteem, resilience, life skills, friendships and social skills.

Question 6

How are mentors matched with rangatahi and

Accepted Answer

Our matching process takes into account the personalities, geographical location, gender, interests, and needs of both the mentor and the mentee. We strive to create meaningful connections that foster trust and growth.

Question 7

Is mentoring a long-term commitment?

Accepted Answer

We encourage mentors to commit to a long-term relationship with their mentees. Building a strong bond takes time, and the stability of a long-term commitment can have a lasting positive impact on the rangatahi and tamariki we serve.

Question 8

Can I support MacStrong without becoming a mentor?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We welcome various forms of support, including donations, volunteering, and spreading the word about our MacStrong's mission. Your support helps us expand our reach and provide more resources to rangatahi and tamariki.

Question 9

What positive outcomes have been achieved through your mentoring program?

Accepted Answer

Our mentoring program has led to remarkable outcomes, including improved self-confidence, academic success, and personal growth among rangatahi and tamariki. Many have developed strong life skills and pursued higher education and meaningful careers.

Question 10

What is the minimum number of hours you do per session?

Accepted Answer

The minimum number of hours per session is 3 hours.

Common Questions We Get Asked