Community Connection: A Game-Changer for Tamariki

Something’s shifted – and not in a good way.

More and more young people in Aotearoa are growing up disconnected from the people and places around them. Whether it’s due to busy lives, digital overload, or simply fewer opportunities, we’re seeing tamariki less active and less engaged in their communities. That matters – because when young people don’t feel a sense of belonging or connection to where they live, we’re putting their wellbeing, resilience, and even their future contribution to society at risk.

People who aren’t connected to their communities are more likely to feel isolated, disengaged, and directionless. But those who are connected? They feel purposeful. They develop lifelong habits of helping others, they thrive in relationships, and they work to improve the places they live in. That’s the path we want our young people on – and that’s the one we help them walk through the William Pike Challenge.

Imagine this: a generation of confident, connected rangatahi with a strong sense of place and purpose. Young people who know their neighbours, care about their community, and take pride in giving back. It’s a vision that aligns with what many New Zealand schools are already striving for – Strengthening Community Partnerships and Encouraging Student Contribution to the Community. That’s the promised land. Aotearoa needs more of those kids – and we know how to grow them.

So what’s getting in the way?

Here are the big three obstacles:

1. Too much screen time, not enough real-world time.
2. Limited school time and resource for EOTC and authentic learning.
3. A belief that community contribution is for ‘later in life’, not now.

The William Pike Challenge flips those obstacles on their head.

1. Structured outdoor learning breaks the screen spell and gets students connecting with local people and places.
2. Our ready-to-run framework makes it easy for busy schools to deliver real-world education for tamariki.
3. Every student completes a minimum of 20 hours of Community Service — meaning they’re not just learning about contribution, they’re out there doing it. That’s how we overcome limiting beliefs and create real change.

And the proof?

• 85% of students agree the WPC helped them feel more confident working with people of different ages and personalities.
• 92% say they feel more confident taking on new challenges.
• 83% say the WPC inspired them to help their local community and do community service.

The William Pike Challenge builds a generation of young people who contribute, connect, and care – all while building resilience and developing habits that last a lifetime.

Want to explore the WPC as a key programme for your school next year? Visit williampikechallenge.co.nz and book a call today.