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Fundraising ideas There are hundreds of ways you could fundraise for us and we’re always excited by the great ideas people come up with, here are just a few that we hope might inspire you. There are hundreds of ways you could fundraise for us and we’re always excited by the great ideas people come up with, here are just a few that we hope might inspire you: Auction something on Trademe, at an event, work or school Have a stall at a local market or fair, hold a garage sale, or car boot sale Hire out what you do best – it could be mowing lawns, handyperson, sewing curtains, or a massage Run, run, run – you could run a marathon, join a local fun-run or run anywhere you want Organise a golf, tennis or darts tournament Compete in an event, or ask your gym to host one Give up chocolate, social media, that morning coffee or shopping – you choose, and pick how long for then get your friends and whānau to sponsor you Shave your head or beard, or maybe don’t get a haircut for 6 months? Set yourself a challenge, or ask your friends to set you a challenge – it could be to learn a new language, do that skydive you’ve always talked about, or start taking public transport to work, set yourself a swimming goal – or anything else you can think of Host a morning tea, themed lunch or coffee morning Hold a bake sale or sausage sizzle Have a dinner party and ask your guests to donate what they’d pay for the same meal in a restaurant Eating competitions - how many crackers without drinking water, how many pies or chillies? Office Olympics – who can type fastest, or race down the corridor in a swivel chair Have a ‘guess who the baby in the photo is’ competition A dance party, ball or disco School mufti day or a dress up/dress down day at work Organise a fashion show, an art exhibition or art class Guess how many sweets in the jar, soccer balls in the car or baked beans in the bucket?! Organise a quiz night, games night, theatre or movie night We’ve got loads more ideas of fun ways to fundraise, big and small, so please get in touch with us if you’re thinking of fundraising to support Skylight’s work in our communities. You might also be interested in: Our story Contact us Organise your own fundraising event Get involved

Jenny Devine Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu About me Kia ora ko Jenny Devine toku ingoa. I am a registered educational psychologist and the Clinical Advisor for Skylight Trust. While completing my teaching qualification in 2007, I became interested in the needs of students with behaviour and learning challenges. I have since worked in a variety of roles within the education sector including Teacher Aide, Early Childhood and Primary School Teacher, Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB), and as a Psychologist with the Ministry of Education. I have also worked as a contractor with ACC and in private practice specialising in learning disability assessments. Next Previous

Emma Harbour Programmes Coordinator | Kaituitui Hōtaka About me Kia ora, I am Emma. Previously, a travel tour coordinator, flight attendant, foster carer and supervisor at a home for pregnant teens. I have joined Skylight this year as a Programme Coordinator. Our team oversees networking with other community organisations and schools to promote and deliver a variety of youth wellbeing programmes. I work at Skylight Trust because the values and work align with my personal ethos. I am passionate and motivated to support others, and I want to use my time and energy for meaningful work. When I am not at work I enjoy knitting & crochet while watching the latest TV series, baking and trying out new recipes, nature walks and campervan adventures with my husband and two chihuahuas, being an active aunty, hosting international students and volunteering with the New Zealand Red Cross in a refugee resettlement. Next Previous

What is trauma? This webinar is presented by Roni who is a Strategic Interventionist/Relationship Educator and works within a trauma-informed practice. Her expertise covers such topics as attachment, addiction, trauma, emotional intelligence, and raising emotionally healthy children in today's stressful society. You might also be interested in: Grief 101 for Parents Counselling... what is it all about?

Advocacy Skylight's submission on: The Suicide Prevention Action Plan (pdf download) We agree that suicide is “not solely a health issue”. We therefore welcome the Draft Plan’s Cross-Government approach to suicide prevention and postvention but think it can go further. The responsibility must sit with all-of-government in collaboration with all sectors, public and private, including communities and non-governmental organisations such as ourselves. The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (pdf download) Skylight Trust firmly opposes the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and regards the Bill as unnecessary, in breach of numerous human rights, children’s rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Safety measures for the use of puberty blockers in young people with gender-related health needs (pdf download) Skylight does not support more restrictive regulation for access to puberty blockers for non cisgender individuals, as this is discriminatory. Access should be guided by medical practitioners, informed consent and guidelines as it is now. Consultation on Childhood Palliative Care Models (pdf download) It is time to act. We support moving to the four-hub model to produce equal outcomes across the country cost effectively and most importantly, to enable tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to live (and die) with dignity and with professional support, as close to home as is possible. Skylight wants to support the mental and physical health of the many tamariki and rangatahi (and their whānau) accessing palliative care. If the four-hub model is not pursued, we favour the two hub model over the status quo Feedback on Oranga Tamariki's Long-Term Insights Briefing (pdf download) Skylight's response emphasises the critical need for a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach to child protection. Success by 2040 hinges on prevention, early intervention, robust support systems, and strong community collaboration. Key changes required include increased funding, better integration of services, and addressing systemic issues such as healthcare access and housing instability. Leveraging existing initiatives and enhancing digital support can further strengthen these efforts. Ultimately, achieving a high economic welfare and social cohesion scenario will require sustained commitment and a unified approach across all sectors. While there are many opportunities and challenges presented by the future, there is much that can be done now. You might also be interested in: Our story Te Kunenga Māori Strategy and Action Plan 2025 Our supporters Our partners Governance

The Power of Journaling Participants will be taken on a journey of positive thinking, problem solving, mindfulness and self-care. You might also be interested in: Good Mood and Food Counselling... what is it all about?

Benjamin Jensen Senior Counselling Coordinator | Kaituitui Whakamāherehere Matua About me In my role at Skylight, I am a counselling coordinator/counsellor. My roles have changed over the last four years. Currently my work involves supporting our counsellors in Awhi Mai Whi Atu schools. I enjoy the various opportunities to support tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau through our programmes, counselling and offering resources. Empowering people to feel equipped to navigate challenging times is the best part of this job. When I am not working or inside playing board games and Dungeons and Dragons I love getting obsessed with topics including history, philosophy and pop culture. Next Previous

Di Duncan Finance Officer | Kaitari Pūtea About me Di Duncan, Skylight Finance Officer. I am from the UK but relocated to New Zealand a few years ago. I have had a diverse global background working in both public and private sector. From banking and marketing to education and even as a Coroner's Support Officer. When I’m not crunching numbers, you might find me in the kitchen whipping up a treat for my colleagues or building the rather impressive Lego collection I have. Colleagues would probably say I am up for a challenge (within reason!) and ready with a laugh. Next Previous

Organise your own fundraising event Have a look around at what other people are doing or check out this list of fundraising ideas and get inspired. There are so many ways that you could fundraise to support the work of Skylight. No matter what you choose to do, you can know that every little bit of money raised will make a positive difference to children, young people and whānau in our communities. You can set yourself a challenge, whether that’s to complete a run or bike ride or give something up for a while; hold a sausage sizzle or bake sale; run a movie night; host a quiz night, a garden tour, an auction, or a coffee morning. Have a look around at what other people are doing or check out this list of fundraising ideas and get inspired. Let us know what you’re planning Once you’ve decided what fundraising activity or event you’re going to do, please get in touch with us at Skylight so we can talk about how we can support you while you are supporting us. You can fill out this form and someone from our fundraising team will get back to you as soon as possible. Some things that could help Set up a fundraising page on Givealittle This will make it easy for you to tell people what you’re doing and why, and collect donations. Your supporters will get a tax receipt for their donation immediately and the money will be direct credited into our bank account, so you don’t have to worry about depositing it into our account. Ask us about fundraising tips and tricks. We could give you advice about how to organise an event, getting other people to support your event, getting permits from your local council, ways to promote your event, collecting and banking the money, and more. There are lots of people at Skylight who can’t wait to help you with your fundraising ideas. A few things to keep in mind Have fun! Choose something that you, your friends, whānau and people you know will enjoy doing. Know your limits – whatever you choose to do can be as big or small as you want, please make sure it’s something you can do. No fundraising event is too small and small amounts really do add up to help us support children, young people, their whānau and communities when they need our help. Tell people why you’re fundraising – your fundraising event will be a great opportunity to tell people about Skylight and what we do, while you’re having fun. You might also be interested in: Our story Advocacy Contact us Fundraising ideas Get involved

Te Kunenga Māori Strategy and Action Plan 2025 Ngā Whainga – Vision Guided by the preamble and articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we will be a transformative force in Aotearoa, empowering tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to achieve resilience and successfully navigate trauma, grief and loss. Through our commitment, we will become an example of cultural integrity, partnership, and innovation, enabling equitable access and wellbeing outcomes for Māori and future generations. Tā mātou whakatakanga – Our Mission To embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a Māori world view in all that we do and prioritise the needs of tamariki and rangatahi to achieve equitable outcomes and enhance their resilience, so they thrive. Tamariki and rangatahi are taonga with inherent mana from their whakapapa. They all deserve to thrive. Given the current health outcomes for Māori, we need to take positive steps to ensure there are more equitable outcomes in the future. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the foundation document of Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are a tangata-Tiriti organisation. Therefore Te Tiriti – its preamble and articles – need to be embedded in all that we do. To achieve our vision, we know we need to do things differently with Māori. We acknowledge: Kawanatanga – the Crown has the right to establish a government, over British subjects for the protection of Māori, and Skylight operates within this Rangatiratanga – the full authority of Māori over their lands, homes, and things important to them – tino rangatiratanga Tāngata Rite – justice and fairness, the obligation to positively promote equity, equitable treatment and equitable outcomes vis-à-vis non-Māori, substantive equality in all that we do Wairuatanga - Māori and non-Māori alike have the freedom and protection to practise their religion, faith, spiritual and cultural customs. Skylight recognises wairua as one of the four foundations in Te Whare Tapa Whā upon which its services are base. We acknowledge that by promoting Te Ao Māori we are benefiting all in our society. Te Kunenga - is about the beginning of our (Skylight’s) formal journey as a Te Tiriti-based organisation and within Te Ao Māori. Some words that connect us to ‘Te Kunenga’ include origin, evolution, and development. As Skylight and its rangatira (Board) and kaimahi (staff and contractors) are on this journey, the name Te Kunenga fits our strategy and action plan perfectly. Through Te Kunenga we have an opportunity to explore and delve into tikanga, pūrākau (stories), karakia and grow our cultural capability. ‘Te Kunenga’ is a new beginning for us. Mahere Rautaki Arotau – Strategic Priorities We have previously identified four strategic organisational priorities that inform this Strategy. • To become a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based organisation. • To collaborate in partnership with tāngata whenua to meet their aspirations. • To ensure financial sustainability and growth through innovation and diversification. • To enhance our organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness. Ngā Uara – Values To guide our culture, values, and behaviour we have adopted the Māori values of Aroha (love), Manaakitanga (respect and kindness), Wairuatanga (holistic wellbeing), Whanaungatanga (connections and relationships). These values guide how we relate to each other and serve our tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities and to continually improve health outcomes and wellbeing. We will do this in practical ways including: Ko tā te tamaiti: Child Centric – empowering and inspiring our children through their passions, wants and needs. Ngākau pono : Integrity – when engaging with our whānau and wider communities we are guided by respect and integrity. Whakamanamanahia: Empowered / Uplifting Relationships – it is important to know the value of identity and self-worth (mana), when we are creating relationships, empowering, and connecting with people. Tāngata Rite: Equity – A right guaranteed under Te Tiriti to Māori and a principle of the primary health care system applicable to the wider health and disability system. Inclusivity and connecting of people with knowledge, skills, and expertise to create equitable outcomes. The importance of valuing culture and heritage when discussing equity. PDF download of the document You might also be interested in: Our impact Our story Advocacy Our partners

Videos Browse our videos below. To explore our full collection of resources, click here . Trevney shares his story This webisode features Trevney sharing his story of how he has survived suicide or lost a friend or whānau member to suicide – it is for rangatahi by rangatahi. The personal experiences shared in the following video may be disturbing for some viewers as he talks about suicide. Watch now Journeys Through Methamphetamine Addiction Skylight Trust with funding from The Vodafone Foundation, has produced a web series that portrays the personal stories of four individuals through their addiction to Methamphetamine. They tell of how their addiction affected them, their tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Watch now Matty - Resilience Web Series Here’s Matty in our resilience web series. Matty explains how surrounding himself with friends and family made him a happier person. Finding people with similar goals as you allows you to work together and push each other. Matty makes the connection between physical wellbeing and resiliency. Watch now Mana - Resilience Web Series Introducing Mana who explains that having a good support system helps you to grow and get through tough times. To be resilient, Mana thinks you have to be self-aware and real with yourself and others. Watch now Jahnya shares her story This webisode features Jahnya sharing her story of how she has survived suicide or lost a friend or whānau member to suicide – it is for rangatahi by rangatahi. The personal experiences shared in the following video may be disturbing for some viewers as she talks about suicide. Watch now Brittany shares their story This webisode features Brittany sharing their story of how they have survived suicide or lost a friend or whānau member to suicide – it is for rangatahi by rangatahi. The personal experiences shared in the following video may be disturbing for some viewers as they talk about suicide. Watch now McKay - Resilience Web Series Introducing McKay in our resilience web series. McKay tells us how resilience isn’t about being hard, it’s about letting things go and not letting things impact you that much. He says that you need to have hope, take care of yourself and to surround yourself with good people. Watch now Rose - Resilience Web Series Meet Rose in our resilience web series! Rose tells us that resilience is the ability to bounce back and to not let things bring you down. Through her experiences she shows how surrounding yourself with positive people is something that can really change your outlook. Watch now Melissa - Resilience Web Series Check out Melissa in our resilience web series. Melissa’s strong connection to her family, culture and Pacific roots helps her on her path resilience. Melissa says that you shouldn’t let other people invalidate your feelings. She tells how her family was her hub and how she was able to lean on them in tough times. Watch now Bella - Resilience Web Series Bella focuses on how resilience is finding your voice and bouncing back. By sharing her experiences, she shows the importance of finding strength through connections and community. Watch now

Webinars Browse our webinars below. To explore our full collection of resources, click here . Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience This is the third and final instalment of Skylight's webinar partnership with the Child Cancer Foundation. Start Now Parenting through Grief This resource was developed for parents who are supporting their child living with cancer, or who have lost a child to cancer. Start Now Grief 101 for Parents A basic understanding of grief and how to cope when you are grieving. Start Now The Power of Journaling Participants will be taken on a journey of positive thinking, problem solving, mindfulness and self-care. Start Now Good Mood and Food This session will guide students from years 7, 8 and 9 (11-13 years old), through an informative session on the mind and body connection in relation to our food choices, how we process our thoughts and the importance of movement. Start Now Counselling... what is it all about? Meeting someone new can be a bit scary sometimes. We might not know what to expect and what the person is expecting of us. Sometimes, it can be helpful to have some information before you meet someone new. Start Now Is a Worry Worrying You? An introduction to understanding worries and anxiety Start Now What is trauma? This webinar is presented by Roni who is a Strategic Interventionist/Relationship Educator and works within a trauma-informed practice. Her expertise covers such topics as attachment, addiction, trauma, emotional intelligence, and raising emotionally healthy children in today's stressful society. Start Now