The Hokonui Rūnanga Health & Social Services team ran a successful 4-day Rangatahi Holiday Programme during the April school holidays for rangatahi aged 8 and up from Gore and surrounding areas. The programme, which was free for participants, offered a variety of educational, physical, and resilience-building activities. These included outdoor adventures at Dolamore Park, ice skating, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, and high ropes, as well as indoor activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and games. This year saw a larger turnout, with a waiting list from the previous holiday programme, highlighting the growing demand for the initiative.

Participants not only enjoyed the fun activities but also built confidence by trying new things, like ice skating or tackling a pump track. Mataura Butchery, Subway, and Pizza Hut generously donated food, and Hokonui Hauora funded the transport, ensuring rangatahi from Gore and Mataura could attend. With support from local organisations like Whānau as First Navigators and Mataura Licensing Trust, the programme continues to be an inclusive and valuable experience, fostering confidence and building lasting friendships among rangatahi.