Toi Manawa investment helps PETRA reach rangatahi across the Eastern Bay

Toi Manawa Alliance’s investment in PETRA is helping take mental wellbeing education into kura across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, giving rangatahi practical tools to manage their emotions and ask for support.

Delivered by Wāhi Charitable Trust, the programme reached approximately 980 rangatahi across eight schools and education providers in 2025/26, from Whakatāne and Kawerau to Ōpōtiki, Murupara and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui.

For Wāhi founder Luke Gray, the reason behind PETRA is personal.

Luke developed PETRA after his sister struggled with her mental health while at school. He named the programme in honour of her bravery and resilience. PETRA stands for Preventative Education and Training for Resilient Adolescents.

“I don’t want other rangatahi to feel like they don’t have support around them,” he says.

Through six activity-based sessions, the programme draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā and local pūrākau to help rangatahi understand their wellbeing, build connections and learn ways to work through difficult feelings.

Luke says those tools are being used beyond the sessions. One teacher described seeing a student who would usually become overwhelmed during an exam use a breathing technique to settle himself, refocus and carry on. Parents have also reported seeing their children use the tools at home.

One student wrote, “I feel more open and less anxious. Thank you for the help.”

Annual evaluations showed improvements across all ten measures, with the biggest reported gain in knowing where to get help or support.

For Luke, the partnership with Toi Manawa works because it builds on the relationships Wāhi had established and the mahi it was already doing.

The team was working in kura, delivering wellbeing education and connecting rangatahi with support when the formal partnership began in 2025. Toi Manawa recognised that experience and funded Wāhi to extend the work.

Luke says both organisations see the value of working proactively and preventatively, helping young people build skills early and know who they can turn to.

Toi Manawa has also provided innovation funding for ‘All Goods’?, a free online resource developed by Wāhi that helps people recognise what they may be feeling and find practical tools and support.

Together, the partnership is helping Wāhi reach more rangatahi in their own communities, including rural areas where support can be harder to access.

To find out more or enquire about PETRA, visit wahi.org.nz/petra-programme. Explore the free All Goods? resource.