Challenge 2000 would like to acknowledge the passing of Dame Karen Poutasi.
Karen was a steadfast supporter of Challenge 2000. We are profoundly grateful for the role she played in our journey.
As we honour her memory, we also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind – one of service, belief, and lasting impact.
Funeral Details: Thursday 8th January 2026 at 11am at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, corner of Hill and Molesworth Streets, Thorndon, Wellington.
In lieu of flowers, a donatation to Challenge 2000 is welcome: Challenge 2000 Trust 01-0519-0057660-00
Our Turkish whānau will be an integral part of our Service tomorrow. In these times of conflict and anxiety and the call of Francis to hope, we want to make this a time of prayer, unity and understanding.
Today at WCC Glenside House, a group of Challenge 2000 staff, young people and interns came together for a fun daffodil planting activity that was led by one of the “guardians” of the Halfway house Claire Bibby. The team planted over 250 daffodil bulbs in the garden surrounding the house. The sun was shining brightly, and the fresh air made it the perfect day to be outside.
As we worked, we enjoyed the peaceful sounds of birds tweeting and soaring, providing a real connection to the land. It was a chance to slow down, be present, and do something positive for the environment. The daffodils will bring colour making the Glenside House garden even more welcoming for visitors and those seeking a chance to be.
It was a great chance for everyone to slow down, enjoy the fresh air, and work together as a team. Moments like these remind us how important it is to enjoy our environment and spend time in nature. We look forward to spring.
He aitua! Waipuke kau ana te puna roimata ki te uri o Ngati Te Maunu, Tongariro, me Hikurangi.
Haere atu rā ki te huinga kahurangi, ki te tītoko o te rangi, ki te ānewa o te rangi Haere hei taonga mō te pō Waihōtia mai ngā kupu akiaki, ngā wero, ngā hua hei taonga mō te ao
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Luke Crawford. Luke has supported Challenge 2000 as our kaumātua for over 25 years. Luke and Steph’s children, have been involved in various ways with the Challenge whānau as leaders and volunteers Our deepest condolences go out to Steph, Hutana, Abi and the extended Crawford whānau. We feel some of your loss and grief.
Luke will be remembered by us for his strong but gentle leadership and guidance. Challenge 2000, and the young people and whānau we serve, benefitted greatly from Luke’s compassionate and loving spirit. His generosity in sharing his guidance, knowledge, mātauranga Māori, life and encouraging us to strive to build an Aotearoa grounded in Te Tiriti has been extremely significant over a sustained period of time. He was there whenever we needed him. He was our go to, our compass, our encourager, our friend, our mentor. Luke helped lay the foundations of who we continue to become.
There are no words to adequately acknowledge the goodness of this man and the contribution he has made to the Wero Rua Mano whānau.
E Luke, hoki atu ki te Kaihanga Ki te karanga a Hinenuitepō Ki te pō nui Ki te pō roa Ki te pō kāore he otinga Ko te tatau o te pō i mua i a koe Nō reira, haere, haere, haere. E te rangatira, moe mai, okioki ai.
If you are interested in personal work and social work development, youth ministry and service, and developing your leadership attributes and skills, then we have a place for you!!
Grow personally and professionally
Attain a range of life skills
Get a wider experience of Aotearoa-New Zealand, its peoples and cultures
Gain a qualification in Youth Work
If you are under 20 years of age and want more life experience, an opportunity to serve and to be part of a positive active community, then contact us and apply for our Gap Year!
Saturday, 25th May | Event MC’d by Li’i Alaimoana Performers include: Tofi O Tama Tane, DJ Harpz, Mitchell Cheu, Jamie Macaskill, Harlan Antonio, Aaron Moe, Taita College Poly Club and many more.
Come along and support Youth Week and Challenge 2000!
ANZAC Day is an important day in the life of Challenge 2000. Since we began in 1988 we have organised and attended events to acknowledge the ANZACS who have served since WWI and to commit to bring about a community, country and world of peace, hope and justice.
This year we have had a poetry competition from 5-12 year olds, an ANZAC Holiday programme and are offering two Remembrance events of April 25th. At these events We will honour and remember those who served in war, conflict and peace and acknowledge the loss, trauma and sacrifices of all who left our shores and who stayed at home. We will also pray for peace today.
We will remember them: Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
