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 free programme offered a mix of educational, physical, and resilience-building activities, including outdoor adventures at Dolamore Park, ice skating, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, and high ropes, as well as indoor sports, arts and crafts, and games. This year saw higher participation, with a waiting list from the previous holiday programme, showing growing interest in the initiative.

Rangatahi had the chance to try new activities, building confidence along the way, whether it was ice skating or tackling a pump track. Food donations came from Mataura Butchery, Subway, and Pizza Hut, while Hokonui Hauora funded transport, making it possible for participants from Gore and Mataura to attend. With additional support from local groups like Whānau as First Navigators and Mataura Licensing Trust, the programme provided an inclusive environment that encouraged confidence, connection, and lasting friendships among rangatahi.