Welcome to the first Runway Foundation newsletter of 2025!
In this newsletter, our wonderful CEO, Terese Marr, shares a thoughtful overview of the term so far — including insights into just how valuable our Parents Support Group community continues to be. You’ll also find updates on what we’ve been working on in our Kids Clubs and youth mentoring space, along with a brief recap of our annual Friends and Whānau Picnic
A message from Terese: Chief Encouragement Officer!
One of my favourite, well-utilised sayings that I grew up with, from my Father, is “Keep the main thing, the main thing.” This has been our true north for the start of 2025, as we’ve navigated high and wide demand for neurodiversity support with a small team in tougher financial times.
What we do: ADDventurers Services:
For now, our main thing is keeping doing what WE CAN do: providing quality, specialised Kids Clubs and Youth mentoring for those based in the Pukekohe/Waiuku/Tuakau areas, and Parent Groups and information events for all who can get to us.
If I could wave a wand, I would replicate our services nationwide, to provide ADDventurers Kids Clubs, Youth & parent support to every town in Aotearoa, so that no one would miss out, and everyone would have the support they so deserve and need. We will keep working on this. In the meantime, it’s fantastic to see a much greater awareness and understanding of ADHD in the public space, and more online, information-based services available in New Zealand. The Kiwi ADHD community is growing stronger, and that is encouraging, especially when we can all work together.
Term 1 Highlights:
Term 1 is always an exciting and busy time as we get to know our new volunteers – a great bunch of students from Pukekohe High. We spend time training our volunteers on how to support our children in Kids Clubs and to understand more about ADHD. Our student volunteers are an important part of our ADDventurers team.
Our annual picnic is always a highlight of the year. We love planning the theme and activities. This year's line dancing and panning for gold were great hits, and it’s always a wonderful time to get to know one another and have the whole family along. We trust there were many happy memories made.
Parent Support Groups:
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending one of our parent support groups once again. It reminded me of how valuable these groups are and how much local, helpful information you can receive that is very hard to find in other forums. This is a private, confidential space with people who care, and with experienced, trained facilitators, making it a safe place to find support.
At the parent group I attended, I came away armed with knowledge and advice about the new drug testing for driving that is underway in NZ, and how this could potentially impact those of us on ADHD medication. I also had a greater understanding of ADHD medication – including new brands in use and others' experiences with them. I understood much more about medicinal/prescribed cannabis and the different types prescribed for varying needs. I was updated on parents' experiences with Whirinaki and advice on other systems of support available.
One of the absolute highlights from the parent group was the encouragement of hearing success stories at work for our young adults with ADHD. A parent shared how their son was succeeding in a mechanics apprenticeship and the support that his workplace was providing him. I, too, was able to encourage others with my son's story of a positive workplace environment and how his team was catering to his particular ADHD needs, allowing him to thrive. We celebrated these achievements and struggles together, and it’s amazing the sense of camaraderie that is formed. Of course, the Easter eggs and buns really helped too!
For those who can’t get to an evening group, we are holding a morning tea on Thursday, 24th April, at Rise n’ Shine Café. Children are welcome. We’d love to see you. You can RSVP through our Facebook page or email us at [email protected]
What’s your main thing?
What’s your main thing for now? For today, for this week, term? Thinking about this can help to take away the overwhelm. As parents, caregivers, supporters of those with ADHD, we often have huge additional demand on us for what ‘we SHOULD be doing’, and we can’t do it all at once. Picking battles, one focus at a time, picking the most important thing for now, and letting other things go, is often the best thing we can do for the long journey, and to be able to find joy in the journey. ‘How do we eat an elephant?’... is another great saying. There are two focus’s that I believe are always important in amongst this: 1. Love and be kind to YOURSELF. Keep putting the oxygen mask on yourself first as much as you are able- in healthy ways. YOU are IMPORTANT. 2. No matter what the ‘world out there’ is saying, or the demands they are putting on, find ways to keep ENJOYING your children, keep building relationship and connection with them in positive ways that work for you– build the love and trust, as this fills everyone’s tank and makes everything else easier in the long run. You are amazing, strong, capable… and your children and families are precious.
Ngaa mihi nui
Terese
ADDventurers Kids Club – Term One
Term 1 of 2025 has been an amazing, fun-filled ride at Kids Club! It was so special welcoming all the children back after the long holidays and hearing their stories about the exciting adventures they had with their families.
Everyone settled beautifully into their new groups, reconnecting with old friends and warmly welcoming some new faces too – it's always lovely to see our Kids Club whānau growing!
Our theme for the term was "Awesome Me!" – a celebration of each child’s unique strengths and the qualities that make them special. The children created fantastic self-portraits, proudly displayed on our blackboard throughout the term. We also went on a self-care treasure hunt, discovering how simple everyday actions – like brushing our hair – are part of looking after ourselves.
One of the highlights was the Self-Love Scavenger Hunt, where the kids used a special decoder to uncover the secret message: "I am spectacular!" It was awesome to see their teamwork skills shine as they breezed through the challenge together.
We’re so proud of everything the children have accomplished this term – and can’t wait for more fun, learning, and connection in Term 2!
Aroha Nga Mihi,
Ilse Breytenbach
ADDventurers Youth – Term One
Theme Focus for term one: It Starts With Me
"If I know where I’m headed, I can work out how to get there."
This term, we've really embraced our theme – and it’s been amazing to sit down with our youth and hear where they see themselves headed after school. These conversations have sparked meaningful reflection, goal-setting, and some exciting ideas for the future.
Coaching Highlights
We kicked off the term strong with our coaching sessions – locking in regular times and days with parents, youth, and school Learning Support Co-ordinator's. It’s been so valuable getting out and about, creating safe spaces where our youth can talk openly about anything and everything.
Of course, it hasn’t all been sunshine and roses. Some of our rangatahi have faced doubt and uncertainty – but with the support of whānau, Learning Support Co-ordinator's, and each other, we've worked through those tough moments and found practical, positive steps forward.
It’s been a term of real growth, and we’re proud of the resilience, honesty, and strength our youth continue to show. Bring on Term 2!
ADDventurers Youth Nights Highlights
Youth Nights on Thursdays have been a real hit this term! We've had a great turnout, and it’s been awesome to see all our youth actively engaging in group discussions and sharing their goals.
These sessions have sparked some inspiring conversations about the future:
One of our youth shared his dream of becoming a pilot, which led to a great chat about the qualifications and steps needed to get there.
Another is keen to become a barista and is excited about learning the trade.
Several of our rangatahi are keen to enter the workforce, and we’ve been working with them to explore pathways that suit their interests and strengths.
We’ve also seen some fantastic individual achievements that we are excited to celebrate:
One youth is confidently refereeing rugby games through a Counties Manukau Rugby course – gaining great experience while waiting to get back on the field as a player.
Another has really stepped up at school, showing accountability and dedication to his schoolwork – and he’s doing extremely well!
A talented youth continues to create original music beats that are a hit with his friends.
One youth recently started at Pukekohe High School and is settling in beautifully – socialising with peers, attending regularly, and even acing an English test. Her Learning Support Co-ordinator's are incredibly impressed with her positive start.
It’s been an inspiring term, and we’re so proud of how our youth are stepping up, speaking out, and striving toward their goals. We can’t wait to see what next term brings!
Nga mihi nui,
Kelvin Moana
This term, we’ve had a fantastic influx of volunteers – and it’s been heart-warming to see so many young people stepping up, eager to support our tamariki and make a real difference in their lives.
To help set them up for success, we held a special training day focused on understanding ADHD and learning practical ways to support the children in our programmes. It was a great opportunity for our volunteers to grow their knowledge, ask questions, and feel confident in the role they’re playing.
We’re so grateful for the energy, empathy, and commitment they bring – and we know our children are feeling the impact too.
The Runway Foundation Friends and Whanau Picnic
We had an amazing time at our annual Friends and Family Picnic!
This year’s theme was ‘Hoedown,’ and we welcomed a lively bunch of young cowboys, cowgirls, and their families who do-si-doed their way around Samuel Miller Reserve. It was a beautiful, clear evening filled with laughter, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
From the giant bouncy slide to wooden games, gold panning, target shooting, gumboot throwing, and line dancing, there was something for everyone. It was a joy to see our ADHD community find a safe, welcoming space to connect and just enjoy being together.
The bingo cards were a hit as always, encouraging the kids to explore and try something new. We wrapped up the evening with our much-loved costume parade — and with smiles all around, our kids, youth, and families headed home with full hearts and happy memories.
