Welcome to Our Newsletter 💙

The past few months have been filled with milestones, celebrations, and opportunities to connect. Our Term Two newsletter is packed with stories that highlight the amazing people, achievements, and moments that make the Runway community so special.

Our CEO, Kerry, reflects on her first term in the role and shares her thoughts on the journey so far and the future ahead for Runway.

We’re also celebrating some incredible achievements across our community — from our Kids’ Clubs and the amazing volunteers who help bring them to life, to recognising our Founder and Board Member, Terese Marr, who was honoured with a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

You’ll also read about our first Girls’ Youth Night, Ilse and Kelvin’s graduation achievements, and the professional development opportunities that continue to strengthen our team, including the SAYN Youth Symposium.

As always, thank you to everyone who continues to support Runway. Every connection, conversation, and contribution helps us create safe, supportive spaces where children, young people, and whānau can grow and thrive.

Happy reading!

He karere nā te Tumu Whakarae A Message from the CEO 

Kia ora e te whānau, 

As I reflect on my first term as CEO of The Runway Foundation, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey so far. A truly special beginning was the beautiful pōwhiri I received on arrival, which grounded me in our values of manaakitanga, connection, and community from day one. 

What has continued to stand out is the strong sense of community here in Pukekohe. I have felt genuinely welcomed and supported, and I’m inspired by the generosity and commitment of those who champion our Kaupapa, helping create a place where our tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau can thrive. 

As we move through the winter months, having recently marked the solstice, we find ourselves at the halfway point of the season — a natural time for reflection, rest, and renewal. 

It has been a privilege to spend time alongside our rangatahi and tamariki, whether at Youth Nights or in Kids Club. I often say I have the best office to work from and one that just happens to double as a toy room! Being surrounded by Lego, fidgets, and board games is a daily reminder of the joy and energy we have in our ADDventuers programmes. 

This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Volunteer, we continue to recognise the incredible individuals who give their time so generously. I’ve also valued being part of our Parent Support Group, connecting with our wonderful parents and caregivers often over a cup of tea and a slice, alongside Lorelei. 

There have been many highlights this term, including our vibrant Sakura Season Girls Youth Night and fantastic holiday programmes. Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce a Dads’ Breakfast next term (date to be confirmed), and we’re beginning planning for our first major fundraising event. Please save the date for the evening of Saturday 17 October, a fun and creative celebration of music, fashion, and all things ADHD. We look forward to sharing more soon. 

I continue to feel incredibly supported by our dedicated Runway team and Board. Together, we are building something truly special for our community. 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable school holiday break. For those joining our programmes, we look forward to seeing you soon. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Kerry

ADDventurers Kids Club – Term Two

Term 2 of Kids Club has been full of fun and lots of energy! As the children have settled into their new groups, they have become more confident and comfortable, which has been awesome to see.   

Our theme for term 2 was “Aroreretini/ADHD” where we had a bit more of an in-depth look at ADHD.  We looked at the positive things that come with having ADHD, because often the focus is placed on the negatives. The children showed their creative side when they made some awesome superhero masks and wore them with pride. We made some chocolate crackle and the children were relieved that they didn’t have to wait for it to cook in the oven.  

Our trip to Gravity for the last school holiday activity was a huge success. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t want to co-operate, and we had to come back to The Runway House for lunch, however it ended up being a blessing in disguise because the children were exhausted after jumping all morning and needed a rest while they ate their lunch.  

Planning for the next holiday activity is complete, and we will be going to Auckland Zoo, which is very exciting.  

Ilse Breytenbach

ADDventurers Kids Club Facilitator & Youth Support

ADDventurers Youth – Term Two

Kia ora e te whānau,

Wow, where has this term gone? We are already halfway through the year!

As Term 2 comes to an end, our youth are ready for a well-deserved break and to recharge for an exciting Term 3 ahead.

This term, we have been focusing on "Knowledge is Power." Through this kaupapa, our rangatahi have been learning that understanding themselves and how they think can help them navigate challenges more effectively. We have explored practical tools and strategies that can support young people with ADHD, while also recognising the unique strengths that ADHD can bring. By building self-awareness and confidence, our youth are learning how to turn challenges into opportunities for success.

We have also explored the concept of hyperfocus, discussing how it can be both a strength and a challenge. Through conversations and activities, our rangatahi have been identifying the positive aspects of hyperfocus, such as increased concentration and productivity, while also recognising when it may become difficult to manage.

It has been wonderful spending one-on-one time with our rangatahi and seeing the positive relationships that have been built. Kelvin was able to get out in the cold winter mornings and watch some of the rangatahi do their thing on the sports field from being part of a team or controlling a game.

Many of our youth have become increasingly comfortable sharing their thoughts, experiences, and challenges, which has led to some meaningful and productive conversations. We are incredibly proud of their willingness to engage, and it has been fantastic to see such consistent attendance and participation throughout the term. As the holidays approach, most of our youth are looking forward to a well-earned two-week break to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with whānau and friends before returning refreshed for Term 3.

Our senior youth nights have taken on a slightly different focus this term. Several of our rangatahi are currently working towards, or have recently achieved, their learner licence. It has been fantastic to see them supporting their peers by sharing knowledge, helping with practice questions, and encouraging others to build the confidence needed to sit their own learner licence test.

Looking ahead to the school holidays, we are excited to come together for a low-key creative activity. We plan to spend time connecting with one another through art, with each young person creating their own canvas masterpiece.

Ngā mihi mahana

Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers

This year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible people who generously give their time, energy, and compassion to support our programmes.

2026 has been recognised by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in building stronger, more connected communities around the world.

At Runway, we're incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who help bring our ADDventurers Kids' Clubs and community events to life. Many of our volunteers are young people who generously share their time to support children and families, creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and connected.

Whether they're helping at Kids' Club, assisting at events, or simply offering a listening ear and a helping hand, every volunteer makes a meaningful difference.

Quite simply, we couldn't do what we do without them. To each and every one of our volunteers - thank you for being part of the Runway whānau and for helping us create positive experiences for so many children and families.

Tips, tricks, and ideas to try. 

ADDy's Corner is where we share helpful tips, tricks, and ideas that might make life a little easier. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we believe that by sharing as a community, we can support each other through the challenging, yet rewarding, journey of parenting our children with ADHD.

ADHD Parent Tip: Be Your Child's Social Coach

Making and keeping friends isn't always easy for children with ADHD. Social challenges can stem from things like impulsivity, rejection sensitivity, social anxiety, or difficulties reading social cues. The good news is that social skills can be learned with support, practice, and encouragement.

As parents and caregivers, one of the most valuable roles we can play is that of a social coach.

Here are a few simple ways to help:

• Ask, don't tell. Instead of giving advice straight away, ask open-ended questions like, "What was the hardest part of lunchtime today?" This encourages children to reflect on their experiences and builds self-awareness.
• Listen without judgement. Reflect back what your child is saying so they feel heard and understood. This helps strengthen communication and problem-solving skills.
• Observe together. Encourage your child to notice how others interact. Watching body language, facial expressions, and conversations can help them better understand social situations.
• Create opportunities for friendships. Clubs, sports, coding groups, drama, or shared hobbies provide natural, low-pressure environments where friendships can grow.
• Practise at home. Family games that involve teamwork, taking turns, and problem-solving help children develop important social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Like learning to read or ride a bike, social skills develop over time. With patience, guidance, and plenty of opportunities to practise, children with ADHD can build meaningful friendships and grow in confidence.

Celebrating Terese’s Incredible Achievement

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our Founder and Board Member, Terese Marr, who has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

Since co-founding the Runway Foundation in 2015, Terese has dedicated countless hours to supporting children, young people, and families navigating ADHD. Through her vision, leadership, and passion, Runway has grown into a place where families can find support, understanding, connection, and practical tools to help them thrive.

Terese has always been a strong advocate for seeing ADHD as a strength. Her work has helped challenge old perceptions, encourage greater understanding within schools and communities, and ensure that families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

This honour recognises Terese’s incredible contribution to ADHD support, as well as her ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and making a difference in the lives of others.

On behalf of our Board, staff, volunteers, and the many families who have been impacted by her work — congratulations, Terese. This recognition is so incredibly well deserved, and we are grateful for the lasting legacy you continue to build within our community.

Girls Youth Night

We were thrilled to host our very first Girls' Youth Night, creating a space designed especially for the young women in our community.

Over time, we've noticed that some of our youth girls can find larger mixed-group events a little overwhelming. We wanted to provide an environment where they could feel comfortable being themselves, build friendships, grow in confidence, and simply enjoy spending time together in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Our first evening was beautifully themed around Japanese culture. The girls enjoyed learning the art of origami, trying their hand at making sushi, sharing plenty of laughs, and creating wonderful memories together. It was fantastic to see new friendships forming, conversations flowing, and everyone encouraging one another throughout the evening.

Most importantly, the night was about creating a sense of belonging—a place where every girl felt seen, included, and valued. Seeing the smiles, laughter, and confidence grow throughout the evening reminded us just how important these opportunities are.

We had the best night and can't wait to do it all again!

Celebrating Ilse and Kelvin

We were delighted to celebrate Ilse and Kelvin, who earlier this year graduated with a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) (Social and Community Services) with a strand in Whānau, Community and Social Services, through Careerforce.

This apprenticeship programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work alongside individuals, families, and whānau in community support roles. It focuses on empowering people to build resilience, identify and achieve their goals, strengthen autonomy, and provide compassionate, person-centred support.

Both Ilse and Kelvin have worked incredibly hard to complete this qualification while continuing their commitment to supporting the children, young people, and whānau who are part of our ADDventurers programmes. Their dedication to continually growing their knowledge and developing their skills reflects the high level of care and support they bring to every programme they lead.

Congratulations, Ilse and Kelvin, on this wonderful achievement. We loved celebrating this milestone with you and are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished. We know the knowledge and skills you've gained will continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of the children, young people, and whānau we have the privilege of supporting.

Investing in Learning and Connection

Earlier this year, Ilse and Kelvin attended the SAYN (South Auckland Youth Network) Symposium, a two-day professional development conference for youth workers and those supporting young people across a range of sectors.

This year's theme, Inclusive Aroha – Generational Impact, explored how the wisdom and experiences of the past (Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho), the conversations we have today (Talanoa), and the actions we take now can create lasting, positive change for future generations.

The symposium was filled with valuable learning, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect with others working in the youth and community sector. Conferences like these are an important reminder that we are part of a wider network of people who are all passionate about supporting young people to thrive.

At Runway, we believe there's always something new to learn. Opportunities like the SAYN Symposium allow our team to connect with others, gain fresh ideas, and continue growing their skills so we can provide the very best support for the children, young people, and whānau who are part of our programmes.

Connecting With Our Community Leaders

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Mathew Paul, the National Party's incoming MP for Port Waikato.

It was a wonderful chance to share more about the work we do, showcase our programmes, and celebrate the incredible community that makes Runway so special.

We’re always grateful for opportunities to connect with local leaders and share the stories of the young people, families, and whānau we support.