What we do.
What we do.
What we do.
What we do.
Real Talk. Real Tools.
Real Support.
We exist to create a space and an opening for rangatahi to learn and speak openly about mental health.
We are so passionate about this kaupapa and we'd love for you to get to know us.
Who we are.
Luke Gray
Founder
Kia Ora koutou katoa 👋🏽
Kō Putauaki te maunga, Kō Ōhinemataroa te awa, Kō Mataatua te waka, Kō Ngāti Pūkeko te iwi, Kō Luke Gray tōku ingoa.
Kia Ora whanau! My name is Luke and I am the Founder of Wāhi and the PETRA Programme. I have an amazing wife and am a proud dad!
I am SUPER passionate about ensuring that our next generation are equipped for the challenges that may arise in their lives. This passion comes from a place of personal experience of seeing loved ones and young people facing hard times and feeling like they have no options or no support.
Through the PETRA Programme we have been able to help hundreds of rangatahi throughout the EBOP develop tools and get help from the right places!
Super excited to see this kaupapa reach more people and see people’s lives impacted for the better 🙌🏽
Paige Gray
Trustee
Ko ngongotaha te maunga, ko awahou te awahou te awa, ko te awara te waka, ko ngati rangiwewehi te iwi, ko Paige toku ingoa.
I’m Paige, I grew up in Auckland and now live in Whakatāne with my amazing husband and son.
I have a bachelor of health science, occupational therapy and a postgraduate diploma in mental health and addictions. I’m super excited to be on the board of WAHI and see lots of rangatahi be equipped with the tools to help with their mental wellbeing!
Can’t wait to bring you guys on the journey with us!
Erin Janzen
Trustee
Kia ora e te whānau, I’m Erin. 👋🏽
Ko Ngāti Pūkenga rāua ko Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāi Tahu ōku iwi.
I was born and raised in Kawerau, where I now live with my husband Tyler and our toddler Ava.
As a youth pastor, I’m deeply passionate about helping young people realize their potential and step into who they were created to be. Despite stigmas still surrounding mental health, I’m eager to encourage more open conversations especially among our young people.
I’m stoked to be part of Wāhi, and can’t wait to see the mahi continue in our communities.
Caleb Foster
Trustee
I am both a dedicated youth worker and a proud father of two. My passion lies in empowering young people to reach their full potential.
With extensive experience in supporting and guiding youth, I focus on providing mentorship, encouragement, and practical tools to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. I am committed to creating positive, nurturing environments where young individuals can thrive and develop their skills, confidence, and aspirations.
My personal experiences as a father enrich my understanding and empathy, allowing me to connect with and motivate young people in meaningful ways.
Katie Lawrence
Rangatahi Advisor
He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Porou.
My name is Katie Lawrence and I am a year 13 student at Whakatāne High School. I am the oldest of 4 girls and come from a loving and hard working whanau. I am passionate about leadership and making a positive difference for my peers. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and watching movies. I am looking forward to being apart of Wāhi and making a positive change for our community and other rangatahi
Who we are.
Luke Gray
Founder
Kia Ora koutou katoa 👋🏽
Kō Putauaki te maunga, Kō Ōhinemataroa te awa, Kō Mataatua te waka, Kō Ngāti Pūkeko te iwi, Kō Luke Gray tōku ingoa.
Kia Ora whanau! My name is Luke and I am the Founder of Wāhi and the PETRA Programme. I have an amazing wife and am a proud dad!
I am SUPER passionate about ensuring that our next generation are equipped for the challenges that may arise in their lives. This passion comes from a place of personal experience of seeing loved ones and young people facing hard times and feeling like they have no options or no support.
Through the PETRA Programme we have been able to help hundreds of rangatahi throughout the EBOP develop tools and get help from the right places!
Super excited to see this kaupapa reach more people and see people’s lives impacted for the better 🙌🏽
Paige Gray
Trustee
Ko ngongotaha te maunga, ko awahou te awahou te awa, ko te awara te waka, ko ngati rangiwewehi te iwi, ko Paige toku ingoa.
I’m Paige, I grew up in Auckland and now live in Whakatāne with my amazing husband and son.
I have a bachelor of health science, occupational therapy and a postgraduate diploma in mental health and addictions. I’m super excited to be on the board of WAHI and see lots of rangatahi be equipped with the tools to help with their mental wellbeing!
Can’t wait to bring you guys on the journey with us!
Erin Janzen
Trustee
Kia ora e te whānau, I’m Erin. 👋🏽
Ko Ngāti Pūkenga rāua ko Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāi Tahu ōku iwi.
I was born and raised in Kawerau, where I now live with my husband Tyler and our toddler Ava.
As a youth pastor, I’m deeply passionate about helping young people realize their potential and step into who they were created to be. Despite stigmas still surrounding mental health, I’m eager to encourage more open conversations especially among our young people.
I’m stoked to be part of Wāhi, and can’t wait to see the mahi continue in our communities.
Caleb Foster
Trustee
I am both a dedicated youth worker and a proud father of two. My passion lies in empowering young people to reach their full potential.
With extensive experience in supporting and guiding youth, I focus on providing mentorship, encouragement, and practical tools to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. I am committed to creating positive, nurturing environments where young individuals can thrive and develop their skills, confidence, and aspirations.
My personal experiences as a father enrich my understanding and empathy, allowing me to connect with and motivate young people in meaningful ways.
Katie Lawrence
Rangatahi Advisor
He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Porou.
My name is Katie Lawrence and I am a year 13 student at Whakatāne High School. I am the oldest of 4 girls and come from a loving and hard working whanau. I am passionate about leadership and making a positive difference for my peers. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and watching movies. I am looking forward to being apart of Wāhi and making a positive change for our community and other rangatahi 🙌🏽
Who we are.
Luke Gray
Founder
Kia Ora koutou katoa 👋🏽
Kō Putauaki te maunga, Kō Ōhinemataroa te awa, Kō Mataatua te waka, Kō Ngāti Pūkeko te iwi, Kō Luke Gray tōku ingoa.
Kia Ora whanau! My name is Luke and I am the Founder of Wāhi and the PETRA Programme. I have an amazing wife and am a proud dad!
I am SUPER passionate about ensuring that our next generation are equipped for the challenges that may arise in their lives. This passion comes from a place of personal experience of seeing loved ones and young people facing hard times and feeling like they have no options or no support.
Through the PETRA Programme we have been able to help hundreds of rangatahi throughout the EBOP develop tools and get help from the right places!
Super excited to see this kaupapa reach more people and see people’s lives impacted for the better 🙌🏽
Paige Gray
Trustee
Ko ngongotaha te maunga, ko awahou te awahou te awa, ko te awara te waka, ko ngati rangiwewehi te iwi, ko Paige toku ingoa.
I’m Paige, I grew up in Auckland and now live in Whakatāne with my amazing husband and son.
I have a bachelor of health science, occupational therapy and a postgraduate diploma in mental health and addictions. I’m super excited to be on the board of WAHI and see lots of rangatahi be equipped with the tools to help with their mental wellbeing!
Can’t wait to bring you guys on the journey with us!
Erin Janzen
Trustee
Kia ora e te whānau, I’m Erin. 👋🏽
Ko Ngāti Pūkenga rāua ko Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāi Tahu ōku iwi.
I was born and raised in Kawerau, where I now live with my husband Tyler and our toddler Ava.
As a youth pastor, I’m deeply passionate about helping young people realize their potential and step into who they were created to be. Despite stigmas still surrounding mental health, I’m eager to encourage more open conversations especially among our young people.
I’m stoked to be part of Wāhi, and can’t wait to see the mahi continue in our communities.
Caleb Foster
Trustee
I am both a dedicated youth worker and a proud father of two. My passion lies in empowering young people to reach their full potential.
With extensive experience in supporting and guiding youth, I focus on providing mentorship, encouragement, and practical tools to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. I am committed to creating positive, nurturing environments where young individuals can thrive and develop their skills, confidence, and aspirations.
My personal experiences as a father enrich my understanding and empathy, allowing me to connect with and motivate young people in meaningful ways.
Katie Lawrence
Rangatahi Advisor
He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Porou.
My name is Katie Lawrence and I am a year 13 student at Whakatāne High School. I am the oldest of 4 girls and come from a loving and hard working whanau. I am passionate about leadership and making a positive difference for my peers. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and watching movies. I am looking forward to being apart of Wāhi and making a positive change for our community and other rangatahi 🙌🏽
Who we are.
Luke Gray
Founder
Kia Ora koutou katoa 👋🏽
Kō Putauaki te maunga, Kō Ōhinemataroa te awa, Kō Mataatua te waka, Kō Ngāti Pūkeko te iwi, Kō Luke Gray tōku ingoa.
Kia Ora whanau! My name is Luke and I am the Founder of Wāhi and the PETRA Programme. I have an amazing wife and am a proud dad!
I am SUPER passionate about ensuring that our next generation are equipped for the challenges that may arise in their lives. This passion comes from a place of personal experience of seeing loved ones and young people facing hard times and feeling like they have no options or no support.
Through the PETRA Programme we have been able to help hundreds of rangatahi throughout the EBOP develop tools and get help from the right places!
Super excited to see this kaupapa reach more people and see people’s lives impacted for the better 🙌🏽
Paige Gray
Trustee
Ko ngongotaha te maunga, ko awahou te awahou te awa, ko te awara te waka, ko ngati rangiwewehi te iwi, ko Paige toku ingoa.
I’m Paige, I grew up in Auckland and now live in Whakatāne with my amazing husband and son.
I have a bachelor of health science, occupational therapy and a postgraduate diploma in mental health and addictions. I’m super excited to be on the board of WAHI and see lots of rangatahi be equipped with the tools to help with their mental wellbeing!
Can’t wait to bring you guys on the journey with us!
Erin Janzen
Trustee
Kia ora e te whānau, I’m Erin. 👋🏽
Ko Ngāti Pūkenga rāua ko Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāi Tahu ōku iwi.
I was born and raised in Kawerau, where I now live with my husband Tyler and our toddler Ava.
As a youth pastor, I’m deeply passionate about helping young people realize their potential and step into who they were created to be. Despite stigmas still surrounding mental health, I’m eager to encourage more open conversations especially among our young people.
I’m stoked to be part of Wāhi, and can’t wait to see the mahi continue in our communities.
Caleb Foster
Trustee
I am both a dedicated youth worker and a proud father of two. My passion lies in empowering young people to reach their full potential.
With extensive experience in supporting and guiding youth, I focus on providing mentorship, encouragement, and practical tools to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. I am committed to creating positive, nurturing environments where young individuals can thrive and develop their skills, confidence, and aspirations.
My personal experiences as a father enrich my understanding and empathy, allowing me to connect with and motivate young people in meaningful ways.
Katie Lawrence
Rangatahi Advisor
He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Porou.
My name is Katie Lawrence and I am a year 13 student at Whakatāne High School. I am the oldest of 4 girls and come from a loving and hard working whanau. I am passionate about leadership and making a positive difference for my peers. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and watching movies. I am looking forward to being apart of Wāhi and making a positive change for our community and other rangatahi 🙌🏽
Our Mission
The mission of Wāhi is to service the community of the Eastern Bay of Plenty through practical, activities-based lessons that are targeted toward improving the overwhelming statistics of mental health issues and suicide within Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is in hopes that it will equip rangatahi on a widespread basis with the skills and ability to face the challenges of life in a safe and healthy manner.
These skills include being able to recognise emotions within themselves and others, regulating emotions and building on their identity as rangatahi within an Aotearoa New Zealand context.
The mission of Wāhi is to service the community of the Eastern Bay of Plenty through practical, activities-based lessons that are targeted toward improving the overwhelming statistics of mental health issues and suicide within Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is in hopes that it will equip rangatahi on a widespread basis with the skills and ability to face the challenges of life in a safe and healthy manner.
These skills include being able to recognise emotions within themselves and others, regulating emotions and building on their identity as rangatahi within an Aotearoa New Zealand context.
Wāhi was founded in 2023
The growing need in our community and country for mental health and well-being education and support is what drove us to take action.
Wāhi’s mission is to provide a preventative approach to well-being and youth mental health.
We do this by providing practical and activities-based programmes to schools, alternative education and youth groups throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
These programmes aim to uplift, encourage and equip the youth of Aotearoa with skills and practical tools they can use to overcome emotional challenges that may arise.
The growing need in our community and country for mental health and well-being education and support is what drove us to take action.
Wāhi’s mission is to provide a preventative approach to well-being and youth mental health.
We do this by providing practical and activities-based programmes to schools, alternative education and youth groups throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
These programmes aim to uplift, encourage and equip the youth of Aotearoa with skills and practical tools they can use to overcome emotional challenges that may arise.
Our Vision
The vision of Wāhi is to equip every rangatahi with the skills they need in order to overcome mental health challenges.
Our goal for the next 10 years is to have our programmes being run in various contexts throughout New Zealand so that each individual who has completed the PETRA Programme is equipped to face and overcome the challenges of mental health.As levels of awareness around youth mental health are raised, we will in turn see a trend of improved resilience and decreased suicide rates within rangatahi across Aotearoa.
The vision of Wāhi is to equip every rangatahi with the skills they need in order to overcome mental health challenges.
Our goal for the next 10 years is to have our programmes being run in various contexts throughout New Zealand so that each individual who has completed the PETRA Programme is equipped to face and overcome the challenges of mental health.As levels of awareness around youth mental health are raised, we will in turn see a trend of improved resilience and decreased suicide rates within rangatahi across Aotearoa.
Our Preventative Approach
At Wāhi, we take a preventative approach to mental well-being. The preventative model that Wāhi is built on aims to be an alternative to current solutions which are based on an ”ambulance at the bottom of the maunga” model.
Some services act by setting up fences at the top that safe guard rangatahi from falling off the maunga. Wāhi aims to interact with whānau at the entrance of the maunga before, or during the journey of their rangatahi, equipping youth with the skills and tools they need to navigate their journey.
Each service in our community has a different part to play in enabling and supporting hauora within our communities and when each of our services are doing our mahi well, we will see great improvements of youth mental health in our community.
At Wāhi, we take a preventative approach to mental well-being. The preventative model that Wāhi is built on aims to be an alternative to current solutions which are based on an ”ambulance at the bottom of the maunga” model.
Some services act by setting up fences at the top that safe guard rangatahi from falling off the maunga. Wāhi aims to interact with whānau at the entrance of the maunga before, or during the journey of their rangatahi, equipping youth with the skills and tools they need to navigate their journey.
Each service in our community has a different part to play in enabling and supporting hauora within our communities and when each of our services are doing our mahi well, we will see great improvements of youth mental health in our community.
Get in Touch.
Your Story Isn’t Over.
It’s Just Beginning.
Your Story Isn’t Over.
It’s Just Beginning.