Maka Leadership ProgrammeOur term-time programme for rangatahi aged 14 to 17. Maka, meaning rock in Tongan, draws on the legend of the Ha‘amonga ‘a Maui, a stone trilithon that embodies strength, resilience, and unity. We combine the discipline of martial arts with the rich narratives of Polynesian culture to develop principled, connected young leaders. Delivered every term. Free to attend. All facilitated by volunteers.
BHC Trust is a free youth leadership and community programme based in West Auckland. For five years we have been showing up for rangatahi and their whanau: building belonging, growing leaders, and doing the mahi that matters in our own neighbourhood.
“Ua tuhituhi mai kae omai ke kau auloa”
Don't point the fingers at each other. Let's work together as one and get the job done.
We are not a fight gym. We are a Whare/Fale. Relationships come first.
About
Our story
Brotherhood Continues Trust started in 2021, when young people were emerging from COVID lockdowns disconnected, adrift, and looking for somewhere to belong. We were a group of mates from West Auckland who saw what was happening in our own neighbourhood and decided to do something about it.
We opened our doors. We offered our space. We showed up every week. And they kept coming back.
Five years on, 199 rangatahi have come through our programmes. 31 Maka Leadership programmes delivered. A Girls Leadership Programme launched. An award won. And three of our original rangatahi now helping to run the sessions themselves.
We are still the same crew, doing the same mahi, in the same neighbourhood. That is not a limitation. It is the whole point.
Where we are
We are based in Henderson, West Auckland. Our reach extends across Henderson, Te Atatu, Glen Eden, New Lynn, and surrounding suburbs. Most of our rangatahi come through schools in the area, but we never turn anyone away. If a parent reaches out, we find a way.
What drives us
We know that the young people who walk through our door often carry more than their years. Some have already learned that strength means not showing weakness. Some have been let down by services that don't look or feel like them. Some just need somewhere to land.
We are not a transactional programme. We are not a tick-box service. We are a Whare/Fale: a place grounded in culture, respect, and belonging. Our kaupapa is relational, identity-anchoring, and protective. Those are not buzzwords. They are what we do every week.
What we do
Holiday ProgrammesDuring the school holidays, we open up to girls and boys across West Auckland. Our holiday programmes are hands-on, culturally grounded, and built around connection. Past programmes have included Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, painting, sailing on the Hinemoana, food bank volunteering, visits to Arataki Visitors Centre, and a Matariki dawn ceremony. In 2025 we launched our first Girls Leadership Programme, featuring world champion boxer Mea Motu as a guest speaker.
Community NavigationSometimes a family comes through our door carrying more than a young person looking for a programme. We walk alongside them. We connect them to the right services. We do the community worker role because they trust us, and because we are here. We are formalising this as a dedicated mentoring and navigation service, with clear referral pathways, proper policies, and the care it deserves. If your whanau needs support right now, reach out.
who we are
BHC Trust is run entirely by volunteers: a group of mates from West Auckland who believe in showing up for their community. Every dollar that comes in goes directly to the programmes and the young people.
Barney Wikitera
Barney, our Chairman, is deeply committed to social justice and tirelessly advocates for young people and the community. He cherishes quality time with his family and loves watching rugby league together.
Mike Tsang
A compassionate youth worker, our Treasurer Mike is driven by his heart to connect with our ethnic communities and walks alongside young people from diverse backgrounds. In his spare time he loves any sport involving an oval ball.
Dylan Atutolu
A proud Niue father of four and a dedicated business owner, Dylan is fuelled by his passion to see young people flourish. He believes deeply in the importance of fathers being present in their children's lives.
Leo Aholelei
Leo has a deep passion for young people and pours his heart into engaging them in meaningful ways. As a dedicated youth worker, he understands that connection is everything. In his spare time he loves coaching sport.
Phil Tuafoe
Phil is the heart of the team when it comes to music: creating and producing tunes, and using music as a way for young people to express themselves. He is also a committed fan of the Warriors, the NSW Blues, and the Auckland Blues.
Jack Samuela (Lio)
The youngest member of the team, Jack delights in being behind the camera, capturing and telling the stories of young people. His love of travel and new horizons makes him a natural storyteller.
our impact
“Maka Leadership is relational, not transactional. Identity-anchoring, not just activity-based. Protective, not reactive. Community-led and culturally grounded. Sustained over five years.”
- BHC Trust 5-Year Review, 2025
Award winning
Community-Based Programme of the Year, ACE Aotearoa Annual Awards 2024 (Tangata Tiriti category)
199
Rangatahi engaged through Maka Leadership
31
Programmes delivered
100%
of whānau surveyed said Maka Leadership is important or very important to their community's wellbeing
94%
said the programme is safe and culturally appropriate
“I have seen more joy in him. He genuinely looks forward to going every week. He talks about his ‘big bros’ with so much respect. There’s a lightness in him that wasn’t there before, and that means everything to me.”
- Solo mum, Maka whānau
“It gives them confidence, pride, and comradery with their whanau and peers.”
- Whānau feedback, 2026 survey
“Our grandsons have great respect for Maka. We live in Australia and we watch your stories; we can see how you have made a safe space for our mokos and the other boys. Nga mihi.”
- Koro and Nan, watching from Australia
“The whole kaupapa of this programme is what led me to bring my boys in. Men these days don’t speak up because it’s seen as weakness. I’m glad my boys got to attend; they really enjoyed themselves every time. They were able to let their hair down and have fun.”
- Whānau member
CONTACT:
Address: Unit 9, 3 Brick St, Henderson, 0610
Email: brotherhoodcontinues@gmail.com
Phone: 0204834820
We are a registered charity in Aotearoa New Zealand: CC58816
DONATE TODAY:
Every dollar goes directly to our programmes and the rangatahi we serve. We'd love you to join our group of regular $5 a week givers if you can by setting up a recurring bank transfer in your banking app:
Bank account: BHC TRUST at ANZ Bank 01-0495-0404946-00
SOCIALS:
Instagram: @makaleadership
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makaleadership/