Listen to Maverick's story on RNZ
Mav’s Story: From Edge to Anchor
At 12, Mav was on the brink.
Expelled. Sleeping rough.
Targeted by gang recruiters.
Another kid the system had written off.
Then he joined Natural Leaders.
Not a program. A circuit breaker.
We gave him flint and firewood, not worksheets.
Knife skills instead of lectures.
A place in the circle instead of a label.
He learned to regulate before he erupted.
To lead, not lash out.
To trust his body—and be trusted.
10 Months after joining Natural Leaders, Mav is:
-
Wellington Young Volunteer of the Year
-
Launching a bushcraft YouTube channel
-
Earning more than his mum running his own only used car marketing business.
-
Mentoring others walking the same line he once did
One Life. Rerouted.
-
Cost to support Mav plus 23 other students: $70,000
-
Estimated system cost avoided just from Mav: $1.08 million
-
ROI: 1,553%
(And that’s just the financials. The emotional ROI? Immeasurable.)
Back the Next Mav
We have a waitlist full of kids like him.
Smart. Sensitive. Misread. At risk.
Kids who don’t need fixing—they need a forest, a fire, and someone to believe in them.
You can be the reason a life turns.
You can be the interruption that becomes a future.
Become a cornerstone partner today.
What One Life Turned Around Really Saves
When we supported just one high-risk youth—previously headed for gang involvement, repeated offending, and incarceration—we didn’t just change a life.
We saved the country over $1 million in projected public costs from our impact on just one of the 20 students involved in the program.
His situation was the most dramatic so we have costed out the outcome but each student has their own story of impact.
Full Cost Breakdown: Ages 12–21
| Category | Estimated Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Court Processes | $150,000 | 24 court appearances (4 per year for 6 years), including legal aid, admin, and youth justice coordination. |
| Police Investigations | $100,000 | Arrests, interviews, incident responses, and casework over 9 years. |
| Incarceration | $450,000 | 3 years total in detention/prison at approx. $150,000/year. |
| Rehabilitation Programs | $125,000 | Mandated drug/alcohol treatment, probation, anger management, etc. |
| Legal Aid & Prosecution | $80,000 | Crown prosecution and repeat access to public legal services. |
| School & Social Work Interventions | $82,608 | Adjusted cost of Alternative Education (+$22K) + years of social work, counselling, and emergency welfare. |
| Victim & Community Compensation | $100,000 | ACC payouts, property damage, trauma recovery, and broader social impact. |
Total Cost Avoided: $1,087,608 NZD
What We Invested
-
Cost of pilot program (2 terms): $70,000
ROI: 1,553%
That’s $15.53 saved for every $1 spent.
Or put another way:
Every dollar invested in healing today prevents thousands in crisis later.
Why It Matters
This isn't just about numbers—
It's about what happens when we stop reacting and start investing upstream instead of dealing with the expense of fall out.
A life in the gangs always worried about going to prison or a life where you are actively creating the life you love. To us it is a no brainer...but to a kid who was being groomed as he was...not so obvious.
One creative, trauma-informed program changed a young person’s path from crime to contribution. There were 20 other kids in the program who benefited as well.
From harm to hope. From being a “problem” to becoming part of the solution.
Imagine what we could do when we are able to train others to deliver our style of program in their schools? A system built on prevention instead of punishment.
Why we need Cornerstone Partners Now
-
We’re outgrowing short-term, unstable funding cycles.
-
Youth need continuity—so do our mentors.
-
Cornerstone support frees us from survival mode and allows us to scale what’s working.
-
You’re not funding charity. You’re investing in a promising upstream solution.
Become a Cornerstone Partner: Invest in Transformation
Join us in reshaping futures. By becoming a cornerstone partner, your business stands at the forefront of social innovation, directly contributing to the empowerment of at-risk youth through our ecotherapy programs.
Exclusive Benefits for Cornerstone Partners
-
Brand Visibility: Prominent placement of your logo and brand story across our platforms, events, and promotional materials.
-
Community Engagement: Opportunities for your team to participate in community events, fostering a culture of social responsibility.
-
Impact Reports: Regular updates showcasing the tangible difference your support makes, perfect for CSR reporting.Wikipedia+4Double the Donation+4Craigs Investment Partners+4
-
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded businesses and community leaders committed to positive change.
Your Investment, Amplified
Every dollar you invest doesn't just support a program—it catalyzes a ripple effect of transformation, reducing long-term societal costs and building stronger communities.
WHAT YOU GET
-
Real-world impact: Measurable change in school re-engagement, youth leadership, and community cohesion.
-
Visibility & storytelling: Your brand aligned with transformation, hope, and future-building.
-
Connection: Site visits, reporting, co-created storytelling, and a seat at the table as we shape what youth work can be in Aotearoa.
OUR BELIEF
Every young person is a gift to the planet. Our job is to help them unravel anything that is blocking their gifts.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Take the next step:
-
Schedule a Meeting: Let's discuss how your partnership can align with your business values and community goals.
-
Request a Proposal: Receive a detailed overview of partnership opportunities and benefits.
-
Contact Us: Reach out directly to Mandi Lynn our founder/director at thetrust@everybodyisatreasure.org or call 0211412646
Together, we can cultivate change and harvest hope.