MokoBoys

What is MokoBoys

Toi Matarua’s ‘MokoBoys’ initiative is around connecting our rangatahi and kaumātua in a purposeful and practical way. The MokoBoys team is made up of local rangatahi (youth) who provide local kaumātua (elderly) with free household services including tasks such as lawn care, gardening, cleaning, technology assistance and engaging in meaningful kōrero (conversations).


MokoBoys Story

The initiative was created in response to research around COVID-19 and it’s negative mental health impacts on our rangatahi and kaumātua. Spaces where different generations usually came together, such as marae, were being used as testing stations etc. and this was only exacerbated by Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023. MokoBoys creates a space for intergenerational knowledge transfer and reciprocity.

All workers are trained, mentored and supervised by local experienced tradesmen and kaumātua.

More info: https://www.toimatarua.com/mokoboys


More info

Stories on MokoBoys and the massive impact their mahi is having on their community.

Meet the Rangatahi

  • Gracyn, MokoBoy

    Ngāti Kahungunu

    “This mahi has helped me to pay my sport fees and be more independent”

    Gracyn, 16yrs, is our MokoBoys Team Lead. He participates in K1 & Shamrock Boxing. His interests are boxing and helping out the kaumātua.

  • Aaliyah, MokoBoy

    Ngāruahine & Ngāti Kahungunu

    “This mahi is helping me to save up for an overseas leadership opportunity”

    Aaliyah, 14yrs, is our MokoBoys 2IC & Māku Organics Team Lead. She attends Tamatea High School. Her interest is kapahaka.

  • Hikurangi, MokoBoy

    Rongomaiwahine, Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou

    “This mahi has helped me pay my fees for a leadership trip to Australia”

    Hikurangi, 16yrs, attends Tamatea High School. His interets are cooking and he aspires to become a chef.

  • Cypris, MokoBoy

    Ngāpuhi

    “This mahi helps me to support myself & my whānau”

    Cypris, 16yrs, attends Napier Boys High School. His interests are mātauranga Māori and helping people.

  • Mamor, MokoBoy

    Ngāti Raukawa, Tainui

    “This mahi has halped me to buy my first car”

    Mamor, 16 years old, is a Cook Island singer from islands, Tongareva and Penryn. She aspires to be a Midwife after she finishes high school.

  • Trekahn, MokoBoy

    Ngāti Kahungunu

    “This mahi helped me get into the work force”

    Trekahn, 15yrs, is one of our rangatahi employees that dreams of travelling the world.

  • Te Kaea (Jarli), MokoBoy

    Rongomaiwahine, Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou

    "This mahi gives me something fun to do in the weekends with good role models"

    Jarli, 12 yrs, attends Tamatea Intermediate School. He is interning, the next generation learning the ropes of Māku Organics. He enjoys spending time with whānau and gaming.

  • Sina, MokoBoy

    Ngāti Raukawa, Tainui

    “This mahi gives me something to do in the holidays & an opportunity to make some money before I go back to boarding school”

    Sina, 15yrs, is a casual MokoBoys worker. She is from Cook Island’s Tongareva and Penryn. She goes to Hukarere Girl’s College and enjoys playing sports.

  • Elaijahr, MokoBoy

    Ngāti Porou & Ngāti Kahungunu

    “Working for MokoBoys is helping me to save for my Muay Thai comp in Thailand”

    Elaijahr, 14yrs, is an up-and-coming sportsman. His interests are Muay Thai/Kick Boxing.

  • Te Mana Wairua (Neon), MokoBoy Intern

    Rongomaiwahine, Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou

    "This mahi has helped me to learn about what it will be like having a job"

    Neon, 14 yrs, attends Mangateretere School. He is interning, the next generation learning the ropes of MokoBoys. He enjoys sports and gaming.

  • Tamia, Pakaru Pānui

    Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Te Arawa

    Tamia, 17 years old, is a dancer from Nuhaka. She is interested in all types of Perfomring Arts. She is currently training as our Pakaru Pānui Team Lead specialising in social media management and podcasting.

  • Preston, Pakaru Pānui

    Ngāti Kahungunu

    “This mahi has helped me to support myself & my whānau”

    Preston, 15 years old, is a kickboxer from Maraenui, Napier. His interests include performing arts and kickboxing. He is currently training to become one of our interviewers.

  • Te Koha, Pakaru Pānui

    Ngāti Kahungunu

    Te Koha, 15yrs, attends Taradale High. She is one of our Pakaru Pānui members specialising in trends & interviewing.

  • Vellyn, Pakaru Pānui

    Ngāti Kahungunu

    Vellyn, 15yrs, attends Flaxmere College. He is a boxer at Shamrock Boxing and training to become one of our social media analysts and a familiar face in front of the camera.