When a group of young at-risk Maori boys and men first joined a Northland programme using creativity to build resilience, they were closed-off and some were suffering depression.
Now they have lowered their guard, learnt new skills, shown resilience and made new friends.
Mike Tupaea, who also co-ordinates a young dad programme for Te Ora Hou, said this youth mentoring project - called Manawa Ora, the Maori word for hope - was about using creativity to build resilience in young at-risk Maori males aged 12 to 26.
"When the boys do stuff they are passionate about, they're easy to engage. Most of the boys have been excluded from school for one reason or another so this programme is based around teaching them skills, and by doing that, we are preparing them for the future," he said.
Bike building and recycling at Whare Bike, graffiti workshops and creative workshops learning about traditional Maori forms are some of the things the boys have been taking part in.
Johnny Seve from Ngati Hau Health and Social Services said he had noticed a change in the boys since they started the programme run by Ngati Hau Health and Social Services, Te Ora Hou, and Manaia PHO.
"Some kids here, a lot of them have been in the deepest, darkest depression. Here, they are surrounded by people who care. When they're here, they have a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging."
At The Pulse in Raumanga on Friday, the boys were hanging out after preparing an imu, the Hawaiian version of a hangi, to thank everyone who had helped them.
Mr Tupaea said the reason for the imu was to teach the boys about different Pacific cultures.
Tamati Wyllie, 14, Talan Renata, 14, and Dieago Tane, 17, said they have enjoyed the Manawa Ora programme and would continue to do it.
"It's been really cool hanging out with the boys, fixing bikes - that was easy for me because I've done it before," said Dieago.
"When we started here, we didn't know each other but now we're all bros," said Tamati.
Mr Tupaea said they were looking at starting tuakana-teina (older-younger) mentoring.
"It's to create a culture where they feel safe to speak," he said.