New Report Finds Rānui 135 Generates $4.86 In Social Value For Every $1 Invested

A new Social Return on Investment (SROI) report has found that grassroots youth organisation Rānui 135 is delivering significant, long-term impact for taiohi in West Tāmaki Makaurau, generating $4.86 in social value for every $1 invested.

The independent analysis, conducted by Hands for Impact in partnership with Ara Taiohi, estimates a total social value of $13.56 million over five years (2025–2030).

Early engagement and long-term youth work delivering real outcomes

Founded in 2002, Rānui 135 has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a trusted hub for early engagement with taiohi aged 13–18. Grounded in Māori and Pasifika values, the organisation provides culturally-led, relationship-based support to its community.

The report identifies six key outcomes for taiohi:

Greater network of support
Improved mental wellbeing
Increased sense of belonging to a community
Stronger sense of self
Greater ability to advance in education, work, or training
Developed leadership skills

These outcomes show how Rānui 135’s mahi builds real social value: a $4.86 return on investment is only a fraction of the value Rānui 135 creates.

Relationships and community

Rānui is a young and diverse community, with significantly higher proportions of Māori and Pacific peoples than the national average. The report highlights that place-based, culturally grounded youth work is essential to meeting the needs of local taiohi.

At the core of Rānui 135’s impact are youth workers, often from the same communities. They create safe, whānau-like environments where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

As one former participant puts it:
“Knowing they are still here and showing up for the community truly is a testament to how much they are needed.”

Investing in long-term outputs and local leadership

The findings point to a broader challenge: funding systems that prioritise crisis response over positive change. Rānui 135 demonstrates that long-term investment in community, culture, and relationships delivers measurable, lasting change.

A defining strength of the organisation is its ability to develop taiohi into leaders from within. Many go on to become mentors, youth workers, and community leaders, creating a cycle of contribution that strengthens the wider community.

Co-founder Zee notes:
“We need to invest in our local leaders… if your organisation is set up with a strong foundation… they invest back into the community.”

Measuring what matters

SROI is an internationally recognised methodology that assigns financial value to social outcomes, helping funders and decision-makers to understand the real impact of youth work.

This analysis drew on Treasury CBAx data, comparable programme costs, and extensive engagement with taiohi, staff, and community stakeholders. Conservative assumptions and independent assurance ensure the findings are robust and credible. This SROI report has been internationally assured, so the Rānui 135 report is a significant achievement. It has been delivered only a few months after a Hands For Impact / Ara Taiohi SROI report on Tararua Community Youth Services also found investment creates significant social value.

A case for long-term investment

Organisations like Rānui 135 are critical community infrastructure. When supported with sustained funding, they not only transform individual lives but also build stronger, more connected communities for generations.

The full SROI report is available here: https://www.handsforimpact.com/sroi-reports

Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. They are a national membership based organisation connected to over 4,000 organisations and individuals representing a diverse range of groups and practitioners that work with young people:https://arataiohi.org.nz/

Hands For Impact is a social impact organisation that works with charities to maximise their social impact through the provision of both evaluative and forecasting SROI analysis. They are on a mission to improve access to social impact measurement for non-profit organisations in Aotearoa by offering a cost-effective, collaborative and sector-wide approach: https://www.handsforimpact.com/

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