Luke Crawford

He aitua! Waipuke kau ana te puna roimata ki te uri o Ngati Te Maunu, Tongariro, me Hikurangi.

Haere atu rā ki te huinga kahurangi, 
ki te tītoko o te rangi, 
ki te ānewa o te rangi
Haere hei taonga mō te pō
Waihōtia mai ngā kupu akiaki, ngā wero, ngā hua hei taonga mō te ao

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Luke Crawford. Luke has supported Challenge 2000 as our kaumātua for over 25 years. Luke and Steph’s children, have been involved in various ways with the Challenge whānau as leaders and volunteers Our deepest condolences go out to Steph, Hutana, Abi and the extended Crawford whānau. We feel some of your loss and grief.

Luke will be remembered by us for his strong but gentle leadership and guidance. Challenge 2000, and the young people and whānau we serve, benefitted greatly from Luke’s compassionate and loving spirit. His generosity in sharing his guidance, knowledge, mātauranga Māori, life and encouraging us to strive to build an Aotearoa grounded in Te Tiriti has been extremely significant over a sustained period of time. He was there whenever we needed him. He was our go to, our compass, our encourager, our friend, our mentor. Luke helped lay the foundations of who we continue to become.

There are no words to adequately acknowledge the goodness of this man and the contribution he has made to the Wero Rua Mano whānau.

E Luke, hoki atu ki te Kaihanga
Ki te karanga a Hinenuitepō
Ki te pō nui 
Ki te pō roa
Ki te pō kāore he otinga
Ko te tatau o te pō i mua i a koe
Nō reira, haere, haere, haere.
E te rangatira, moe mai, okioki ai.

Challenge 2000 Internship | Gap Year Programme 2025

If you are interested in personal work and social work development, youth ministry and service, and developing your leadership attributes and skills, then we have a place for you!!

  • Grow personally and professionally
  • Attain a range of life skills
  • Get a wider experience of Aotearoa-New Zealand, its peoples and cultures
  • Gain a qualification in Youth Work

If you are under 20 years of age and want more life experience, an opportunity to serve and to be part of a positive active community, then contact us and apply for our Gap Year!

Applications for next year’s programme are now open!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY!

Click the link above, or contact us at info@challenge2000.org.nz for more information

Challenge 2000 Variety Concert!

Saturday, 25th May | Event MC’d by Li’i Alaimoana
Performers include:  Tofi O Tama Tane, DJ Harpz, Mitchell Cheu, Jamie Macaskill, Harlan Antonio, Aaron Moe, Taita College Poly Club and many more.

Come along and support Youth Week and Challenge 2000!

For more info see poster

ANZAC Day 2024

ANZAC Day is an important day in the life of Challenge 2000. Since we began in 1988 we have organised and attended events to acknowledge the ANZACS who have served since WWI and to commit to bring about a community, country and world of peace, hope and justice.

This year we have had a poetry competition from 5-12 year olds, an ANZAC Holiday programme and are offering two Remembrance events of April 25th.  At these events We will honour and remember those who served in war, conflict and peace and acknowledge the loss, trauma and sacrifices of all who left our shores and who stayed at home. We will also pray for peace today.

We will remember them: Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou

See details on the posters

Celebrate Waitangi Day With Us

On the 6th of February, 3pm @ St Francis of Assisi Parish, Johnsonville, Challenge 2000 is running our annual Waitangi Day Event!

Come and learn about the history of Waitangi Day through our guest speakers and workshops, enjoy some kai, and learn about our history together!

See you there!