Building a Stronger Māngere Together
The TWOSEVENFIVE. Foundation: Creating Opportunities for Growth
About the Foundation
The TWOSEVENFIVE. Foundation is a South Auckland-based organization dedicated to uplifting the community through diverse initiatives focused on education, personal development, and well-being.
From sports programs that teach teamwork and discipline to workshops on leadership, mens mental health, and cultural pride, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities for growth and connection.
Our work spans various areas, including youth mentorship, community events, and partnerships with local groups to address the unique challenges faced by our people.
Through these efforts, we strive to create lasting change and inspire a brighter future for all.
The Motivation Behind What We Do
For us, it’s simple, we’re driven by our love for Māngere and South Auckland. This is the place that shaped us, taught us resilience, and showed us the power of community. We’ve always believed in the incredible potential of the people here, especially our young ones, and we’re motivated by a desire to see them succeed and thrive.
Through the twosevenfive Foundation, we aim to break down barriers, provide opportunities, and create spaces where people can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether it’s through basketball programs, community events, or personal development workshops, everything we do is about giving back to the community that gave so much to us.
Our motivation comes from a deep belief that every individual in Māngere has something special to offer, and we’re here to help them discover and share it with the world.
The Story Behind Our Logo
This logo embodies the spirit of togetherness and what our community symbolizes. The strength of unity and the principle of equality. When individuals work together towards a shared objective, they exemplify the power of collective support and collaboration, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.
The motifs are references from depictions of a bird in native art across the pacific for centuries. The design of the bird represents the people that make up our community with the wings as hands, side by side standing together empowering those from their left and right.
Hand in hand asserting resilience of our people within our community. Whilst creating a flower, this logo shows the beauty of a stronger community when all come together as one.
Our Journey: The History of the TWOSEVENFIVE. Foundation
From humble beginnings in a South Auckland barbershop to a thriving community-focused initiative, the twosevenfive Foundation has grown into a movement dedicated to creating opportunities and meaningful change in Māngere and beyond. Our story is rooted in connection, resilience, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
March 2019
The Beginning
The TWOSEVENFIVE. Foundation began as a vision shared by Fitz and Lilz, two proud Māngere locals with a deep passion for uplifting their community.
It all started with the twosevenfive Barbershop, established in March 2019, a space they built to celebrate South Auckland culture, using the barbershop as a foundation to be able to connect with people from all walks of life.
Over the Years
Building the Vision
Through their work at the barbershop, Fitz and Lilz saw first-hand the potential in their community.
They recognised the need for greater opportunities for young people, better access to personal development programs, and a platform to showcase the strengths of Māngere.
Inspired by these conversations and connections over the years, the twosevenfive Foundation was born in 2024—a movement dedicated to creating meaningful change across South Auckland.
2024
A Movement for Change
From organising youth programs to hosting community events and workshops, the Foundation was established into a multifaceted initiative, empowering individuals and strengthening the bonds within Māngere.
Fitz and Lilz’s commitment to bringing out the best in South Auckland remains at the heart of every project, ensuring their Foundation stays true to its roots.
Key Team Members that Keep us Running
Empowering Māngere Through Four Key Pillars
Mental Health Awareness
At TWOSEVENFIVE. Foundation, we place great importance on mental wellbeing in Māngere. We provide accessible resources and organise community events to encourage open discussions about mental health. Our aim is to break down the stigma and ensure everyone feels supported and connected.
Youth Engagement
We are dedicated to empowering our youth through sports and educational programmes. By fostering leadership and personal growth, we help our young people develop the skills they need to succeed and contribute positively to our community's future.
Cultural Identity
Celebrating our Pacific Island heritage is central to everything we do. We embrace our cultural roots by incorporating traditional values and practices into our initiatives. This strengthens our collective identity and instils a deep sense of pride in who we are.
Community Connection
We unite the Māngere community by hosting events like the annual 275 Day. Picture an aerial shot of a lively carpark filled with white gazebos and a bustling stage showcasing local talent. These events celebrate our shared spirit and bring us closer together.
TWOSEVENFIVE. Foundation Community Programmes & Events
Partners & Funders
Join the Movement for Lasting Change
Your support helps us uplift our community through mental health resources, youth programmes, and events that celebrate our Pacific heritage. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
