Who We Are

The Wellington Boys’ and Girls’ Institute (BGI) is a youth development organisation, established in 1883. Way back then, we were known for setting up an essential community bathing facility, where young people and their families could wash. 

Since, we’ve evolved alongside the needs of Wellington’s youth – running programmes and projects which support, inspire, and challenge our rangatahi (young people) to wholeheartedly embrace who they are. 

Arohanui ki ngā rangatahi – great love for all young people – is the name of our poutokomanawa. It’s the post which literally holds up the heart of BGI’s Troup House and the ethos that drives the work we do. 

Our approach to youth development is grounded in the Māori health model, Te Whare Tapa Whā, which highlights the importance of balancing physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. 

To us, youth development is about letting rangatahi lead. It’s about having fun! And it’s about facilitating meaningful, lasting connections between young people and their communities. 

Fundamentally, we’re dedicated to growing the changemakers who’ll not only shape the future of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), but also Aotearoa (New Zealand). That means working to be the best collaborators, kaitiaki (guardians/protectors), mentors, and tangata tiriti (treaty partners) we can be. 

As our founders and the generations who’ve followed have demonstrated, we’re here for the long run.