The forum allows local community organisations, such as schools in the district, to voice the social impacts they experience. There were about fifty attendees present.

The following are key insights that were shared at the forum:

• 50% of students don't attend school due to illness, trauma, and poverty. Schools are taking on massive challenges to support Rangatahi.
• The Ministry of Education prioritises increasing student attendance and improving long-term pathways into employment and tertiary.
• Hauraki Plains College has zero year 13 Māori students studying science.
• Local food banks are struggling to keep up with demand after food insecurity has doubled over the past year.
• Whānau living in emergency care (motels) in Waihī struggle to find sustainable housing.
• There are staff shortages in volunteering, health, education, and social work.
• Older populations in our community are suffering from a degree of separation from whānau.