23 Sept 2025
Friends, Whānau, Flirting is RespectEd Aotearoa’s consent and healthy relationships programme for intellectually disabled rangatahi. Co-designed with the disability community, it builds skills in communication, consent, and recognising healthy behaviours.
What is Friends, Whānau, Flirting?
Friends, Whānau, Flirting (FWF) is a healthy relationships and consent programme designed to support intellectually disabled rangatahi with developing skills, confidence and knowledge. Interwoven through these topics is kōrero about healthy and unhealthy behaviours in various types of relationships, and how to communicate and interpret consent. FWF aligns with best practice for consent education, the New Zealand Curriculum and education for people with disabilities. The programme runs across four, one hour sessions delivered by two RespectEd Aotearoa facilitators. Redeveloped in 2023, the programme was devised in collaboration with members of the disability community and underwent a pilot at local Wellington Highschool after consultation with ākonga and kaiako.
Why it matters?
Teaching consent and healthy relationship education to intellectually disabled rangatahi is vital as it supports their right to safe and respectful relationships. Historically, disabled people have been left out of conversations leading to increased victimisation, and lack of knowledge when navigating consent conversations. Clear accessible education helps to build confidence in recognising healthy and unhealthy behaviours, while also challenging harmful stereotypes that suggest disabled people cannot have romantic relationships. By guiding ākonga through skill builds, we promote self-advocacy and inclusion, ensuring all rangatahi can enjoy relationships rooted in respect and trust.
Our Impact?
As of September 2025, our programme has delivered trainings in nine schools, reaching more than 100 ākonga and approximately 14% of ORS funded students*across the greater Wellington region. A key feature of our delivery is the inclusion of school staff in workshops, ensuring that learning outcomes are reinforced after facilitators leave the classroom. In schools that have embraced this approach, we’ve seen lasting impact, when we return ākonga are actively referencing the language and tools from previous sessions, showing that the learning continues beyond the workshops themselves. Several ākonga have also reflected they value having a dedicated space to openly discuss relationships and consent. This combination of sustained involvement and building safe, youth centred spaces is what makes our delivery unique.
Testimonials
“The RespectEd team were highly relatable and knew exactly how to connect with our young people...”
“Students looked forward to the sessions each week. The topics around healthy relationships, consent and emotional regulation were delivered at our students’ level and their engagement was fostered through fun, interactive activities.”
“The Friends, Whānau and Flirting sessions gave our learners a safe space to talk, ask questions, and build confidence around friendships and relationships.”
“The RespectEd team took the time to understand our students and adapt the sessions to suit their needs.”
“Their respectful, inclusive approach helped our young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.”
*Data includes students from ages 5-21 (FWF ākonga are aged from 13-21, so percentage of programme coverage expected to be higher than 14%).