Te Arawa Whanau Ora Pānui for July/ August

Te Arawa Whānau Ora CEO, Lorraine Hetaraka, and project manager Hinemoa Wetere, visited Kaingaroa last week where the entire village is undergoing a transformation.

We thank all our staff, volunteers and funders for helping to support our whānau during this time.

Department of Conservation volunteers are amongst some of the volunteers who help pack for the Waiariki region

A second shipment of products to be made into hygiene packs for high-needs whānau arrived this week and is currently being packed and distributed.

Fourteen armed police were used by Oranga Tamariki to uplift a five-month-old Māori baby from a mum, a new report has revealed.

Te Arawa Whānau Ora CEO and pioneer, Mala Grant, has stood down from the role she’s determinably shaped over the past 10 years. However, she leaves behind a legacy of providing whānau with self-efficiency and dreams of a united Te Arawa health system.

Dame Tariana, Dame Naida Glavish, Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, Lady Tureiti Moxon and Whānau Ora commissioning chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait have filed a Waitangi Tribunal claim under urgency.

Our Healthy Families Rotorua team member Jade takes the maramataka to China

Community respiratory nurse specialist, Noelene Rapana, is flying to Spain this week (24th September 2019) to represent Korowai Aroha Health Centre and Te Arawa Whānau Ora at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress in Madrid.

Awhi Rotorua (comprising of Te Arawa Whānau Ora, Healthy Families Rotorua & Kōwhai Health Associates were recently awarded the WorkWell Silver Standard Accreditation.

Our Te Arawa Whānau Ora paeārahi met this week for their quarterly forum to discuss a range of issues which directly affect our work with whānau. It’s also an opportunity to discuss practice issues and talk about workshops and networking within the community.

While whakapapa might get you in the running for a Te Arawa Award, it’s your contribution to iwi that’ll make you a true contender.

In 1983 a policy called Mātua Whangai was launched. Three years later the report Puao-te-ata-tū came out. Mātua Whangai was disestablished in 1992 - why? Puao-te-ata-tū has never been actioned - why not? Helen Leahy shares her opinion.

An historic hui about Oranga Tamariki on Saturday 13th July 2019 saw a huge turn out and demonstrates just how long Māori have been concerned about its uplift policy.

Whānau Ora is based on a philosophy that we could all practice and benefit from. It has recently received a positive government review - yet it's architect says that after ten years, it still hasn't reached it's potential. Please click the link below for the full article.

A new programme is providing a fun, safe and supportive environment for young and expectant mothers.

Congratulations to to the 19th cohort who recently graduated from Tāne Takitu Ake run by Korowai Aroha.

It was another successful year of waka ama with nearly 1800 students taking part in the Te Wananga o Aotearoa Waka Ama National Secondary School Championships.

This infographic explains the moon phase known as Huna, it’s influence on the environment and the relevance to a setting within Healthy Families Rotorua.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao are urging whānau to be prepared for what is predicted to be a hard- hitting influenza season.

The Minister for Whānau Ora says he’s keen for Whānau Ora to be seen as a service delivery model for the whole community, not just Māori and Pacific Island families.

On Wednesday 4 April 2018, Healthy Families Rotorua facilitated a co-design hui between Maternal Health Service Providers in Rotorua aimed at co-ordinating a collaborative approach to address the multiple needs of the sector in Rotorua.

Healthy Families Rotorua will hold a Maramataka wananga in Rotorua in May to bring together practitioners and champions of Maramataka. There will also be a follow up wananga at a later date.

Our Wai Warriors enjoyed a series of fun, team bonding activities at Lake Okareka during their first Kaitiakitanga Day (K-Day) on Sunday 25th  February.

Sharing culture and information from an indigenous perspective was part of a First Nation youth conference in Canada involving several Te Arawa Whānau Ora collective providers.

Korowai Aroha have had a great response to the online cervical cancer screening kaupapa.

New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research is calling for papers for a 2018 Special Issue entitled Mātauranga Māori shaping marine and freshwater futures.

Te Arawa women are being encouraged to ‘Smear Your Mea’ to raise awareness and encourage wahine to have a smear test.

This infographic explains the moon phase known as Tamateawhakapau, it’s influence on the environment and the relevance to a setting within Healthy Families Rotorua.

Learning history, whakapapa and working with others are just some of the benefits rangatahi experience on the Te Arawa Journey.

A simple planting of kumara tipu (seedling) at the Te Puea Orchard turned into an amazing opportunity for intergenerational knowledge sharing and a heartwarming example of a collaborative effort between community and local organisations.

Local kahukura (champions) who take a stand against family violence were celebrated at the E Tu Whanau & White Ribbon Community day.

Te Waiariki Purea Trust is offering a free, three-day holiday programme for rangatahi.  The Breakaway Water World 2018 event, will be held in January and opened to young people aged 11 to 17-years-old.

It’s about Hauora Māori, and it’s about whapakapa. Quitting smoking is the one change in your life that will have the biggest impact on your health, as well as that of your whānau.  Quitting smoking can be hard, but it’s not impossible.

Healthy Families Rotorua connected local Rotorua businesses and organisations with the Chip Group, who train operators with techniques and tips for cooking deep fried food particularly fried chips.

It was a celebration of iwi achievement at the annual Te Arawa Awards.  Organised by Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa, more than 300 people attended the gala event held at Te Puia.

Rangatahi will be reconnecting with their culture and having fun with a weekly Ki o Rahi module organised by Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa.

How is your organisation faring?  Applying the Treaty of Waitangi in your organisation is a journey.  Whether your voyage is well underway or you’re wondering how to start, this webinar will provide guidance.

A youth driven website encouraging the community and young people to ‘Rise Up’ has been launched.

Healthy Families Rotorua and Te Arawa Whānau Ora Collective Impact Team are collaborating on the 'Wai Warriors' initiative which focuses on co-designing activities with rangatahi (13 – 15 years).

Since it started 30 years ago, thousands of young people have been supported by Te Waiariki Purea Trust’s work

Co-design can rapidly empower people in your community to achieve their full potential, creating positive change by engaging them in the design of real projects.

Good4Work is an exciting new workplace wellbeing tool that’s great for your business and your people.

As part of their Youth Service contract through Ministry of Social Development, all clients are required to complete a budgeting course and those with children must also complete a parenting course. Until recently these were being delivered by contractors.

Nurses across the region are broadening their roles in clinical care – and Korowai Aroha Health Centre is a shining example of how this is helping patients.

Korowai Aroha GP Mike Tustin says the centre has worked hard to involve nurses in clinical roles that fit in with Rotorua Area Primary Health Services (RAPHS’) quality plan.

Community support is strong in helping Ka Pai Kai Rotorua successfully provide and deliver healthy and affordable lunches to Rotorua schools.

A free fruit tree pruning session was held for whānau following the success of the My Backyard Garden Project.

Nominations have flooded in for the Te Arawa Awards which recognises iwi success and achievement.

A group of youth from an alternative education centre in Rotorua are sharing their personal stories through art in the latest exhibition in the Rotorua Lakes Council Galleria.

A contingent of kaihoe, artists, carvers and performers representing Te Arawa have returned from an international indigenous festival and games.

Rangatahi will be gaining an insight into new and exciting careers with an education drive through Te Waiariki Purea Trust.

Empowering parents and developing positive family relationships is the aim of the Incredible Years parenting programme hosted by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao.

Rotorua students will soon have the opportunity to have healthy and affordable lunches delivered to school through the collaborative efforts of the social enterprise programme, Ka Pai Kai Rotorua.

Nominations for the Te Arawa Awards 2017 CLOSE on Friday the 28th of July, which means you have only a few days left to nominate for these awards.

Free course to help with career pathways

The offices of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao will be located next month.

Lifewise ki Te Arawa, Rotorua Community Mental Health and Addictions are seeking a dynamic person to join Lifewise's small team.

Public consultation on a draft suicide prevention strategy is currently underway. Consultation started on 12 April 2017 and is now open until Monday 26 June 2017.

The New Zealand U20 men’s netball team were triumphant in their recent trans-Tasman tournament to the delight of their biggest supporters - Te Arawa Whanau Ora Paeārahi.

Te Waiariki Purea Trust have launched a new initiative to support rangatahi to be employment ready.

Healthy Families Rotorua have been involved in gathering and distributing feijoa to the community through the generosity of Ngai Tahu Tourism.

Healthy Families Rotorua is running a survey to gauge community interest in learning about the Maori lunar calendar 'Te Maramataka' and associated activities such as planting, harvesting, fishing and hunting.

Enjoying each other’s company, being active and hearing from guest speakers are just some of the benefits koeke who are on the Maketu Health and Social Services Kaumātua Programme experience.

Te Waiariki Purea Trust hosted the biggest NZ secondary schools waka ama competition in the event’s history.

Healthy Families Rotorua have had a great response to their search for partners to trial the Ka Pai Kai programme which offers affordable, healthy school lunches in Rotorua.

Geyser Community Foundation applications are invited from any young person for whom a personal development opportunity (such as participating on the Spirit of Adventure or attending Outward Bound) would make a significance difference to their lives and help them reach their full potential.

The aims of the Geyser Community Foundation Excellence Awards are to acknowledge talented young people in the Rotorua and Taupo districts, and provide them with the opportunity to further their education, develop their potential and build leadership in our local communities.

A life changing ocean-based Youth Development programme is taking registrations for 2017. Combining teamwork, learning and fun Hawaiki Rising voyagers will discover learning by way of the ocean.

In late March Sharon Shea (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Hako) shared her expertise on Results Based Accountability™ a commonsense process that can help organisations to demonstrate how their vision, mission and strategic priorities are linked to people’s wellbeing.

In the course of my work as paeārahi for Te Arawa Whānau Ora, I often meet women who talk about the profound sadness they live with when losing their Mum to breast cancer.

Healthy Families Rotorua is looking for partners to trial offering affordable, healthy school lunches in Rotorua.

Community, Sports and Recreation Fund - Deadline extended

In late 2016 the Ministry of Youth Development approved a one-off grant of up to $50,000 to support involvement of youth in civil defence.

Over 130 students from 6 central Bay of Plenty high schools attended The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Enterprise Day (E-Day) today in Rotorua where students were introduced to the first stages of starting their own businesses.

These Awards recognise and celebrate young New Zealanders who have achieved outstanding results, as well as those who have made a significant contribution towards supporting young people in their communities.

The 2017 Māori Education Trust (MET) scholarship round is now open.

TAWO have appointed June Grant as Screening Paeārahi (facilitator) to continue supporting women through the screening pathways for breast and cervical screening services.

Now that I have your undivided attention, here is my story…

Two staff have recently been trained to offer Jadelle insertion and removal.  Hine Loughlin a Nurse Practitioner and Katrina Maaka our Registered Nurse who works with hapū mama and pepi both are at Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao.

As part of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao's NCEA Youth Education incentive programme they are able to give 11 rangatahi the opportunity to study and sit for their Learners License as part of their NCEA level 2 credits.

Meeting new people, learning about their ancestors and overcoming fears are just some of the reasons kids are enjoying a local programme.

Healthy Families Rotorua welcomed their new manager Mapihi Rahuruhi to their team in October.

Healthy Families Rotorua would like to congratulate Ngongotaha Early Learning Centre on winning the inaugural Health & Wellness category in the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards held on October 15.

This exciting opportunity is a collaborative partnership with the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board and Rotorua Lakes Council.

Whānau are invited to an informal presentation about the drug 'P' or methanphetamine.

For nearly 2 years a dedicated team of Kai Awhina have welcomed visitors to our historic church.

Te Puna Akoranga o Ngāti Whakaue is a bi-lingual, iwi initiated early education model. We offer a uniquely designed Ngāti Whakaue curriculum into which Te Whāriki is interwoven.

In late September Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao and Korowai Aroha have been working in the community to bring free health checks to whānau, hapū, iwi and marae.

Former participants of Māori a well-being programme are calling for its continuation. Tāne Takitū Ake, a four year pilot-programme run by Te Korowai Aroha has helped over 100 men and it is nearing its end.

It’s your health. Manage it online 24/7. Ngāti Pikiao Health Services now offers a new free online service

The 2016 Te Arawa Awards ceremony were held last month at Te Puia recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements within Te Arawa.

For whānau living in Tauranga - Do you have a keen interest in computing and want to make a rewarding career of it?  Or are you looking to enhance your current IT skills and knowledge for future career opportunities?

Learn about Results Based Accountability™ (RBA™) from one of New Zealand’s experts.

Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa (Maatua Whāngai) offers free and confidential financial advice in te reo Māori or in English and can support whānau to better manage their money.

Have you found yourself in a sticky situation or need professional legal advice?

A Rotorua Lakes Council community facility has helped secure a major win in the battle against SSBs (sugar sweetened beverages) and unhealthy vending machines.

The Kaituna River and its catchment are taonga (treasures) – valued for its clean water, healthy ecosystems, unique landscape, natural beauty, cultural and recreational values.

FREE WEBINAR - Monday 19th September 2016 12.30pm

The sun shone brightly on the dedication of the new Maketu Health and Social Services facility.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao have just launched their new website and Facebook page. The newly revamped website, is modern and bold and weaves together beautiful Te Arawa faces and places with information related to the health and social services they provide to the community.

Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa Charitable Trust - also known as Maatua Whāngai have just launched their first ever website.

Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa Charitable Trust - also known as Maatua Whāngai - is an approved Iwi/Māori Social Service provider that delivers a range of services and programmes to the community.

Huge congratulations to Healthy Families Rotorua nutritionist and health promoter Jasmin Jackson who is one of just 20 nutritionists from across NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands selected to take part in the Oceanic Nutrition Leadership Programme (ONLP).

Do you want to be involved with a group working towards making healthy, local, affordable food more accessible to our community?

The Beverley Anaru Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the whānau of Beverley Ratene Anaru QSM in her memory and as an enduring contribution to the educational achievement of Te Arawa descendants.

As our society stands on the brink of the technological revolution known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution we must understand that it will fundamentally transform the way we live, work and play in the future. Positioning now, means you can catch the next big wave.

You are invited to register to this free webinar.  On Tuesday 12th July 2016 11.00am. Nan Wehipeihana and Dr Chelsea Grootveld will present a live, interactive 60-minute webinar via Google Hangouts.

Korowai Aroha has just received the Gold Accreditation for the WorkWell programme.  The Korowai Aroha team started the journey back in October 2011 working towards bronze accreditation through to April 2016 having achieved Gold accreditation.

Rotorua took centre stage for indigenous suicide prevention. The inaugural World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference commenced last week at Rotorua Energy Events Centre and ran for three days.

Rotorua businesses that take good care of their staff are to be recognised with a new award.

Do you need a CV or would you like your CV reviewed, improved or overhauled?

This 30-minute, interactive ‘seminar at your desk’ will take place on Google Hangouts on Air.  Places are free of charge.  There will be opportunities to ask questions of the presenters as we go.

Tane Takitu Ake, an innovative programme aimed at helping Māori men gain the tools needed to become better fathers, husbands and leaders, has been acknowledged for both its innovation and success.

Korowai Aroha is wanting to know how they can best help whānau give up smoking.

Recruiting is now on for semester 2 Māori & Pasifika Trade Training courses.

The Rotorua Youth Centre is inviting whānau to join their weekly Game Club.

No matter how big or small, we can all make a difference and be responsible for creating positive change within our own whanau, hapu, iwi and community.

Fri 13 May 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Safekids Aotearoa and Taupō Safekids Coalition warmly invite you to attend the 2016 Child Injury Prevention Workshop Series being hosted in Taupō.

The Rotorua Careers Expo is your chance to find out about all the great career options available to you, and the education, training, and employment pathways to help get you there!

NEW - Low Income Subsidy Additional low-income heating and insulation subsidies

Te Waiariki Purea holds holiday programmes for young people who would not normally be given the opportunity to attend holiday programme.

2016 EDUCATION GRANTS Applications are now available

Te Arawa Lakes Trust landowners started work with Bay of Plenty Regional and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils to restore the 22 hectare Whakapoukorero wetland, in Maketu, last week.

Māori need to eat healthier to reduce cancer rates, says a Cancer Society representative.

Tūākiri Charitable Trust is an Incorporated Society based in Rotorua, they were established to provide “Te Toa Matataki” programme, a residential care and transition to independence programme for young people aged between 12-17 in the Rotorua District who are in need of care and support as a result of criminal offending.

“Tane Takitu Ake” which means “to stand up together as men” is the focus of this innovative programme. It's aim is to support Māori men helping other Māori men with high health and social needs to realise their full potential.

This is a real opportunity to make positive change for our most needy families - to get fresh fruit to our tamariki in schools; to get fresh fruit and veges to our homeless and whānau living on food bank or hunger relief charity donations...

Whānau are welcome to attend this awesome workshop. 

The Rotorua Youth Centre are holding free courses for rangatahi.

Opening in May 2016, Te Whare Whitinga o te Rā is a bi-lingual Early Childhood Centre with a Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi curriculum.  We are seeking two qualified ECE teacher’s and one non-qualified teacher to join our new centre.

A Rotorua chef is changing the way he caters on marae in an effort to improve the health of Maori.

There are 5 spots still available for those interested in Te Papa Takaro's T.A.I.O.H.I programme. The programme focuses on rangatahi aged between 14-18, and runs Monday and Friday mornings 5:50am meeting at Te Koutu Marae.

The Women’s Health League was founded in 1937. They are a community group and belong to a wider collective of WHL branches which spread from Gisborne to Te Teko to Rotorua. They promote the well-being of whānau, hapū and iwi and do this by grassroots-led initiatives. They are a voluntary organisation.

Te Komiti Whakahaere (Te Arawa Lakes Fisheries Management Committee) have extended invitations to members of Te Arawa to attend a series of hui

Healthy Families Rotorua has which was launched in November 2015, has now launched their website.

The Māori Education Trust 2016 Scholarship Programme is now open and offers scholarships to Māori secondary school and tertiary students who meet the respective scholarships’ criteria.

The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) is calling for applications for Smokefree Community Partnership grants. The grants are up to $4,500 and can be applied for by community groups and non-government organisations.

The Māori Education Trust 2016 Scholarship Programme is now open and offers scholarships to Māori secondary school and tertiary students who meet the respective scholarships’ criteria.

A dedicated prevention workforce tasked with bringing community leaders together in a united effort to prevent chronic disease in Rotorua was launched last week.

A local initiative focused on increasing opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi to learn to code is back this year during Computer Science Education Week.

Te Ururoa Flavell discusses Whānau Ora...

Are you interested, or can you think of any whanau members that may suit learning the traditional art of Whakairo Rakau, (Māori woodcarving)?

A new website is being launched which seeks to support those working in Tangata Whenua, Voluntary and Community sectors to measure the change they are making in their communities.

DARCY HUNT BECOMES THE NEW BULLY FREE BRO!!!After two and a half years of working to empower the hearts of young and old in Rotorua, Bully Free Bro creator and coordinator Warren Tumarae, is handing down his role. Rotorua man Darcy Hunt is Tumarae's successor.

Rotorua man Victa Wilson feels like anything is possible after completing the Tane Takitu Ake programme run by Korowai Aroha reports Bridie Watson from the Rotorua Daily Post.

Over 300 attended the Te Arawa Awards recently as Te Papa Takaro celebrated excellence in sport, cultural activities, service to the community, academia and positive contribution to whānau, hapū, iwi and marae.

A great opportunity for those who may be interested in doing some study.

Preparations are underway for Aotearoa New Zealand to host international indigenous health conference – The Gathering

Author, Heeni Morehu will talk about her most vulnerable experiences as a mother who has had to bury her two eldest sons. Kahu (17), died from severe injuries he sustained in a car accident, whilst Kahu's younger brother Hepa (died) by suicide 21 months later.

Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa has been holding a series of wananga for aspiring rangatahi leaders.

A new initiative to lift the skills and participation of Māori in the digital/ICT industry – as employees, employers, entrepreneurs, investors and owners has just been announced.

Since coming to Rotorua, the newly launched Animation College now has over 15 Māori animators enrolled in their first year course.

Exceptionally high rates of Māori SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy) have prompted a call to action hui being held at Kokiri Marae in Petone this Thursday 27 August.

Are you interested in a career in Mental Health?

Whether it’s your first pēpi or your last, there’s always something to learn as a parent. Whānau are a big help, but most of us now visit the web to find out more.

Congratulations to all Te Kōhanga Reo Teams who have taken up the WERO Challenge.

Gyms in Rotorua are leading the way in their region in promoting Te Wiki o te Reo Māori by giving their members opportunities to learn te reo by coming up with innovative ways for their members to celebrate the Māori language.

After running in our community for two years no, the Bully Free Bro programme is looking to start expanding this year with a few big ideas in mind.

Digital Natives Academy (DNA is a non-profit set up by TangataWhenua.com) is set to run a series of FREE robotics and computer science workshops during the month of August for year 9s and 10s.

These courses which last for 16 weeks, are free and are a perfect opportunity for those 16 years (and older)  to get a taste of tertiary education (at no cost) and to explore their career pathway options.

Five weeks to go to get your nominations in for Te Arawa Awards 2015 e te iwi!! Te Papa Takaro have received a good number of nominations so far, but coordinator, Hana Tapiata says "keep them coming!!"

Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the best health systems in the world, but it is under pressure from increasing rates of preventable chronic diseases.

World Asthma Day 2015 took place on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 with Korowai Aroha’s Asthma service joining together with Asthma Rotorua to promote World Asthma Day at Rotorua Hospital.

TrustPower Rotorua Lakes Community Awards were announced recently with Te Waiariki Purea Trust acknowledged for their contribution to Education & Child/Youth Development.

Rotorua Area Primary Health Services (RAPHS) have confirmed all 18 of its general practices will offer free doctors' visits to children under the age of 13 from July.

Are you a qualified and experienced Social Worker? Committed to making a difference in the lives of children and their families? Then we have the role for you.

Te Arawa Whānau Ora Chief Executive Officer, Ngaroma Grant was part of a high level Māori delegation that traveled to the US to gain first hand knowledge of how developing technologies in the Health and Social Service sectors might benefit whānau.

Korowai Aroha Health Centre needs your help whānau.

Over 50 Rotorua residents living with hepatitis B or C have been educated by a community hepatitis nurse and received a FibroScan assessment (liver ultrasound) during the last two months.

He tūranga e wātea ana i te kura nei...

While you may not have heard much about what has been happening at Excel Rotorua, a great deal has been going on behind the scenes. 

Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa invite rangatahi aged 14-18 to be part of the Rangatahi Advisory Committee for 2015.

(NZ Heart Foundation) Tane Takitu Ake is an innovative programme designed to help Maori men improve all aspects of their health.

Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa is seeking Māori men 18 years and over within the Te Arawa rohe for the popular 15 week Te Arawa Toiora programme.

Groups are invited to collect and distribute feijoas donated by Agrodome for the community in May/June.

The paepae wānanga will consist of  6 whare for the year with each whare being 5 weekly classes & a weekend noho marae.

Sir George Seymour College is offering a fee FREE course in Tourism and Hospitality starting 4 May till 9th Oct 2015.  It will provide students with an introduction to the tourism & hospitality industry.  

The latest WERO Challenge is under way and this time hapū mothers are being urged to take part.

More than 1000 whānau came out to take part and support this year's Te Arawa Games.

The Associate Minister of Finance, Hon Paula Bennett is seeking nominations for positions on five Community Trusts.

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew today announced a new funding round has opened for the Support for Volunteering Fund, and applications can now be lodged online.

Do you have a 16 year old child or whanaunga who needs a little help with their school work and to gain credits to pass their NCEA?

Because it’s such an important issue, the Rotorua Lakes Council is trying to do more than the legal requirements under the SCP and so RLC is getting out and about in the district giving Public Information Sessions to talk about the model and the process to help people get their submissions in before April 17.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

The start of the New Year was marked at Awhi Rotorua - Healthy Families NZ by the appointment of a new Manager, Leanne Morehu (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāi Tai).

As one of the most preventable of all cancers, there are two things you can do to prevent cervical cancer.

Time, distance, and cost are the main reasons Māori don’t go to their ancestral marae more often, a Statistics New Zealand/Tatauranga Aotearoa infographic released recently shows.

An opportunity exists for twenty people to join the TE ARAWA RANGATAKAPU 2015 – EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAMME.

The Te Arawa Lakes Trust is leading a project to develop a “Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework” to fulfill the vision & Te Arawa-specific goals of the Rotorua Lakes Strategy.

An exciting opportunity has come to Rotorua for budding artists. The first ever Animation College is being established which will offer two year Freelance Diploma in Applied Animation 2D with a possible June 2015 start date.

Kaingaroa Timberlands have an annual Scholarship for students studying a forestry related tertiary course.

Join in for a day of experiential learning.

Whakawhetū is running a one-day seminar in Rotorua during 2015, on Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).

Ira Matatau is a rangatahi programme delivered by Te Waiariki Purea Trust.

Rotoiti was buzzing this week as a group of NASA scientists were welcomed to Te Takinga Marae.

At the beginning of every year descendants of Tuwharetoa come together to compete in the Marae Sports challenge.

You should already know that the cost of relicensing a vehicle drops substantially on 1 July 2015.

FREE Training Course

Awhi Rotorua is a new initiative to encourage New Zealand families to live healthy, active lives - by eating well, being physically active, being smoke free and consuming alcohol safely and in moderation.

Te Arawa Whanau Ora continues to move from strength to strength.  

Are you looking for some healthy alternatives to drinking sugar filled soda this summer?

Tracey Ormsby and Hamu Lacey are now recruiting for their Tane Takitu Ake programme.

If you are a Homeowner with a Community Services Card and meet the following criteria, you could be eligible for a 100% subsidy.

In the past 24 hours reports of six people suffering from toxic shellfish poisoning have been received by the Medical Officer of Health. 

A new group seeking to provide support for those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) recently launched to help those looking for advice and assistance to better understand and manage their disease.

A local initiative focused on increasing opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi to learn to code is launching during Computer Science Education Week.

The Whānau Ora project team from Ngāti Raukawa came to Rotorua recently to visit the Te Arawa Whānau Ora Collective in an effort to share and celebrate Whānau Ora as a journey.

Aroha Mai Cancer has now officially opened at its new premises. 

Our local Suicide Prevention workers attended the Waka Hourua Suicide Prevention Hui in Auckland recently.

Te Rau Matatini is pleased to offer the Scholarships Programme 2015.

Education Minister Hekia Parata today launched the 2015 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards.

A message from the Hon Tariana Turia, former Minister of Whānau Ora.

Whānau Ora success in Te Arawa: what statistics reveal...

Te Arawa celebrated excellence and achievement in sports recently at the 15th annual Te Arawa Awards, held at the Holiday Inn in Rotorua.

Their kaupapa was ‘Tūtū Mai Whānau’ Stand up whānau to address whakamomori in Aotearoa. 

Next week’s Connecting Education and Communities Event in Rotorua is about engaging and re-engaging whānau in education.

The North Island Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, Te Pou Matakana, has called for Expressions of Interest in Collective Impact for Whānau.

Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands through its charitable trust Ngāti Whakaue Educational Trust has launched details on a post-graduate scholarship for those completing a diploma, masters, doctorate.

Te Arawa Group Holdings are looking for applications...

As the sun rose on the morning of Saturday 8th September, thousands of descendants of Ngati Whakaue prepared to stand on the mahau of Tamatekapua in celebration, in commemoration and in anticipation.

Michael Naera, Kia Piki Te Ora Project Leader, Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao writes of a recent wānanga he attended where Sir Mason Durie was a key note speaker.

Māori health and wellbeing is taking centre stage on a new television series that showcases Rotorua whānau coming together to transform their lives.

Tāne Takitu Ake, an innovative programme aimed at men who are seeking tautoko with motivation, health, taha Māori, whānau, confidence and general wellbeing is now taking registrations.

It was the loss of a close cousin that compelled local Rotorua high school student, Arianna Cudby to stand up and choose to help break the silence on rangatahi suicide.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao and the Lakes District Health Board were proud to bring back to Rotorua and Reporoa the Key to Life Charitable Trust’s school programme “It’s Cool to Kōrero.”

World Suicide Prevention Day is today 10 September.

Building the capacity of Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide is the focus for Waka Hourua, the national suicide prevention programme for Māori and Pasifika.

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced last week that Te Arawa Whānau Ora, in partnership with Kowhai Health Associates, has been selected to lead a $2.5 million healthy lifestyles initiative in Rotorua.

Just because you are out of the country doesn’t mean you have to miss out on having your say in New Zealand’s elections.

Waiariki Polytechnic and Te Arawa Tangata have established a new partnership to engage our people and offer them an awesome educational opportunity.

Community Rotorua has just published it's e-bulletin click below for more info on key articles

Mum to six beautiful children, Meri Ira Hiki (Te Whakatohea), doesn't want others with Diabetes to go through what her late husband experienced and wanted to share her story in an effort to inspire others to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of their whānau.

In 2010, WERA Aotearoa Charitable Trust (WACT) partnered with FIXE Solutions to look into developing a Whānau Ora evaluation and reporting tool that could meet the evolving needs of those working in the area of Whānau Ora.

It’s almost impossible to miss the Bully Free Bro message in Rotorua. There are signs in shop windows, locals wearing t-shirts, and stalls at local events – the  brightly coloured ‘BFB’ is everywhere.

More than 3,300 children most at risk of developing rheumatic fever have had their sore throat checked recently at a free drop-in clinic, as part of the government’s rheumatic fever prevention programme.

The 2014 General Elections are almost upon us. Because we all lead such busy lives it's good to remember that if you think you are going to be unavailable on 20 September that you can advance vote.

Caring for whānau is at the heart of what Israel and Teresa Hawkins have committed their lives to. Their focus in particular has been on helping to support and guide whānau to make better choices and become resilient and strong and it was for that reason that they were so passionate about doing something to help families.

The new commissioning agency "Te Pou Matakana" was launched recently in Auckland at the 2-day Whānau Ora conference, Aligning Innovation to Whānau Success.