February 2016: For Rawiri, 21, searching for knowledge is a passion and one that Te Arawa Whānau Ora was happy to support. Rawiri (Tapuika) lives with his large extended family near the pā at Otukawa on the outskirts of the Te Puke township. He is an active member of his community and has a deep and profound connection to all his marae, actively attending and engaging in developments, tangihanga, hui and social gatherings.
“My whānau, hapū, iwi and marae mean everything to me. They have shaped who I am and who I want to be. Growing up on the pā has been awesome, I’ve been able to help with our marae maintenance, and also do kapa haka and choir, I just love it”, explains Rawiri.
Rawiri is passionate about whakapapa, history and mātauranga related to his iwi. Since graduating from high school, he continued on with his education.”Since leaving school I’ve gone on to gain two quals, a Diploma in Pinakitanga and a Bachelors of Mātauranga Māori.”
Most recently he has spent the last two years studying at Te Wānanga o Raukawa and is set to complete his Masters Degree this year.
Te Arawa Whānau Ora’s new focus is on rangatahi development, so Rawiri and his whānau connected with the Collective seeking advice on how they could best support him in his studies. Rawiri and his whānau were able to access Te Arawa Whānau Ora’s Whānau Direct programme which helps families access support and guidance, allowing them to make a plan for the future.
Maketu Health & Social Services, a member of the Te Arawa Whānau Ora Collective was able to support Rawiri and also assisted him in gaining his learners licence. Next year, he will look at sitting his restricted licence which will give him greater independence.
The support that Rawiri has received has meant that he is less stressed and more able to focus on completing his Masters.
“The support I’ve received has been so helpful, it’s meant that I have a solid goal going forward and can carry on with my studies and start preparing to begin my PhD next.”
– Ka mau te wehi Rawiri, we wish you all the best in your endeavors!
Why Te Arawa Whānau Ora Works
Te Arawa Whānau Ora has been successful because it ensures whānau are able to determine their own goals and are given positive support to achieve them. Te Arawa Whānau Ora will work with groups, whānau and individuals to support them to become successful.
Te Arawa Whānau Ora works because it puts whānau in the driver’s seat, they define their own goals and make their own decisions. Te Arawa Whānau Ora has helped over 1500 individual whānau members over the last year. If you would like to know more please contact us.
