Whānau Ora Stories
Stories of our whānau in the community.
Te Arawa Whānau Ora 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. We share some success stories here…
Te Arawa Whānau Ora 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. We share some success stories here…
Kataraina Ormsby created her first Whānau Ora plan as a 10-year-old with aspirations of becoming a Silver Fern.
And if her netball achievements to date are anything to go by, her childhood dream is well within reach.
“There’s a need in our community for a programme like this, where everything is based around whānau”
Patrick Mohi is a paeārahi for Rotorua Police offender advocate programme, Hāpai Huānga, delivered through Te Arawa Whānau Ora.
“When you’re given the opportunity to do things differently, take it.”
'Wiremu' has spent a long time behind bars. “I’ve been in and out of jail most of my days. I’m not proud of it but things happen. I’ve got three kids. My oldest will be five next month and my twins are three.
“I feel like my confidence is higher, I feel like I can do more.”
'Arapeta' went from being stuck in his bedroom all day, to being honoured as ‘top warrior’ at a wānanga mau taiaha.
“It’s given me a confidence that I’ve been able to take back to my family.”
Joining a gang was the likely next step for 19-year-old, Rawiri. The new father was living in a small Waikato town and says he was a bit lost and getting himself into trouble.
“I used to have to use my inhaler and I’d feel vulnerable. But now, the more exercise I do the better my breathing is becoming. I feel more confident to go out and do things.”
While being asthmatic brought Nicola Best to the Whaimua programme, overcoming acute shyness was an unexpected and positive outcome.
“When I first came to Korowai Aroha, I didn’t think they’d welcome me because I wasn’t Māori. But I can’t tell you how lovely it is to come to this place for my treatment.”
Last year, Kathleen Tapsell didn’t expect to make it to Christmas.
“Inhale, exhale. Even your posture plays a part – make sure your back’s straight.”
Russell Cole says the Whaimua programme has given him an incentive to keep going.
“We always knew whakawhanaungatanga has a hugely positive effect on health, but we didn’t fully understand how important it is for those with COPD and respiratory conditions.”
Whakawhanaungatanga is playing a significant role in the health and wellbeing of participants on the Whaimua respiratory programme, delivered by Korowai Aroha & Te Arawa Whānau Ora
“I’ve exceeded what I expected to accomplish.”
Awatea Waiariki initially signed-up with Te Waiariki Purea to get his driver licence. He’s now taking centre-stage in a professional musical show.