Te Arawa Whānau Ora – Preparing for the Future

For rangatahi, having a plan for the future isn't something that always comes naturally, often we have goals we'd like to achieve, but nothing solid, nothing written down. As a result, sometimes it feels like we're floating without direction or focus. 

WHHS-Co-Curricular-Awards-2015---Te-Moana-Ryan

November 2015: The Carlson - Ryan  whānau were facing these realities. With one son at University already, they wanted to ensure that their youngest boy was given the chance to help direct his own future pathways.

Having heard of Te Arawa Whānau Ora's new focus on rangatahi development, they reached out to the Collective for advice and guidance on how to support their 17-year old son Te Moana.

The whānau was able to access Te Arawa Whānau Ora's Whānau Direct programme which supports families to access resource in a timely way, when it most matters most, with the intention of making a positive difference for families.

Our goal was to continue to support our son, so that he could stay focused and we wanted to ensure that he was able to participate in activities outside of school.”

"Most importantly we wanted Te Moana to have a plan for his future", explains Te Moana's mum, Tina.

The idea was that once Te Moana had developed his plan, his whānau would be able to support that plan.

"The plan we developed together was focused on Te Moana's future, which was really important for us because next year he wants to make sure that he is prepared for University", explains Tina.

Together, Te Moana's and his whānau worked with their Te Arawa Whānau Ora paeārahi to construct and shape his goals for the future as well as detail how he would work to achieve those goals.

Key to his plan was his love of waka ama and his desire to represent New Zealand at the World Waka Ama Comps in 2016. Te Moana also wanted to compete in at the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Competition in Australia. Te Moana also committed himself to achieving NCEA Level 3. Looking to next year Te Moana also focused on preparing for a conjoint Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Arts at University.

Te Moana's Mum and Dad committed themselves to supporting their boy’s goals and appreciated the importance of the sport of waka ama and this sport’s community.

"We knew this might be his only opportunity to compete at this level. We've made it a priority for our whole whānau", says Tina.

Having a plan helped greatly and the rewards have been significant.

In September, Te Moana competed at the Trans-Tasman Gubbi Gubbi Waka Ama Competition in Australia and achieved a Bronze medal with a W6 team. October saw him compete in the Sports Waikato Secondary Schools Long Distance Waka Ama Competition, where he achieved 1st 8km, in a mixed W6 team.

Most recently Te Moana has been recognised as a Rotorua Young Achiever for Western Heights High School and is also a recipient of a Te Arawa Rangatahi Award 2015.

Te Moana has applied for accommodation and enrolment entry at Auckland University and he continues to work hard at school, meeting leadership commitments and completing internal assessments, before readying himself with exam revision for Level 3 NCEA exams.

Importantly his goal of competing at National Waka Ama Sprint Championships is still in place with training and attendance at competitions set for the coming months.

Having this Whānau Ora resource available to Te Moana gave us confidence that he had support and was a way to help him develop and clarify his plan. He's begun the process of creating a pathway, which will allow him to achieve his self-determined, self-defined goals. Most important is that we know we have the support of Whānau Ora to help him make those dreams a reality."

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.

Stories of our Whānau in the community

Taking it all in his stride

Wiremu Ratahi had completed Korowai Aroha’s Tāne Takitū Ake programme before moving on to the Whaimua programme in February this year.

Faith and Whaimua

Mere Kiripatea is adamant that she wouldn’t have made it this far without her faith and Whaimua.

A new business and a better headspace for Melissa

"There’s just something about being home and connecting your art, particularly your Māori art, to the whenua."

I want to inspire young people who have no licence to go for it.

Forty-nine-year-old, Robert Hodge, says he enrolled on Te Arawa Whānau Ora’s learner licence course, delivered by Maketu Health & Social Services, because of the opportunities it would give him with his job and further prospects to upskill himself.

Ekiden Success

Twelve whānau who at one time couldn’t walk a few minutes without becoming breathless, successfully completed the city’s annual around-the-lake relay this month.

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.

“I’m possibly alive now because of you.”

In February 2017, Paere Hunuhunu received a phone call from Te Arawa Whānau Ora screening paeārahi, June Grant, encouraging her to have a mammogram, which are free for eligible women aged 45 to 69 years.

Life is back on track for this Murupara Māmā and she says her paeārahi is always in her corner

Murupara mother, Gwenyth Howden, had just got her life on track with the help of Te Arawa Whānau Ora, when a previous brush with the law set her back to square one.

“They start getting motivated, and once they start achieving their goals, they become empowered. I love seeing that.”

Paulla Whatuira is a Te Arawa Whānau Ora paeārahi based at Te Ika Whenua in Murupara. She says it’s a big job, and while she wishes there were ‘two of her’, the role’s rewarding and she gets a lot of satisfaction out of it.

Home improvements mean cheaper power bills and a healthier home

In 2018, Rahera Reweti and her whānau of six children, husband, and father-in-law, became part of the Whare Ora project, delivered by Te Arawa Whānau Ora. Most of the house improvements were based on her father-in-law’s deteriorating health.

From ‘cruising along’ to achieving major goals, this Māmā and son are thriving

Queenie hasn’t looked back since walking into the Whānau Ora office in Mangakino five years ago. She didn’t know it at the time, but paeārahi Leanne Karauna was going to help set the local mother and her then 12-year-old son on a journey of self-determination and ambition through a personalised Whānau Ora plan, involving aspirations and goals.

Huarahi Ora

When participants see their scores increase, their confidence soars, and they realise they can pass the driving test.

“I’m working on getting my full licence, but it was just getting over that hurdle of my restricted first.”

Annette Black had been living overseas in locations where transport was either provided or not required – so she openly admits she’s not the best driver.

Getting his licence reinstated has led to employment and a life back on track for Mr Moke

Shilo Moke has secured employment after successfully undertaking the Huarahi Ora driver licence programme this year.

“When whānau reach that first step where they realise they can make a change, and what it looks like it. It may be small to them but it’s huge to us”

Whānau Ora paeārahi, Lorraine Hall, describes the service she provides as “a one-stop-shop"

Rangatahi thriving in his farming career

A Mangakino teen is thriving in his farming career and his boss says on the path he’s on, he could be in management one day.

Paeārahi Profile: Supporting whānau to achieve their goals

Te Arawa Whānau Ora Paeārahi, Pirihira Whata says her role in helping whānau has been a constant in her life.

Reunited with his love of carving

Carver, Ray Ngamotu hadn’t picked up a chisel in 20 years until he found help and support through Whānau Ora.

Paeārahi Profile: Advocating for Whānau

“Each day I consider it an honour to be in this position and support  and be an advocate for our whānau", explains Leanne Karauna (Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitane Kai Tahu).  Born and raised in Mangakino, Leanne Karauna says being a Paeārahi feels like it has been a life-long role.

Whānau find wraparound support with Te Arawa Whānau Ora

Danielle Karauna credits the encouragement of Whānau Ora for being able to unite her family and help her achieve her goals in life.

Seeing transformation drives Paeārahi

Sarndra Mear doesn’t consider the people she helps as clients.  For the Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa (TPTOTA) paeārahi, it is a much closer relationship.

Teen reaches goals through Whānau Ora plan

A Rotorua teenager says the transformation in his life was from the help he received through his Whānau Ora plan.

Finding support in the pursuit of Mātauranga

Find your kaupapa, find that which drives you and run with it!

Inspiring whānau to believe in their dream

Ahakoa te nui o ngā ngaru o te moana, ka pakarū e te ihu o te waka.  No matter how huge the waves of the ocean, they will be overcome and broken by the sharp prow of the waka.

Empowering leaders of tomorrow

With his unique background and skills, Paeārahi Marcus Ridge says that developing empowered leaders of tomorrow is his biggest aspiration for the whānau he supports.

Providing a clean slate

Seeing his children drawing on themselves, was one of the triggers that pushed Graham Thomas to get rid of his tattoos.

Helping whānau find mauri ora

Helping whānau reach mauri ora is what paeārahi Pipi Tukaokao enjoys about her role at Maketu Health and Social Services.

Farming career opens for teen

A Mangakino teen is loving his new career pathway thanks to the help of a Te Arawa Whānau Ora paeārahi.

Helping whānau achieve their moemoeā

Lead paeārahi for Te Arawa Whānau Ora says it’s the “small stuff” she gets a buzz from while working with whānau.

Empowering families a welcome change

It’s been a bit of switch from working with youth to whānau but it’s a change Korowai Aroha paeārahi, Lorraine Hall is enjoying.

Koro settles in with whānau

Paeārahi Shona Charteris helped 65-year-old ‘Koro’ in May who had no identification, no address and no bank account. It was a chance meeting with his niece that led him to be able to move off the streets and be with whānau.

A passion to help

Mangakino Whānau Ora has some new faces who are dedicated to seeing their community living healthier lives by having access to dryer, warmer homes.

Home re-fit lifts health and wairua

Connie Dick insists she has no need for her walking frame since moving back into her refitted Mangakino home.

Koro finds home and whānau

Keeping warm in the sun outside Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao has led to a rough sleeper finding a home and most importing reconnecting with his whānau.

Self-directed learning empowers Te Arawa Whānau Ora Paeārahi

He Whakatauākī Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere. Engari, ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.

Reflecting on the year that was…

With the coming of the summer holidays and soon, the New Year, we want to reflect over the last 12 months. To those who generously allowed us to share their stories, ka nui te mihi ki a koutou, thank you for these taonga!

Small tokens of hope…

Understanding that we have the ability to change our circumstances is empowering, but the road to that understanding sometimes requires expert guidance and support.

All it takes…

Aroha and Travis were hoping life would be a little bit easier but as a young couple with 3 tamariki all under the age of four they had their work cut out for them.

Te Arawa Whānau Ora: Finding your purpose, finding your passion

Sometimes the journey to independence is a long and difficult road to travel, other times all it takes is the right plan and a bit of determination.

Focusing on her future…

Growing up is hard for most kids but when you try to do it on your own, it becomes even harder.

Finding your place to stand

A house offers whānau a sense of stability, safety and security.

Passing on a love for learning

For two rangatahi living on whānau papakāinga in Maketu, it was the guidance and support of their beloved Nan, who helped them realise their full potential.

Paeārahi Profile – Kim Richards

For Kim Richards (Te Arawa - Ngāti Tura/Ngāti Te Ngākau, Ngāti Awa - Ngai Tamaoki/Ngai Tamawera me Tūhoe - Ngāti Haka Patuheuheu), paeārahi for Te Arawa Whānau Ora, working with whānau to use their strengths to achieve their dreams is what she loves most.

Creating a path to independence

When choosing a path in life, sometimes it’s not one big step you need to focus on, but the series of small incremental ones that lead you to your destination.

Rangatahi seeks Mātauranga Māori

Whaowhia te kete mātauranga, fill your basket of knowledge. This whakatauki reflects the importance of searching for knowledge, something that Te Puke local Rawiri Biel has sought his whole life.

Men’s Health Programme transforms Rotorua father

Shining light, Lester Karaitiana has emerged from the most recent intake of the Tāne Takitu Ake programme and he is a changed man.

Paeārahi Profile | Ani Kelly – Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa – Matua Whāngai

For Ani Kelly, paeārahi at Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa, the work she does now, she has done most of her life.

Ad Astra Per Aspera, to the stars through hard work

Not all young people understand how critical planning is, but Tipene James is different. As Tipene prepares for Year 13 at Rotorua Boys High School, he is keenly aware of how important planning is, not only for himself, but also as a whānau member.

Paeārahi Profile – Laurie Watt

When it comes to whānau reaching their potential, Laurie Watt, Pouwhakahaere at Korowai Aroha, is passionate about supporting them on their journey.

Paeārahi Profile – Ange Tipu

Ange Tipu (Ngāti Pikiao) has worked within the Whānau Ora space for many years and has worked for the past two years as paeārahi for Te Arawa Whānau Ora (TAWO).

Living invisible…

Imagine being struck down by excruciating soreness in your knees and joints, huge pressure pushing on your legs and arms and hot searing pain traveling down your back.

New paeārahi join Te Arawa Whānau Ora

Seven new paeārahi have joined Te Arawa Whānau Ora through each of the seven organisations that make up the Collective. Over the coming months we'll profile each one, you are welcome to contact them directly through their organisation.

Living Life to the Fullest

At 58 years old, Barbie Tepania, a mother to 5 grown children and a nanny to 12 beautiful mokopuna, knew that she was simply too young to submit to the cancer that had invaded her body.  Sadly, to focus on her tinana Whaea Barbie had to leave the mahi she was so passionate about.

The Power of Planning

Maia knew the importance of planning for the future. This gutsy single mama of two active young children had made significant changes in her life after engaging in a Whānau Ora plan through Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao, a provider within the Te Arawa Whānau Ora Collective.

Reconnecting whānau with their whenua

For Kelly Wattie, her partner and their children, the journey to self-discovery and self-reliance began after making the decision to move home to her turangawaewae.

Planting seeds of success

Give whānau the answer and they'll only have a temporary solution. Teach them how to find their own answers, and they will be able to develop and create their own solutions for a lifetime.

“My kids are happy, I am happy.”

We may stumble, we may fall but life is about finding the support and the motivation to get back up again despite the odds.

Celebrating whānau independence

Spending a lifetime caring and supporting others doesn't always prepare you for being looked after yourself.

Helping whānau succeed

Looking Back to Move Forward

Often with the birth of a new year, we look forward to new priorities, new projects, new goals and new commitments. Often, however, whānau don't pause to look back over the accomplishments and challenges they faced in the past to get a better sense of direction and focus going forward.

Coming Full Circle

Over a year ago we shared the Whānau Ora journey of the Noa, Bowsher and Bider whānau...

Supporting whānau to lead by example

Alycia is a creative young single mother with four lovely girls. Although she left school at 16, Alycia knew the value of education and continued taking adult courses in computing and business administration with a dream to one day run her own ‘upcyling’ furniture business.

Using Whānau Ora to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Many whānau begin their Whānau Ora journey because they need extra support to overcome key challenges they are faced with in life. This was the case for kuia Manu Wineti (Ngāti Rangiwewehi), whom after raising a whānau of her own was forced to make a series of brave new decisions.

Paeārahi Profile – Winsome Harvey

"Seeing a smile and hearing laughter where it has been absent" says paeārahi Winsome Harvey (Waitaha, Tapuika) for Maketu Health and Social Services is what she finds most memorable when it comes to the whānau she helps guide and support.

“I love the journey!”

When Marama (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) first started out on her own, she faced considerable challenges while living far from home.

Small Changes lead to Big Achievements

Te Arawa Whānau Ora (TAWO) can help whānau in really big ways. Quite often we hear about the small successes that Whānau Ora brings, and in the case of the Morgan-Tule whānau (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāi Tūhoe) it definitely started off that way, but as time went on those small successes began to grow.

Paeārahi Profile | Hinehou Stoneham

Hinehou Stoneham (Whakatohea, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu) truly enjoys her mahi, and works actively on the ground to support whānau to realise and achieve their goals.

Whānau Wānanga helps to create and strengthen family ties

(By Taupopoki McLeod) 'A key strength of any whānau is the foundation of history. Knowing where you come from and where you are heading", it was this profound understanding that underpinned the Ēhau whānau wānanga which was held in 2014.

Te Ara Hauora – Getting fit is a Whānau Ora affair

Staff at Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa (also known as Maatua Whāngai) are walking the talk and have just started week 2 of their 12 week Te Ara Hauora challenge.

Paeārahi Profile – Canaan Tuhura

For Canaan Tuhura (Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngāti Maniapoto) paeārahi at Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa, "Whānau Ora is about empowering our iwi, hapū, marae, whānau and community to support them in striving for excellence and creating a plan that allows them to achieve their goals and aspirations".

“Whānau Ora is dreaming the dream and living it” – Bobby Howard, paeārahi.

For Bobby Howard (Ngāpuhi, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tamanuhiri) Whānau Ora is about whānau realising their own potential and achieving it by living according to their dreams and aspirations.

Mangakino Whānau Ora Updates

As we head into the wet and cold winter months the township of Mangakino is slowing down after their annual summer rush.

Fitness for Life

For Hotorene Brown (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue) the shock came when he was told at the age of 37 that if he didn't change his lifestyle his three young sons would grow up without him.

Paeārahi Profile | Jackie Epapara

Understanding the challenges families face is critical to successful outcomes; it's for this reason that Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa Trust - Maatua Whāngai paeārahi, Jackie Epapara has been so effective.

Minister Tariana Turia inspired by Whānau Ora journey

Recently we shared the powerful journey of Whaea Louise Leef who told a story of facing one of life's greatest challenges, the fight against cancer, and of how she has used her own resilience and joy to keep herself strong.

Whānau Ora helps a dream come true after 15 years

Nadine Steele has been wanting to write a children's book for almost 15 years. But it wasn't until making a Whānau Ora plan that she was able to make that dream become a reality.

Paeārahi Profile – Moewaka Te Rangi Trotman

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao recently welcomed, Paearahi, Moewaka Trotman (Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Pikiao) from Ruato Bay, Rotoiti. Ms Trotman will be supporting and navigating whānau through their Whānau Ora plans.

Facing the Future with Positivity

For Louise Leef (Tainui, Ngāpuhi) finding out the cancer she had 11 years ago had returned made her even more determined that the legacy she would leave for her mokopuna would be one of positivity, healthy living and strength.

Three generations working together to “sustain their turangawaewae”

When people plan, most do so just for themselves and their close family, they might plan a birthday or an overseas trip.

Paeārahi Profile – Te Miri Rangi | Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa

I whānau mai tēnei hunga ki roto o te rohe o Ngā Puhi, erangi rā he uri nō Ngāti Haa me Ngai Te Rangiita o Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

New Te Arawa Whānau Ora paeārahi for Mangakino

The tight-knit community of Mangakino now has a new paeārahi to support whānau wishing to dream, plan and create positive change within themselves and within their whānau.

Creating an emotional connection to indigenous fashion the Whānau Ora way

Greater insight and awareness, that is what Adrienne Whitewood, an emerging Rotorua-based fashion designer, developed as a direct result of her Whānau Ora plan. Adrienne is a nationally recognised award winning designer who recently had one of her premiere pieces picked to be part of the Auckland Museum’s Māori Collection.

Strengthening Whānau Well-Being through Tikanga & Kawa Wānanga

Building a solid foundation on which hapū tikanga and kawa could be shared and passed on was the primary goal of the Mihaka, Rikiti, Morehu and Nelson whānau.

Te Arawa Whānau Ora welcomes new Paeārahi Coordinator

The warming rays of Tama-nui-te-rā greeted all those who came to attend the whakatau held at Taharangi Marae to welcome Ange Tipu (Ngāti Pikiao) as the new Paearahi Coordinator for Te Arawa Whānau Ora (TAWO).

How “small changes can make a world of difference”

Developing a whānau plan can initially feel like a daunting task, the idea of putting dreams to paper however, had the opposite effect for the Noa, Bowsher and Bider whānau.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao sees positive progress in the whānau they support

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao continues to see progress amongst the whānau they work with and support.

Chatham Islands whānau continue to transform their lives with the help of Te Arawa Whānau Ora

Wharekauri (Chatham Islands) located roughly 680 kilometres southeast of New Zealand, consists of about ten islands within a 40-kilometre radius, the largest of which are Chatham Island and Pitt Island.

Paeārahi Profile | Ann Kururangi

For Ann Kururangi (Ngāti Porou,  Te Whānau-a-Apanui and Rongowhakaata), paeārahi (navigator) at Korowai Aroha Health Centre, the part of the job she loves the most is when "the light goes on" and she becomes witness to that moment when "whānau realise that their dreams, really, can come true".

Whānau Ora journey helps rebuild family connections

Feeling disconnected from whānau, whenua and the values and beliefs of past generations was part of what compelled one whānau to begin their Whānau Ora journey.

Creating Positive Change from Within

For the Rodgers whānau, dealing with the past was one of the most important steps their whānau had to take to help build towards a positive future. But it wasn't easy.

Diabetic says cycling’s given his life a lift

Plagued by health problems, William Taki was told by his doctor to get on a bike. Now, a year on, the Rotorua man is out biking almost every day and is reaping the benefits.
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Collective Members and Associates

  • Aroha Mai Cancer Support Services
  • Korowai Aroha Health Centre
  • Maketu Health & Social Services
  • Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa Sports Trust
  • Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa Charitable Trust
  • Te Runanga o Ngāti Pikiao
  • Te Waiariki Purea Trust
  • Ngāti Manawa Charitable Trust
  • Te Runanga o Ngāti Whare
  • Te Arawa Whānau Ora ki Mangakino

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