Whānau social assistance programmes are all about enhancing the overall well-being of Māori. The programmes include Māra Kai, which was launched by the Minister of Māori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita Sharples, at the end of 2009.

The Māra Kai programme has been a huge success in Gisborne. When Mildura Place tenants asked SuperGrans Tairāwhiti to establish a māra kai, the SuperGrans organised a working bee on an unused Housing New Zealand section. The project involved six neighbouring households and was supported by Te Puni Kōkiri, Tairāwhiti.

One of the residents said, “The funding for the garden acted as a catalyst for getting the neighbours to engage with each other, more than the odd hello, as well as attracting greater community interaction.”

Many whānau remained in the garden until 10pm, way past when the working bee had finished. Households also began to share their finances and home resources.

Te Puni Kōkiri Tairāwhiti says “the community and business support has been overwhelming, including contributions from Bunnings Gisborne, WINZ, The Warehouse, Kapai Kaiti, Master Composters, and Kaiti School. Not to mention all the people, both locals and supporters who have lent a hand to work in the garden”.