The three Oranga Whānau kaimahi at Ruapotaka Marae share many things in common; passion for their work, love for the people they work with, and a belief that ultimately the goal of their mahi is “making families safe” in a way that works for the whānau.

Collectively Margaret Ngapera, Maggie Kemp, and Bill Welsh offer two hundred years of life’s experiences and wisdom to the various whānau they work with through Oranga Whānau. Each also share a deep devotion to their faith; Margaret as a Baptist, Maggie with Destiny, and Bill through the Ratana Church.

All three have been working at Ruapotaka Marae since Oranga Whānau was launched in late 2009. In fact, the programme was launched by the Minister of Māori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples at the Glen Innes marae.

However the trio have all worked voluntarily in the social service support area for many years. The difference now is that they are being paid to do what they love and what they are good at.

Te Puni Kōkiri contracts seven different Māori provider organisations from around the motu to provide advice and support to young Māori parents and their whānau. The kaimahi, who work in teams of three, are kaumātua whose years of life experience and wisdom shapes their relationships with whānau.

Guided by principles of whanaungatanga, whāngai, tiakitanga, and wai ora, the Oranga Whānau kaimahi have the ability to connect with whānau, earn their trust, and engage with empathy, caring, patience and understanding.

Day-to-day support includes parenting and home-making advice as well as dealing with financial hardship; an issue for 90% of families in Oranga Whānau. Ultimately, kaimahi aim to build the resilience of each whānau, supporting them towards regaining ownership and independence.

The team approach is essential to providing relevant and meaningful support to whānau. “The three of us work with each other,” Margaret says. “We support each other. Some of us haven’t been through some of what our families have but we can share and reflect.”

All three kaimahi commented about how far Anaru and Janine Ratahi had come in the three years each had known them; especially since there had been many years lost through different counsellors. “It’s awesome to see how they are today and how they try to make a go in their lives,” Margaret says.

Nodding in agreement, Maggie adds; “It’s about seeking and seeking and having that staying power to find what works for you.”

Maggie remembered her first meeting with the Ratahi couple; “I didn’t even know they were a couple – they were sitting separately from each other. Now they are together, having dealt with their issues.”

All three agree that working as Oranga Whānau kaimahi “is just like working with your own whānau”. They also acknowledge the support of Ruapotaka Marae and the trust and respect of the marae management and governance teams.

“I love that it’s on a marae,” Maggie says. “There are different things happening that you can connect the family to as well and I’m happy there’s somewhere that they can come that is not the other agencies.”

Reflecting on their work, Maggie says; “I don’t find it challenging – it’s rewarding. Even if it takes a little bit longer than the norm. Isn’t it better to see the whānau wellbeing improve?”

As all three agree, “we are helping our people to find a way that suits them.”