Tawnee Kahukore-Goomes has dreams for her future – the first time in a long time – thanks to Whānau Ora.

The Chatham Islands mother joined other whānau representatives to present their success stories at the launch of the Whānau Ora Research website - Te Anga Mua - by Community Research in November last year.

Tawnee talked about her life before she became involved in the inclusive approach, an existence she describes as “drugs, chaos and lies”.

An out-of-control teenager at the age of 13, she was sent to live with her aunty in the Chatham Islands. For the first time in her life, she says, she found safety and security.

Tawnee’s journey to reconnect with her whānau resumed with the birth of her son, Tiaki Daniel Kahukore. The infant was cared for in the Chatham Islands while she served the remainder of her prison sentence.

While “the system offered me nothing”, Whānau Ora and the support of a facilitator enabled Tawnee to plan – and to dream – for her future.

Most importantly, she says, it has strengthened the bond between her and her tamariki.

The stories of whānau - as well as research and resources - will be showcased to a worldwide audience thanks to the Whānau Ora Research website.

The Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector Research Centre – known as Community Research – is developing the website in partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri. Go to www.whanauoraresearch.co.nz