Feature stories, media statements, speeches and more.
Celebrating 25 years - Liz Makene
Liz Makene goes way back. So far back, in fact, that she began her career as a cadet in the Māori and Pacific Island Recruitment Scheme.
She started out with the former of Department of Māori Affairs, and later the Iwi Transition Agency, before jumping ship to join Te Puni Kōkiri from the Māori Trust Office in 2002. Hear more from Liz as she shares memories from the past 25 years.
Celebrating 25 years - Kim Wetini
Whether it’s tending to hundreds of traumatised whānau affected by earthquakes, or overseeing 450 volunteers to look after 45,000 spectators at Te Matatini 2015– Kim Wetini is never far from the action. These days she’s a Senior Advisor in the Te Waipounamu Regional Office, but her start goes back to 2000 when she was the Executive Officer supporting then Regional Director Te Pura Parata.
Whareponga Papakāinga - The Legacy of Materoa
It has been a long journey for Whareponga whānau but it is all worth it. A new papakāinga development is paving the way to bring life back to their homeland.
Giving whānau a fresh start
The Porirua Whānau Centre has been looking after whānau for the last 23 years. One of six family centres in New Zealand, the Porirua Whānau Centre in Cannons Creek is a friendly, welcoming place. Chief Executive, Liz Kelly, describes it as a ‘hub’ for the community.
Easing the pressure at Christmas
Having worked with Māori and Pacific communities in Christchurch for more than 21 years, He Waka Tapu knows that Christmas can be an extremely stressful time for whānau.
Talking suicide prevention with our rangatahi
Rangatahi from across the Wellington region gathered to talk about the topic of suicide and to show each other that support was out there.
Celebrating 25 years - Rachel Jones
She has worked to eight Ministers of Māori Affairs and Māori Development and four Te Puni Kōkiri Chief Executives.
She’s been party to all of the key policy approaches – Closing the Gaps, Reducing Inequalities, Realising Māori Potential, Māori succeeding as Māori – and has had a career trajectory that’s taken her from regional office, to head office, to the Minister’s office and back again.
In her own words, Rachel Jones has “been everywhere”. Hear from Rachel as she shares memories from the past 25 years.
Pūhoro – growing rangatahi success in science
There aren't enough Māori working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the Pūhoro academy in Palmerston North is doing something about it.
Now, Pūhoro students' are achieving pass rates that surpass nationwide averages.
Jacinta Ruru on property, relationships and Māori land
Professor Jacinta Ruru (Raukawa, Ngāti Ranginui) is a member of the Law Commission’s Expert Advisory Group for its Review of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.
We speak to Jacinta about issues of particular relevance to Māori that arise in the Commission’s Issues Paper.
Celebrating 25 years - Sue Heke
Sue Heke has worked with just about all of TPK’s top brass over the last 25 years. In the past an Executive Assistant (EA), today an Administrator, she has organised calendars and diaries; booked travel; scheduled meetings; and provided administrative support to senior managers and staff who’ve come and gone since 1992. Hear from Sue as she shares her fondest memories of the past 25 years.
Celebrating almost 25 years - Martin Mariassouce
Realising the potential of Māori communities in Auckland has been an enduring passion for Martin Mariassouce, who has chalked up more than 20 years working in the Tāmaki Makaurau regional office. Hear from Martin as he opens up about the memories he has made over the past 22 years.
Celebrating 25 years - Cath Nesus
Cath Nesus has been a trusted pair of hands in Te Puni Kōkiri, responsible for some of the most potent law changes affecting Māoridom in the last quarter century.
Te Kaha o te Rangatahi - supporting our youth
Partnering with Te Puni Kōkiri has allowed Te Kaha o te Rangatahi to support rangatahi suicide prevention through the #talktome 12 week hip hop dance programme.
Setting standards for herself and others around her
Ongelle Fincham (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a Programmer for Downer based in Wellington. Ever since she saw the company’s promotional video about Te Ara Whanake, the Māori leadership programme, she was keen to go on it. When she was asked to attend, her only answer was “Yes!”
Learning more about yourself to help others
Driver/operator Darryl Takerei (Ngāti Raukawa) works for Downer in the Taranaki region. In 2015 he completed the Downer Māori leadership programme, Te Ara Whanake, and found that he learned more about himself than he expected.
Empowering others through mana and respect
Jonno Webster (Ngāpuhi) is the Surfacing Operations Manager for Downer at their Taranaki hub. He received an invitation to participate in Te Ara Whanake, the Downer Māori Leadership Programme through one of his colleagues.
Celebrating 25 years of realising Māori potential - Mere Pohatu
Mere Pohatu is a dynamic presence that has been at the helm of the Gisborne office since Te Puni Kōkiri opened its doors in 1992. Hear from Mere, Regional Manager for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti, as she shares memories from the past 25 years.
Māori Wardens, Kōhanga Reo and NZ Police solidify relationship at 35th Annual Kōhanga Reo Conference
The 35th Annual Kōhanga Reo National Conference and Expo held in November 2017 was an opportunity for Māori Wardens, NZ Police and Kōhanga Reo to show case their services to conference attendees as well as solidifying their long-standing relationship with each other.
Celebrating 25 years of realising Māori potential - Ken Collins
At 25 years, Te Puni Kōkiri has many achievements to be proud of. This milestone gives an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved by so many dedicated people, both past and present, across the motu. Hear from Te Puni Kōkiri Senior Advisor, Ken Collins, as he shares memories from the past 25 years.
Māori Wardens: A proud tradition
Māori Wardens are unique to New Zealand life. Following the anniversary of the Kaikōura earthquakes, we meet the Kaikōura Wardens. It is a group committed to securing a strong future for its distinct volunteer organisation and giving it a fresh face for the future.
Stitching culture and community together
Every Wednesday around 50 Pacific Island women gather in Porirua to revive and enjoy one of the Cook Islands’ most vibrant treasures, the creation of tivaevae (quilts). While Whānau Ora supports these women to practice their art form – the true investment is even richer.
Groundbreaking research on Māori urbanisation
A leading Māori health specialist Sir Mason Durie is praising what he is calling groundbreaking research into the impacts of urbanisation on Māori.
New social housing build underway in rural Wairarapa
In a bid to make the pā vibrant again, a new six home social housing development, infrastructure support and rebuild of the marae has started at Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae, 10km east of Carterton.
Rangatahi taking on big business
Māori secondary school students have shown off their flair for entrepreneurship in a series of successful workshops that have recently wrapped up.
Sowing dreams in the whenua
In the tiny bay of Koukourarata, māra kai are being restored to their once famous status as bountiful kai baskets. Find out how dreams are growing healthy and strong – one humble potato at a time, in the heart of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula).
Public sector brings it to the stage at Te Kōnohete 2017
Wellington’s Pipitea Marae was abuzz with Te Kōnohete in November, a kapa haka event where several government agencies take to the stage to celebrate Māoritanga.
On a PATH to Success
It has been nearly 25 years since Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa became the country’s first iwi and Māori health sports trust. Today, working with Whānau Ora, it continues to find new ways of helping whānau achieve their health and wellbeing goals.
“Her identity is more important to her than ever”
A proud father says a new programme to connect Christchurch rangatahi with their Māoritanga helped his teenage daughter regain strength after her brother died.
Iwi steer waka to White Island
How Ngāti Awa bought an iconic tourism business in Eastern Bay of Plenty and its plans to make the boat tours more Māori than ever.
Te Puni Kōkiri welcomes new Māori Development Minister
Te Puni Kōkiri is geared to support a new suite of leaders and, for the first time ever, a wahine is steering the waka as its Minister for Māori Development.
Te Arawa Whānau Ora Healthy Families – Whānau using the whenua for their oranga
Te Puni Kōkiri has supported almost 100 māra kai projects in the last 12 months including the My Backyard Garden Project at the Rotorua Youth Centre.
The māra kai project has helped whānau of Rotorua to provide themselves with fresh and nutritional kai, and develop the skills to grow and cultivate vegetables. A special focus has also been on increasing knowledge of traditional gardening techniques.
Northdrill – Cadets making a difference for whānau
Only starting two years ago, North Drill Limited is providing people in Te Tai Tokerau with the opportunity to learn, grown and develop. The company which is owned by Bronson Murray (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Haua) and his wife Ida Jean (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare), utilises the concepts of whakapapa and whanaungatanga to recruit and train cadets.
Te Kaha o te Rangatahi – Rangatahi coming up with their answers
Partnering with Te Puni Kōkiri has allowed Te Kaha o Te Rangatahi to support rangatahi suicide prevention through the #talktome 12 week hip hop dance programme. Encouraging rangatahi to reach out and talk to their peers, to their whānau, to anybody they need support from.
Turner whānau papakāinga – A place to call home
It all started with a whānau plan through Whānau Ora.
With the support of the Māori Housing Network led by Te Puni Kōkiri the Turner whānau now have a place to call home with the completion of an 8-bedroom papakāinga in Ngaruawāhia. In addition to building their home, they have established a whānau Trust and created a thriving mussel fritter business.
Cutting our own track and walking it
The owners and trustees of Aorangi Māori Trust Board are amongst those leading the way in Hawkes Bay with an eight home papakāinga build at Waipatu.
Te Puni Kōkiri: Te Waipounamu Regional Profile 2017
Te Puni Kōkiri measures a range of outcomes that fall within Whakapapa (te reo Māori and connection to iwi), Oranga (whānau well-being and whānau housing), Whairawa (whenua and whanaketanga), and Whanaungatanga (Crown-Māori relationships).
This publication provides an insight into the growth and development of Māori within Te Waipounamu and within these outcomes.
Rotorua programme helps whānau buy homes
Inez White founded Indigenuity Limited, which is giving first homebuyers and whānau the help they need to own their own homes in Rotorua.
Speed-Dating for a Better Whare
More than a dozen whānau in Murihiku have safer and warmer homes after a day of speed dating with builders, insulators, roofers and finance experts.
Helping Porirua Whānau Start Businesses
Porirua people wanting to start a business can get professional help when PopUp Business School arrives in Porirua. The course will give budding entrepreneurs tools, confidence and knowledge to get their business up and running.
Māori and Pasifika together in new Tāmaki office
After nearly 15 years in Penrose, the Tāmaki Makaurau office has officially opened Te Puni Kōkiri House in Mānukau, which it now shares with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
Kōrero For Your Coffee
On a cold and wet morning in Manukau in Auckland, 140 people were treated to a free cup of hot coffee from Te Puni Kōkiri for ordering their drink in te reo Māori.
The value of a Whānau Ora Approach
New research from Lincoln University and Ihi Research shows how public investment in the Whānau Ora approach provides economic as well as social and cultural benefits to the country.
Thousands Engage in Rangatahi Vote Campaign
It has been all go for the Te Puni Kōkiri ‘For Future’s Sake Vote’ street team, which has been on the road for the past three months encouraging young Māori to vote in last weekend’s election.
First Disney Film in te reo Māori
Thousands of tamariki and whānau around the country have been overjoyed to witness the first ever Disney film translated in te reo Māori, Moana.
Staff Speak Te Reo Māori All Month at Te Puni Kōkiri
Several Te Puni Kōkiri staff members have taken on the challenge to speak more te reo Māori at home and at work in the month of September as part of Mahuru Māori.
Te hīkoi whakanui mō te reo Māori 2017
Te Puni Kōkiri people took to the streets along with 2500 smiling mokopuna, singing school children and other community groups, as part of the country’s second ever reo Māori street parade - a big hearted event to kick off Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2017.
Agreement to pardon Rua Kēnana
The uri of Rua Kēnana remain stigmatized by the convictions of their tūpuna and still feel the hardships caused by Crown troops.
It’s official – Rotorua is New Zealand’s first bilingual city
You can now expect to see and hear more reo Māori in Rotorua as the city takes on the mantle of being New Zealand’s first officially declared bilingual city.
Te Taura Whiri opened its doors to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Thirty years ago, the Māori language was made an official language of New Zealand and the Māori Language Commission was created. To celebrate, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori opened its doors to the public.
Māori land owners shape proposed Advisory and Development Services
Māori land owners involved with the Māori Land Service case studies have responded positively to the opportunity to influence proposed Advisory and Development Services for all Māori land owners.
Whakatāne community step up to healthier lifestyle
150 participants from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and the Whakatāne community took up a healthier lifestyle challenge - Hikoi ki te Hauora – and won.
Protecting Pēpī Nationwide
Te Puni Kōkiri funded the first ever roll out of life-saving wahakura ten years ago and now every district health board in the country is set to offer them to whānau.
Report shows positive results for Whānau Ora
The latest report from Te Puni Kōkiri shows Whānau Ora has achieved positive outcomes for whānau and families across Aotearoa. Over 11,500 whānau and families were engaged through Commissioning Agencies’ initiatives as at 30 June 2016.
Digital Tool Shows Schools How to Pōwhiri Properly
From Pūkana to Hongi, a new online resource is set to support more English-medium schools to get involved in Kapa Haka and Pōwhiri.
Kokohinau Marae papakāinga to house Edgecumbe whānau affected by floods
Kokohinau Marae has kick-started its papakāinga housing development with a ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony in Edgecumbe. The papakāinga development will be used to help house whānau who lost their homes in the Edgecumbe floods in April.
Māori Land Service case studies underway
The Māori Land Service Programme has begun working with Māori land owners on regional case studies that will help inform the advisory and development services that may be offered in the future by the Māori Land Service (MLS).
New initiative helps whānau find successful housing independence
A new home ownership initiative is proving a success amongst Rotorua whānau as they achieve housing independence or enter into the final stages of owning their own homes.
Social Enterprise Summit Creates a Buzz
More than 120 people attended the first Social Enterprise Summit held at Parliament in early July.
Introducing our Interns: Varshini Suresh
Varshini was a part of our 2015/2016 intern programme, joining Te Puni Kōkiri as part of the Economic Wealth team. She now works for Deloitte as a tax consultant.
Introducing our Interns: Lucy Pia
Lucy has spent two summers as an intern for Te Puni Kōkiri. Her first internship was in the Te Tai Tokerau office for the 2015/2016 intern programme. The following summer, Lucy joined the Policy Partnerships Team in our National Office in Wellington.
Te Puni Kōkiri 2016-2017 Interns Get Inducted
Eleven interns and one summer placement have spent the last week in Wellington participating in induction, meeting their new teams, and attending the Machinery of Governance course in preparation for their three month internship at Te Puni Kōkiri.
Marae housing helps Edgecumbe whānau affected by floods
Kokohinau Marae have kick-started their papakāinga housing development with a ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony in Edgecumbe. The papakāinga development will be used to help house whānau who lost their homes in the Edgecumbe floods in April.
Haka on Great Wall of China
Feeling the mauri on one of the Seven Wonders of the World, 13 year-old Tawhiao Kaitapu rallied his peers into formation before proudly leading the haka ‘Ka Mate.'
Pearls of Wisdom for Rangatahi at Matariki
Nearly 200 rangatahi in Tāmaki Makaurau took the morning off school in late June to take part in Matariki 20x20 at the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson.
Māori Land Owners Co-Design Māori Land Service
Te Puni Kōkiri has released a summary of the findings from the second series of wānanga held with Māori land owners earlier this year. The purpose of the wānanga was to ensure Māori land owners co-design the Māori Land Service and that it is fit-for-purpose.
Brymer goes from Marae to Man-Power
After 10 years making their mark as professionals in the marae construction business, Brymer Group Ltd is rolling up its sleeves to help more Waikato whānau through the Māori Housing Network.
59 Sign Up at For Future’s Sake Vote Launch
Helping Māori aged 18-29 understand the value of their vote is a key driver of a new programme to get more whānau enrolled and ready to go to the polls at the next General Election.
Young Dad With No Farming Background Wins Ahuwhenua
Swapping his Swanndri for a suit for the very first time, Hawke’s Bay shepherd Jordan Biddle took a deep breath before crossing the stage in front of 700 people to claim the title of Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer for 2017.
Ngāti Rangi Finds Work for 220 in Ruapehu
About 400 people gathered at the War Memorial Hall in Whanganui in July for the inaugural Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Awards.
Waikato Chefs Battle Matariki Inspired Dishes
After a nine hour round trip in the car, Māori leader Willie Te Aho was delighted when the fancy restaurant he stopped at in Hamilton had a special menu to mark the Māori New Year.
Healing Wounds at Parihaka
Tears were shed at Parihaka last month when more than a thousand people gathered to hear the Crown apologise for desecrating the peaceful Taranaki settlement in 1881.
New iwi business finds work for 220 locals since opening
About 400 people gathered at the War Memorial Hall in Whanganui on Saturday evening for the inaugural Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Awards.
Kei te tautoko Te Puni Kōkiri i te rewanga o Matariki
Kei te tautoko Te Puni Kōkiri i tētahi whakaaturanga kākahu hei whakanui i te wā o Matariki i Te Waipounamu.
Kei te tautoko Te Puni Kōkiri i ngā pakihi Māori
Kātahi anō ka hainatia ētahi whakaaetanga i waenganui i Te Puni Kōkiri me ngā umanga e rua, arā, ko Māori Women's Development Inc (MWDI) me NZ Māori Tourism (NZMT). Nui atu i te $15 miriona te nui o te pūtea ka tukuna ki aua whakahaere ā ngā tau e toru e heke mai nei.
Spotlight on Thriving Maori Businesses in Whanganui Region
The finalists for the inaugural Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Awards have been announced, showcasing a variety of successful Māori ventures in the Whanganui region.
Initialled Vesting Agreement for the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute
Below is a copy of the Agreement to Introduce a Bill Vesting The Business of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute
Māori Wardens Conference held to discuss proposed plans for an independent future
Three hundred Māori Wardens from around Aotearoa travelled to Rotorua on 1 June to discuss two key kaupapa that could move Māori Wardens towards an independent future.
$21m boost for Māori language and culture
Budget 2017 will provide an extra $21 million of operating funding over the next four years for Māori language initiatives to support the continued revitalisation of te reo and Māori culture, Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says.
$28m boost for whānau-centred initiatives
More whānau will get access to Whānau Ora support across the country with the injection of $10 million of new operating funding over four years in this year’s Budget, says Whānau Ora Minister Te Ururoa Flavell.
Budget 2017: $27m for marae and Māori housing
The special significance of marae to Māori and communities is being acknowledged in this year’s Budget with $10 million over four years allocated to help repair and restore whare and revitalise the paepae, building resilience of those charged with maintaining the protocols of marae, says Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell.
Māori Land Service to support land owners
Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says $31 million of funding will be dedicated to establish phase one of the Māori Land Service.
More jobs in Māori tourism and regions
Māori tourism operators will be able to create new employment opportunities for whānau with $10 million of operating funding over four years in this year’s Budget, Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says.
Myrtle Rust Appears In Taranaki
Testing by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has today revealed myrtle rust infection at a plant nursery in Taranaki.
Members of the public who believe they have seen signs of myrtle rust are advised:
• Do not touch it or the plant
• Take a photo of the rust and the plant
• Call MPI's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Waihiko - Digitising Māori Stories
Waihiko, an opportunity for rangatahi to be immersed in a kaupapa Māori creative digital space.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu.
Video - Rangatahi Tumeke
Rangatahi Tumeke is a camp hosted in the Catlins for educating youth on discovering mahinga kai, traditional maori experiences and surviving outdoors. Some of the kaupapa for Rangatahi Tumeke involves, Fishing / Eeling, Kayaking, Te Reo Language, Maurakau, Hiking / Tramping, Raranga, Weaving, Māori Carving and more.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Te Kākano o te Totara
Te Kākano o te Totara is a development programme created by Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for the South Island. Te Putahitanga seeks to nurture emerging leaders that are recognised by their whānau or community as future champions of Whānau Ora. The initiative is aimed at emerging leaders who are actively involved in the advancement of their whānau. Te Kākano o te Totara supports the growth of these emerging leaders through wānanga, networking, coaching, and mentors to pursue whānau transformation.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Te Huarahi Oranga
Hale Compound and Conditioning is all about Hauora and improving Whānau Ora through changing mindsets and mobilising whānau to be proactive with their physical and mental wellbeing.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Pā Ora, Pā Wānanga
Omaka Marae's latest kaupapa - transforming the marae into a learning living village through a range of initiatives that engage whanau, rangatahi and tamariki in a number of ways.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - 1000 Days Trust
Invercargill based initiative to invest in the role of mothers, fathers and whānau to help babies thrive.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Tiramarama Mai - Mataa Waka
Keeping rangatahi at school (Blenheim) (Maata Waka Trust ki te Tauihu).
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Maara oranga - Ngāti rārua
Moving towards healthier eating habits and physical activity, through a Whānau Ora approach.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Kākano Cafe and Cookery School
Māori inspired food traditions, leading to long healthy lives, broader dietary options, a garden at home.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Reo Pēpi
Two mothers taking initiative and producing beautiful children's books in te reo Māori for their babies, tamariki and for all whānau interested in contemporary learning resources. "The future development of te reo is with young parents who are willing to put in the time and commitment."
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Whānau Ora Growth
We are actively improving the lives of whānau throughout Te Waipounamu. Watch our growth video to learn more.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Waka Whenua
Waka Whenua is an initiative based in Motueka that focuses on creating tangible expressions of aroha for every whānau. Sisters Julie and Tracey wanted to see their sacred connection to the whakapapa that gave them life, honoured through the creation of the ipu whenua - a container from which to place the placenta until it could be returned to Papatūānuku; whenua to whenua. They're product exists to celebrate life, anchor life and commemorate the things that families value most.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Awarua Research and Development
For over thirty years the whānau of Awarua have been seeking new ways to benefit their marae, whānau and community. They came to Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu with a focus for succession planning; nurturing a new generation of leaders to be supported in a variety of key areas such as governance, project management and financial management. Watch this insight into some of their latest exciting new kaupapa happening now within their whānau and communities.
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Whānau Whenua
Whānau Whenua the land intiative setup to help whānau in the Whakatū region - featuring Ngāti Kuia, Te Iwi Pakohe
Story courtesy of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu
Video - Whanau Ora Leading Provider Award
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Emerging Innovation Award
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Whanau Ora Achievement Award
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Outstanding Innovation Achiever of the Year
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - SunPix Awards 2015 – Tupou Manapori
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - SunPix Awards 2015 – Mark Gosche
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services SWPICS
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Otahuhu College
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Oceania Development Academy
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - CIDANZ
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Innovation Projects Pacific Whānau Ora
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Luseane Tu'ipulotu
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Kirisimasi Samu
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Geneva Marorora
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Gabrielle Sisifo Makisi Sa Petaia Family
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Dana Rasmussen
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures
Video - Whānau Ora Families Journeys
Pasifika Futures is a Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. We work with regionally based providers and partners to build the capability and capacity of Pacific families. Pasifika Futures supports Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training and economic development.
Story courtesy of Pasifika Futures.
United Nations Indigenous Consultation Hui
This pānui provides an outline of the consultation process regarding the participation of indigenous peoples in the meetings of the United Nations bodies on issues affecting them.
Te Pou Matakana
Te Pou Matakana recognises that in order to support whānau success, solutions must go beyond a single programme or provider.
Story courtesy of Te Pou Matakana.
Māori Housing Network supports six more papakāinga homes
Crowds gathered in Wairarapa to celebrate a new papakāinga development underway in Wairarapa for the beneficiaries of the Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae, located 10km east of Carterton. The development includes a rebuild of the marae and six new homes that will allow whānau to live on their ancestral land in affordable healthy homes and support their marae. The project will be completed over two years.
Minister visits flood stricken areas
During the weekend the Minister for Māori Development, Te Ururoa Flavell, and the Minister of Transport, Simon Bridges, flew into the Waiariki region with District Mayor Tony Bonne to assess the damage as a result of the devastation caused by ex-tropical cyclone Debbie.
Applications open for Freshwater Improvement Fund
The Ministry of Environment – Te Manatū mō te Taiao has announced that the Freshwater Improvement Fund (the Fund) is currently open for applications. The Fund provides $100 million over the next 10 years to improve the management of New Zealand’s freshwater bodies.
Te Puni Kōkiri staff member to star in education video
Whāngārei Regional Manager Tui Marsh (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) will be featured in a promotional video for the Australia New Zealand School of Government after being invited to Canberra last month to film a video about her journey as a student of their Masters programme.
KOHAFIT - Change for Change
KOHAFIT – Change for Change is a new health awareness and fitness programme that encourages the achievement of group goals as a whānau rather than individually.
Converging Waters
It’s likely that only local marae buildings have more historical Māori significance than the Ngā Wai e Rua building on Lowe street in Gisborne.
From Potaka to Mohaka
It is with that statement, and with many heads in the room nodding in agreement, a Māori tourism workshop held in the Te Puni Kōkiri office in Gisborne began last week.
Waimarama opens new papakāinga
Crowds gathered in Waimarama to celebrate the opening of a new papakāinga development which will provide housing options for local whānau. Five homes have been built at the site - three are three-bedroom affordable rental homes and two are for ownership as part of the first stage of the papakāinga development.
150 Take Up The Mātika Moving the Māori Nation Challenge
150 participants from Āwanui-a-rangi and the Whakatāne Community have launched Hikoi ki te Hauora 2017, a ten week challenge to improve their health and well-being through increased activity and weight loss.
Rewarewa D investigates options for their whenua
The Whenua Māori Fund is supporting another land initiative with Te Puni Kōkiri in Te Taitokerau having just signed an agreement with Rewarewa D. The significance of the event and the signing was not lost on either rōpū.
Whenua Māori Fund
The Whenua Māori Fund is a $12.8 million four year fund.
We are in our second year and so far more than $4.4 million has been allocated to 40 projects across the motu. In the latest funding round over 50 applications were received.
Funded projects to date cover apiculture, forestry, energy, horticulture, agriculture, tourism, and funding feasibility studies to explore and identify development options.
Māori Land Service
To date more than 1,000 Māori land owners, including large incorporations and trusts, have taken part in consultation on the Māori Land Service. To read more about each hui and Māori land owners’ views, click here.
Removing long standing barriers
Many land owners have raised long standing issues about barriers to the use and retention of their land. These were mainly to do with rating, rating valuations, the application of the Public Works Act, landlocked land and paper roads.
Update on the Bill
Three drafts of Te Ture Whenua Māori Bill were publically released. It was the first time that Te Puni Kōkiri has released a draft Bill for consultation.
The Bill was introduced in the House in April last year. It underwent a thorough examination by the Māori Affairs Committee, who spent many days and hours hearing submissions, questioning officials and deliberating.
The Bill passed its Second Reading in the House in December 2016. To follow the next steps of the Bill when they happen go to the Facebook page here, and check out our website here.
Ngā Pou o Te Ture Whenua Māori
The proposed new Act is putting stakes in the ground for the future of mokopuna, whānau, hapū and iwi throughout Aotearoa. These pou or fundamental principles are underpinned by a strengthened Treaty of Waitangi clause which reinforces the mana and rangatiratanga of Māori over their whenua, resources and taonga. This is part of the purpose and principles which are in the Bill in Māori. While they are explained in English, the Māori version takes precedence and isn’t affected by the English translation.
The Journey
Where did this start? The call for reform has been apparent for a number of years – it was identified and signalled in reports by groups such as the Māori Land Investment Group, the Māori Multiple Owned Land Development Committee, the Hui Taumata Review Group, a Federation of Māori Authorities member’s survey and a National Wānanga of Kaumātua.
Shaping Te Ture Whenua Māori
Replacing the most significant piece of legislation regarding Māori land in Aotearoa New Zealand is not something to be taken lightly.
Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 set out a new approach to Māori land under the law. For the first time the focus was on ensuring Māori held on to their land and could use it. The Māori Land Court’s role was to support retention and utilisation of Māori land.
He kupu nā te Minita
Kei aku rangatira, tēnā tātou katoa.
Tēnā hoki tātou i te āhua ki ō tātou mate e hingahinga mai ana i ō tātou marae maha huri i te motu. Ko rātou i kaiwaka ai te rangi, i iwikore ai te tangata kei te pae o mahara rātou katoa. Ko tātou ngā mahuetanga iho hei pikau i ngā mahi i mahia e rātou. Waihoki, ko te tohe nui a te Māori i roto i ngā ngahurutanga tau, ko te tohe mō tō tātou whenua. Kōkiritia tonutia tērā whawhai nui.
Cultural tourism in Te Tairāwhiti
A Tairāwhiti Cultural Tourism discussion will be held at Te Puni Kōkiri offices on Wednesday 22 March, starting at 10:30 am
Turner whānau papakāinga opening
The Turner whānau have opened their papakāinga in Ngāruawāhia. It all started about three years ago when they agreed their Whānau Ora plan through Te Puni Kōkiri WIIE fund.
Tairāwhiti Māori Economic Development Report
On February 28, at a launch held in Tūranga two Tairāwhiti economic development reports were unveiled. The Tairāwhiti report funded by Te Puni Kōkiri, was written by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. The report explores the economic opportunities available within the region for Māori, whānau, hapū and iwi. The second is the Regional Economic Action Plan which highlights the strategic priorities for the region over the next five years.
Inaugural Whānau, Hapū and Iwi Wellbeing Forum 'Te Ritorito 2017'
Registrations are now closed for Te Ritorito 2017, our inaugural whānau, hapū and iwi wellbeing forum.
New Te Puni Kōkiri Mobile Service to support Māori communities
New mobile service will support and better inform Māori communities about government funding and initiatives aimed at Māori.
Te Puni Kōkiri Hosts Japanese Delegation
Te Puni Kōkiri were honoured to host the Comprehensive Ainu Policy Office delegation last Waitangi weekend. Their visit to Aotearoa is a continuation of Japan’s interest in exploring deeper cooperation on indigenous policy development with Aotearoa.
Kiwi spotting - Rakiura Māori Lands Trust
The Rakiura Māori Lands Trust in Te Waipounamu successfully applied to the Whenua Māori Fund.
Production potential for Reureu Kotahitanga
Reureu Kotahitanga Ltd were successful in receiving $118,500 from the Whenua Māori Fund which was established to help landowners utilise unused land, improve existing operations or prepare for new opportunities.
Te tuituinga whakamua – Tupoki Takarangi Trust
Tupoki Takarangi Trust in Te Taihauāuru region with the support of $75,000 from the Whenua Māori Fund are investigating options for their three blocks.
This project will produce a feasibility investigation report, business cases and a strategic plan to prepare the trustees for investment decisions required to move forward.
Exploring horticulture – Ohuia Incorporation
Ohuia Incorporation in the Ikaroa – Rāwhiri region with 300ha of Māori freehold land is exploring their horticulture options.
Seeking alternatives – Chadwick Family Trust
While based in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti region, the Chadwick Family Trust were succesful in securing $43,200 from the Whenua Māori Fund for their forestry block located in the Te Taihauāuru region.
Being active owners - Te Kohera-Kakaho Trust
Te Kohera-Kakaho Trust has 1219ha of Māori freehold land in Waikato-Waiariki region. The Whenua Māori Fund will provide $65,000 to support the Trust with their land productivity project.
Te Rau Aroha Trust
Te Rau Aroha Trust with the support of $195,480 from the Whenua Māori Fund are leading the Omaio Kiwifruit Development project.
Collective growth – Oparau Station Trust
With the support of $99,925 from the Whenua Māori Fund, the Oparau Station Trust will work with four other farms to identify their individual potential before exploring what a relationship across the five farms could look like (e.g. supplier agreements, land management under one entity approach) and become a price maker instead of a price taker. The project also looks at specific governance mentoring to support the trustees to make future or projected investment decisions.
Ngā Ngāhere Mōmona – Taitokerau Māori Forestry
Te Tai Tokerau Māori Forestry Collective with support from the Whenua Māori Fund of $266,000 is trialling a prototype and attracting new investors.
Whenua Māori Fund 2017
The Whenua Māori Fund was set up to assist owners and trustees of Māori freehold land to prepare for new opportunities, improve existing operations and utilise unused land. We profile ten initiatives from Te Taitokerau (Far North) to Te Waipounamu (South Island) who received a total of $1.15m covering nearly 48,000 hectares of land. The Fund provides $12.8 million over four years and is part of the wider Te Ture Whenua Māori reform designed to give Māori landowners more say and control over what happens with their whenua.
Dig My Idea - Māori Innovation Challenge
Entries open on February 20 for DIGMYIDEA Māori Innovation Challenge. It is your chance to submit an innovative digital business idea that has the potential to go global.
Siblings to attend 2017 Olympics of performing arts in Hollywood
Irava and Makea Upu are gearing up to perform at the World Championships of Performing Arts in June this year after being selected by the New Zealand audition panel. Scholarships worth a total of $130,000 (US) are awarded at the prestigious event which boasts colourful opening and closing ceremonies similar to the Olympics.
Plant a tree in 2017
The project, called Trees that Count | Te Rahi o Tāne, is funded by the Tindall Foundation and run by the Project Crimson Trust. The Trust has set a target of 4.7 million trees for 2017 (one for every person in Aotearoa) and are encouraging New Zealanders to get involved in a number of ways.
Driver Licencing Programme a Success
Twenty-five year old Jadd Mahia is able to start the year with a full licence thanks to a driving programme he attended run by Eastbay Rural Education, Activities and Programmes (REAP) in Whakatāne.
NCEA go-to page for parents supporting rangatahi through results
In mid-January students were eagerly checking their NCEA results online. As the dust settles, now’s the time for parents, whānau and rangatahi to come together to talk about where to next with study and job options.
Changes proposed to the care and protection of children
A major transformational programme is underway to deliver a new child-centred operating model for vulnerable children and young people. This includes the establishment of the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki, which will be operational on 1 April 2017. The new Ministry will focus on five core service areas: prevention, intensive intervention, care support, youth justice and transition support.