Community stories

Every day, providers and communities are doing inspiring work and making meaningful change in their communities. We’re building a kete of stories so everyone can see this too. 

Working together to uplift whānau: Eastern Bay of Plenty Alliance

Iwi providers across the Eastern Bay of Plenty are collaborating to shift communities from surviving to thriving, building resilience, hope and pathways for the future. They acknowledge healing takes time. Through their whānau centered approach, the Alliance reports seeing increased engaged with services, increased whānau resilience, stronger whānau connections and communication skills, and reconnecting with positive support networks.

Kupega o Moana: Third Annual Ofania Symposium

The annual Ofania Symposium, hosted by Kupega o Moana, was held at Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026. It brought together parents, practitioners, community leaders, educators, health professionals and service providers from across the region to explore the shared vision of prioritising pēpē moana and strengthening the village that surrounds them.

Tatai Ora: Healing doesn't have to happen alone

Tātai Ora is prioritising experiential learning over traditional education models by creating safe, spaces and wānanga where whānau can reconnect with themselves, their relationships and their whakapapa. Their approach, Te Aka Matua, emerged as a co-created kaupapa Māori approach that supports wāhine, tāne and couples to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships and respond differently during times of distress.

Waihopai Rūnaka share whānau voices

During the design phase of Whānau Resilience, Waihopai Rūnaka spoke with 165 whānau to understand what is important to them and why existing approaches are not always working. What they heard has helped shape Safer Places. Safer Whānau., a service grounded in healing, advocacy and tailored whānau-centred support.

Taumaranui community Whānau Resilience vision

Taumaranui Community Kōkiri Trust worked with whānau and organisations across the community to identify gaps and design a Whānau Resilience service that responds to local needs. What they heard led to the development of Te Hoi Manuka, a kaupapa focused on supporting men through positive role modelling, whakapapa and connection to community.

Te Tai Tokerau Collective

Eight organisations across Te Tai Tokerau are working together to support whānau to live violence free and build stronger, more resilient communities. Guided by the aspirations of whānau, the collective is developing a shared approach to healing, recovery and wellbeing across the region.