This week we gathered for a special day session dedicated to building the capacity of whānau through the art of raranga (weaving). Our focus for the day was creating beautiful putiputi (flowers) from harakeke, a traditional craft that not only brings us together but also keeps our cultural heritage alive.

This past weekend, we had the privilege of hosting Mind Over Manner here in Te Tai O Poutini, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. The workshops focused on providing practical tools and strategies to support our neurodiverse tamariki, especially in the kura environment.

Nikita’s Triumph in Muay Thai!

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Nikita’s incredible achievement—her first Muay Thai fight in Christchurch, where she claimed victory with a round 2 knockout! Nikita’s journey has been one of sheer determination, grit, and unwavering dedication, and her performance in the ring is a testament to what it means to commit fully to your goals.

This week has been an exciting and action-packed time for our rangatahi as we took them to the Hokitika pool to practice flipping the waka. The energy was high as many of our youth came together, eager to sharpen their skills and gain confidence on the water.

We are excited to introduce and welcome our new rangatahi kaimahi, Tina Tainui, to our Te Hono O Ngā Waka team! Tina has already proven herself to be a dedicated and valuable member of our team, having worked with us over the past few months. Her commitment to our kaupapa shines through in everything she does.

Last week, I had the privilege of taking seven incredible young wahine on a horse trek, an experience that turned out to be far more transformative than any of us anticipated. This adventure was not just about riding horses through scenic trails; it was about building confidence, fostering connections, and showcasing bravery.

The sun was shining, and the community was buzzing with excitement as whānau gathered at the local pool for a day of fun and health promotion. Children splashed in the water, laughter echoed, and the smell of pizza filled the air. This whānau day was not just about enjoying the summer; it was also an opportunity to engage with our community and get their voice about immunisations.

Te Tai O Poutini was abuzz with excitement as Mana Mokopuna visited for the first time to collect the voices of our Rangatahi. The Rangatahi were eager to share their stories and experiences.

This winter, we have had the privilege of putting together winter packs for our whānau through our Healthy Homes Mahi. It's heartwarming to see the community come together, supporting one another to ensure everyone stays warm and well during these colder months.

We are excited to announce that Te Hono O Ngā Waka will now be part of the NZ Needle Exchange Programme, extending our efforts to support the Westland Community with safe practices. Our aim is to decrease stigma and discrimination, increase safety for users and their whānau, and provide much-needed education and support when whānau are ready.

We are thrilled to share the heartwarming success of our winter kai drive, "Feed the Tamariki." This year, the community's outpouring of generosity and support has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we have made a significant impact in ensuring that our tamariki and their whānau are well-fed and cared for during these chilly months.