Supporting Our Tamariki: Back-to-School Initiative

As the cost of living continues to rise, many whānau are feeling the pressure, particularly when it comes to preparing tamariki for the school year. The financial strain of school supplies, uniforms, and essential items can be overwhelming, making it difficult for some families to ensure their children have everything they need to start the year with confidence.

At Te Hono, we believe in equity in education and ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive. That’s why we have worked hard to provide support to whānau across our rohe. Recently, we were able to provide Hokitika Primary School students with brand-new school bags, lunchboxes, and drink bottles. To further ease the burden, we also included Warehouse vouchers, ensuring tamariki have access to additional school essentials. We didn’t forget about oral health either—each pack included a toothbrush and toothpaste to help reinforce the importance of looking after our smile!

For our rangatahi at Westland High School, we were able to distribute vouchers for Red Street Wear, helping students access the necessary uniform items they need to start the year feeling prepared and proud. Uniforms can be a significant expense, and we want to ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to financial hardship.

But our mahi doesn’t stop here. We worked in partnership with the Mātauranga Komiti to extend this kaupapa to kura in Māwhera, focusing on providing stationary funds to help alleviate school costs for whānau. Education should be a pathway to opportunity, not another financial barrier for struggling families.

The cost of living is skyrocketing, and with it, the cost of education-related expenses. From school uniforms and lunchboxes to books and digital devices, the burden on whānau is increasing. We know that when tamariki have access to the right tools for learning, they have a better chance of succeeding, growing in confidence, and reaching their full potential.

This initiative is about more than just supplies; it’s about creating opportunities, lifting up our community, and ensuring that every child—regardless of their whānau’s financial situation—can step into their classroom ready to learn.

If you or someone you know needs extra support, or if you’d like to contribute to this kaupapa, reach out to us. Let’s continue working together to build a stronger, more equitable future for our tamariki and whānau.