Te Hono Update: 2025

As we step into another year, we reflect on the changes within our Te Hono team and the exciting new faces joining us. It’s a bittersweet time as we say goodbye to some incredible kaimahi while also welcoming fresh energy into our kaupapa.

Farewell & New Beginnings

This year, we said goodbye to our amazing counsellor, Stephen, who has taken a bold step toward his dreams, heading up to Tāmaki Makaurau to pursue acting at kura! While we miss him in person, we’re lucky to still have him with us one day a week for free online counselling. If you're ready to embark on a self-healing journey through a strengths-based approach, he’s still here to support you.

We also said goodbye to Lisa Bell, who has left the Youth Pathways team to start a new journey in Nelson. We thank her for all the amazing mahi she has done and wish her the best in her next adventure!

We also said "Mā te wā" to Jerry, who has transitioned to work with our partners at Poutini Waiora. The good news? He remains part of our whānau for the incredible wānanga we have planned for 2025!

Welcoming New Kaimahi

Firstly, we welcome Julia Lavers, and we are so lucky to have her joining us! Julia will be working alongside our other new kaimahi in the youth space, Kaia Wāipori, supporting our neurodiverse whānau and helping them lead the best lives they can.

We’re thrilled to welcome Whakatairangi White to our Mokopuna Ora team alongside Te Aroha Wai Pounamu. They will be working tirelessly to create meaningful programs for māmā, including weaving, te reo, waiata, outings, and adventures—helping to strengthen and uplift our whānau.

We are also incredibly happy to welcome back Dani! We missed her and are so stoked she’s returned—if only for a short while—as she continues smashing her third year at uni. Go Dani!

Lastly, a huge nau mai hoki mai to Noah Mills, who has returned to Te Tai o Poutini and joined our Te Hono team. He will be working hard in the youth space, supporting Hayley in creating opportunities for our rangatahi to thrive.

Looking Forward

As we settle into 2025, we are excited for the growth, challenges, and successes that lie ahead. With an incredible team in place, we remain committed to whānau, well-being, and the continued development of our kaupapa. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—we can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Arohanui, The Te Hono Team