9 November 2026
He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora – when the heart is well, the spirit rises.
He Pikinga Waiora is a four-year kaupapa Māori programme bringing Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust and Purapura Whetū Trust together in a shared commitment to supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to build strong foundations for wellbeing, connection and the future. Marked with a mihi whakatau on Monday 9 November, the programme represents a new chapter in partnership between the two organisations.
Funded through the New Zealand Government’s Social Investment Fund, He Pikinga Waiora is designed for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5 to 13 who are experiencing significant challenges and inequities, including the impacts of parental imprisonment, early disengagement from school and intergenerational experiences of care.
Grounded in kaupapa-Māori, the programme takes a strengths-based approach, recognising the potential, aspirations and existing strengths of each tamaiti and their whānau, while creating opportunities to build confidence, develop essential life skills, strengthen positive relationships and grow a strong sense of identity and belonging, through prevention and early intervention support.
“He Pikinga Waiora reflects our shared commitment to meeting whānau where they are at, listening to what matters to them and building support around their needs and aspirations,” says Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust Manahautū | CEO, Geoff Milner.
An integrated, multidisciplinary team brings together practical, therapeutic and culturally grounded support, shaped around the needs of each tamaiti and their whānau. Individual plans are connected to wider whānau plans, with kaimahi working alongside whānau to strengthen everyday routines, relationships, learning and wellbeing. The ambition is to nurture safer pathways forward and support tamariki to feel confident in who they are, connected to those around them and equipped with the foundations to thrive.
“Trust and connection take time to build and earn,” said Purapura Whetū Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Karaitiana Tickell. “Our ambition is to create the conditions for tamariki to feel safe, supported and confident in who they are, with strong relationships around them and the skills to thrive.”
A kāinga for connection, learning and growth
The heart of the programme, the kāinga (hub) in Addington provides a welcoming, whānau-like space for tamariki and whānau to connect, learn, and build relationships. Through shared kai, mentoring, learning support, creative and cultural activities, and opportunities to develop practical life skills, the programme aims to strengthen the protective relationships and connections that help tamariki and whānau flourish.
“The kāinga is an important part of the programme, offering a place to build trust, explore interests, reconnect with identity and whakapapa, and develop confidence at each tamaiti’s pace,” said Mr Milner.
The kaupapa also recognises that connection extends beyond a single place. Kaimahi will work alongside tamariki and whānau in ways that reflect their circumstances, strengths and what helps them feel safe, comfortable and connected.
A shared kaupapa, shaped through partnership
He Pikinga Waiora is the first time Te Puawaitanga and Purapura Whetū have come together to co-deliver a service in this way across their combined 40-year history. The partnership brings together the experience, relationships and strengths of both kaupapa Māori organisations to develop a programme shaped around the needs and aspirations of tamariki and whānau.
The mihi whakatau marks an important milestone as the partnership moves into the next stage of the programme. For both organisations, the work ahead is about continuing to listen, learn and build relationships alongside the tamariki and whānau who join the kaupapa, supporting them to shape their own pathways towards wellbeing.
MEDIA CONTACT
For all media enquiries, contact Communications Coordinator, Emma Hipango.
ABOUT
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust is a kaupapa Māori organisation providing a range of health, education and social services for whānau and hapori in Te Wai Pounamu. Established by Dame Taua Aroha Reireti-Crofts in 2005, Te Puawaitanga works to support whānau throughout the different stages of life, bringing support to whānau both in the home and within the community.
Purapura Whetū Trust is a kaupapa Māori health, wellbeing and social service provider in Waitaha, Aotearoa (Canterbury, New Zealand). Established in 2002, Purapura Whetū support whānau to get well, stay well, live well, and reach for the stars and beyond.
