Ella is a 15-year-old who has been walking alongside us since December. When she first came to Te Hono, she was not engaged in mainstream education, with severe anxiety making it extremely difficult for her to leave the house.

Since then, the shift has been significant.

Through consistent, relational support and a pace that works for her, Ella is now fully engaged in her journey with us. What that looks like in practice is the small but powerful steps, the real mahi.

Katie has been working closely with Ella, supporting her to build confidence by practicing getting into the car and gradually going outside the house. These moments might seem simple to some, but for Ella, they are huge milestones.

Jools, her Youth Pathways Advisor, has been walking alongside her across all aspects of her journey, supporting her through client requirements while also creating space for connection and creativity. Together, they’ve been learning to make Poi Atua, strengthening both skill and cultural connection.

Julia has also played a key role, screening Ella for dyslexia and supporting her into a learning pathway that works for her. Through this, Ella has been introduced to Pathways Awarua, an option she has connected with straight away. In her own words, she enjoys it because “it’s interesting and there are lots of things for me to do.”

This is what it looks like when the environment fits the young person, not the other way around.

Ella’s journey is a reminder that engagement doesn’t come from pressure, it comes from feeling safe, supported, and understood.

Mahi pai, Ella, we are so proud of you

Saying goodbye to another one of our pou, Steph, who has held the fort for us in Kawatiri with such strength, consistency, and heart over the past three years.

Steph’s journey with us has been one of real growth. From where she started to where she stands now, the transformation has been something special to witness. She has committed herself to learning, to showing up, and to doing the mahi even when it’s been hard. That quiet dedication has made a big impact, not just on the team, but on the many rangatahi she has walked alongside.

Over her time with us, Steph has supported countless rangatahi, building trust, holding space, and backing them to navigate their own journeys. She’s been someone they could rely on, steady, genuine, and always there when it mattered. That kind of presence doesn’t go unnoticed.

Alongside her mahi, Steph has also invested in herself, completing her Level 3 Youth Work Certificate through Careerforce. That speaks to her commitment to growing her skills and strengthening the way she shows up for our community.

Steph, thank you for everything you have given to this kaupapa. Your contribution has been meaningful, and your impact will continue to be felt long after you’ve moved on.

We are proud of you, and we know this is not the end, just the next step in your journey.

Mauri ora 🤍

For a long time, we’ve known what our whānau on Te Tai o Poutini have needed. Better access, earlier understanding, and the right support when it comes to neurodiversity and trauma.

What has been harder is actually getting those services here. So, this moment feels significant.

With ACFB returning, Devon Kollar coming, alongside the return of Elen Natan for LEGO® therapy, we are finally seeing real movement. Not just one-off events, but the beginning of something more consistent, more accessible, and more grounded in what our whānau actually need.

It’s about helping people understand themselves and their tamariki in a way that shifts everything.
It’s about moving from confusion and frustration to clarity and direction.

It’s about recognising that what has often been labelled as “problem behaviour” is actually communication, adaptation, and survival. And most importantly it’s about doing this in a way that is safe, whānau-centred.

Why This Matters for Our Coast

We work every day with whānau navigating complex layers ADHD, autism, trauma, intergenerational harm, and systems that were designed to not work well for our whānau.

Too often, access to proper assessments and support has meant:

• Travelling out of region

• Sitting on long waitlists

• Or simply going without

That creates inequity. And over time, it creates bigger challenges across education, health, justice, and wellbeing. The life expectancy of our neurodiverse is 54 yrs of age! Sit with that for a moment.

Bringing these services to Te Tai o Poutini is about breaking that cycle. It means:

• Earlier understanding

• Better pathways

• Stronger outcomes for our tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau

It takes a village — and we are intentionally building that village here on the Coast.

This hasn’t happened overnight. It has taken a long time, a lot of pushing, relationship-building, advocating, and holding the line on what our community deserves.

To everyone who has supported this to happen. To the services willing to travel, to show up, and to work alongside us in a way that respects our people and our place, ngā mihi nui .

To our whānau who continue to trust us, share their journeys, and keep showing up, this is for you.

This is just the beginning of our journey.

Over time, we’ve been fortunate to grow strong, aligned relationships with a range of services who continue to walk beside us, tautoko our kaupapa and backing our whānau. From the PHO, Public Health, Westland Medical Centre, Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa, and many more each connection strengthens the collective.

We also want to acknowledge the new relationships we’ve built this year. It’s been awesome to see new kaupapa come on board, bringing fresh whakaaro, energy, and commitment to the shared vision of better outcomes for our people.

In Te Ao Māori, we know that everything starts with relationships. Whanaungatanga is not just a value it’s the foundation. When we get that right, everything else flows. Our whānau feel it. Our services align better. And the outcomes speak for themselves.

Here in Te Tai o Poutini, having strong, connected relationships across services means our whānau are better supported, seen, and understood. It means less falling through the gaps, and more walking together.

So this is a big mihi to all of you we work alongside, thank you for showing up, for trusting the kaupapa, and for continuing to stand with us.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
My strength is not that of one, but of many.

We recently had the privilege of hosting Elen Nathan again in Te Tai O Poutini for a workshop on sensory modulation and wellbeing here on Te Tai o Poutini. We had over 60 people attend across the sessions, which speaks to the growing need and appetite for understanding our tamariki, rangatahi and whānau in more meaningful, effective ways.

The kōrero throughout the day was honest, robust, and at times quite confronting. There were definitely moments that shifted thinking, not just small tweaks, but real “mind-blowing” changes in how we understand behaviour, regulation, and support. A key takeaway was moving away from seeing behaviour as something to manage, and instead understanding it as a response to unmet needs, environments, and nervous system states.

One of the most powerful learnings was around sensory modulation, understanding that we can support people to shift their energy state (how they feel in their body) through the senses. This is not about controlling behaviour, but about creating the conditions for regulation through safety, choice, and connection. The reminder that “it’s not the tool, it’s the person” really landed.

We explored the 9 sensory systems , not just the commonly known five, but also the internal systems like proprioception, vestibular, interoception, and neuroception. These gave us a much deeper understanding of how people experience the world, and why what might seem “small” to us can be overwhelming or unsafe for someone else.

Another important shift was recognising that:

• There is no “one size fits all” — regulation looks different for everyone

• What we often label as challenging behaviour is actually a nervous system response

• Environments, not just individuals, need to adapt

A statistic that really stayed with many of us was that the life expectancy for neurodiverse individuals can be as low as 54 years. This reinforced the urgency of doing better, not just in services, but across all systems including education, health, and community support.

What also felt really aligned was how strongly this mahi connects with Te Ao Māori. Concepts like:

• Wairua (sense of safety and connection)

• Whanaungatanga (relationships as the foundation)

• Manaakitanga (meeting needs with care and respect)

…are all inherently woven through sensory-informed practice. This isn’t new to us it’s a reaffirming of what we already know works for our people.

A big takeaway for our team is that supporting whānau is not about adding more programmes or strategies, it’s about doing things differently, in ways that are relational, responsive, and grounded in understanding the person in front of us.

Due to the impact of this session and the strong interest, we are planning to bring Elen back in September to deliver the Therapeutic Use of LEGO® workshop as a follow-up. This will allow us to build on this learning with practical, hands-on tools to support social, emotional, and sensory development.

Overall, this workshop has strengthened our commitment to:

• Creating environments that support regulation, not compliance

• Embedding sensory and trauma-informed approaches into our mahi

• Continuing to walk alongside whānau in ways that honor who they are

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Receiving a moko kauae is more than ink on skin. It is the return of a story that never truly left us.

For generations our wāhine carried strength, wisdom, and leadership within their whakapapa. Colonisation tried to silence many of these expressions of identity, but the mana of our tūpuna has always remained. When a wahine chooses to wear her moko kauae, she is not becoming something new — she is remembering who she has always been.

Each line speaks of whakapapa.
Each mark carries the voices of our tūpuna.
Each curve represents resilience, survival, and aroha.

A moko kauae is a declaration:
“I know who I am. I know where I come from. I walk with those who came before me and those who will follow.”

It is also a responsibility — to stand with dignity, to uplift others, and to carry the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and courage into the world.

To every wahine on this journey:
Your moko kauae is not just yours alone. It belongs to your tīpuna, your whānau, your hapū, and your mokopuna yet to come.

You wear their stories with pride.
You carry their strength with grace.
And through you, the legacy continues.

He tohu aroha.
He tohu mana.
He tohu whakapapa.

Te Kete is alive again with the energy of our rangatahi as the After School Programme is back up and running for the year. It has been awesome to see so many of our boys returning to the hub, reconnecting with each other and settling back into the space like they never left. Te Kete is once again full of life, laughter, and the steady rhythm of rangatahi just being rangatahi together.

These warm afternoons have seen us spending plenty of time down at the Hokitika River. The sounds of laughter carry across the water — manu splashes, back slaps, cheering, and joking with each other. It is simple stuff, but it is the kind of connection and fun that builds strong young people. Being together in a safe space where they feel comfortable and accepted is what Te Kete is all about.

More than anything, the programme is about connection — connection to each other, to positive role models, and to a place where rangatahi know they belong. When rangatahi feel that sense of belonging, they thrive.

E kore te tōtara e tū noa i waenganui pārae, engari ka tū ki te wao nui a Tāne.
The tōtara does not stand alone in the open plains; it stands within the great forest of Tāne.

Our rangatahi grow strong when they are surrounded by their people — supported, encouraged, and connected. Te Kete is that forest, a place where our rangatahi can stand tall together.

It is beautiful to have the hub full again. Te Kete is open, the kai is on, and the door is always open for our rangatahi to come and be part of the space.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Kete.

We’re back on track and ready to roll into 2026 at Te Kete – our youth hub! 🎉
Term 1 is shaping up to be full of connection, creativity, movement and good times with our rangatahi. Whether you’re keen to game, get active, paddle, fish, or just chill out, there’s a place for you here.

Come down, grab some kai, have a catch-up, and jump into the fun with your mates in a safe, welcoming space. We can’t wait to see you at Te Kete! 🙌

To wrap up 2025, our Te Hono crew decided to do what any sensible bunch of exhausted-but-determined community warriors would do… go paintballing. It was chaotic, hilarious, and absolutely brutal. The bruises will be with us well into 2026, but so will the memories.

After surviving that mission, we refilled our wairua with the most delicious kai from our favourite local talent, Trish Barlow. As always, perfection.

And then came the part none of us were ready for: saying goodbye to our beloved kaimahi, our sister, our pou Hayley.

What. A. Year.

2025… holly molly. Usually, I write these blogs and talk about the highlights, the wins, the moments that made us proud. But if I’m honest, this year has felt like one giant, messy rollercoaster. Twists we didn’t see coming, drops that took our breath away, and somehow, we still found ourselves holding on tight, together.

I am unbelievably proud of us. Every single one of you at Te Hono gives your whole heart to our people. You show up, even when the world feels heavy, even when the system feels stacked against us. Normally I’d write little blurbs about each kaimahi, but this year I just want to say this:

Thank you. Truly. Deeply. Thank you.

The political climate is unsettling. The direction of the current government is concerning. But through all of that uncertainty, you have each continued to do the mahi with courage, compassion, and absolute determination. So again, thank you.

Let’s strap in and see where the 2026 ride takes us. We will face it the way we always do, together.

A Big Change Ahead: Farewelling Our Hayley

But the real reason for this blog is to acknowledge a significant transition in our team, one that comes with both deep sadness and even deeper gratitude. In 2026, we will be losing one of our most influential pou… our Hayley.

It has been an absolute privilege to walk alongside her through so many seasons of life. Hayley is one of those rare people whose aroha radiates in everything she does. She is kind, caring, grounded, and generous beyond words, the kind of person who truly would give you the shirt off her back.

Her contribution to our people, to our rangatahi, and to Te Tai o Poutini has been immense. She has poured so much of herself into others, shaping a stronger, safer, more connected community. Her journey has not always been easy, but her growth has been beautiful: learning, healing, transforming, and lifting others as she climbs.

We are going to miss her and her whānau dearly. As friends, as colleagues, and as a community. Hokitika has truly lost one of its great pou a pillar of mana wāhine, strength, and compassion.

Hayley, thank you for choosing this place. Thank you for raising your whānau here and for giving so much of yourself to this community. Thank you for walking alongside us from the beginning, for your fierce loyalty, for your healing journey that you have shared so openly to light the path for others.

Thank you for the aroha, the laughter, the sweat, the mahi, the tears, and all those quiet moments of kindness that most people will never see but which have stitched this community closer together.

As you cross the moana into your next adventure, know this:

Your roots will always remain here. Deep. Strong. Loved.
You have left a legacy that will continue long after you’ve gone.

On behalf of all of us at Te Mahi Ako, I’m delighted to congratulate you and the team at Te Hono o Ngā Waka on winning our 2025 Small Business Award – Transforming Tomorrow’s Workforce.

Your achievement is a testament to the incredible impact you’ve made in such a short time. Despite being a new business, your strong commitment to developing your team and building capability truly stands out. The way your staff have embraced Te Mahi Ako’s tikanga programme reflects your dedication to continuous learning and cultural grounding.

What sets Te Hono o Ngā Waka apart is your proactive approach to growth, not just delivering services, but ensuring your team is skilled, confident, and future-ready. This commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a learning culture is inspiring and makes a meaningful difference for both your people and the communities you serve.

A special mention that you were nominated by your regional advisor, Cherie Baker, who will be in touch soon to present your trophy.

Ngā mihi nui for leading the way and showing what’s possible. We’re proud to celebrate your success and look forward to seeing your continued impact.

Te Hono o Ngā Waka was created in response to a need felt deeply within their community – whānau who were disconnected, isolated, or falling through the gaps of existing systems. From that need grew a kaupapa grounded firmly in tikanga, manaakitanga, and aroha: a place where whānau could reconnect to culture, identity, and opportunity. Their name, Te Hono o Ngā Waka, represents the binding together of many waka and many journeys into one collective pathway. It speaks to unity, shared strength, and the belief that no one should move forward alone.

Winning this award so early in their journey is more than just an achievement – it is an affirmation. For the team, it recognises the resilience of their people, the dedication of their kaimahi, and the power of Māori-led, culturally grounded solutions. It validates their approach and confirms that their mahi is creating meaningful, lasting impact within their community.

Embedding Te Mahi Ako’s tikanga programme into their workplace was never optional; it was essential. Tikanga shapes every interaction, every decision, and every act of service. It ensures their environment is culturally safe, affirming, and mana-enhancing for both kaimahi and whānau, while keeping the team anchored in values rather than simply tasks.

Their investment in upskilling has strengthened the entire organisation. Kaimahi have gained confidence, clarity, and the tools to support whānau with professionalism and integrity. Their practice is safer, their service delivery stronger, and continuous learning has become part of their identity as a team. One defining moment stands out for them: watching staff confidently facilitate wānanga using tikanga-based tools – opening with karakia, grounding the space with mana, and guiding whānau with compassion. Seeing their team step fully into their power remains one of the greatest rewards of this mahi.

What makes Te Hono o Ngā Waka truly unique is that kaupapa Māori sits at the heart of everything they do, never as an add-on. Their approach is whānau-centred, trauma-informed, relational, and strengths-based. They walk alongside whānau at their pace, honouring every story and celebrating every strength. Their community knows they are committed for the long haul.

As a new organisation, capacity has been one of their biggest challenges – balancing immense community need with a small team and limited resources. They have navigated this through collaboration, strong relationships, and a willingness to be flexible and innovative. Even under pressure, holding fast to their kaupapa has kept them steady, grounded, and connected.

Their proactive approach to building capability is not just about professional development; it is about shaping safer, stronger outcomes for whānau. A skilled, culturally grounded workforce leads to better advocacy, deeper trust, and truly transformational support. When their kaimahi grow, their community grows alongside them.

Their advice to other small businesses is simple yet powerful: make learning an everyday practice, build an environment where reflection, honesty, and curiosity are valued, allow people the space to grow at their own pace, and most importantly, ensure leaders walk the talk. When leadership embraces learning, the whole team follows.

Looking ahead, Te Hono o Ngā Waka is focused on expanding capability, strengthening trauma-informed and cultural services, and growing pathways that help whānau thrive. Sustainability, deeper partnerships, and the expansion of safe cultural spaces are central to their next phase. Their momentum will continue as long as they remain aligned with their kaupapa and guided by the needs of their people.

We have been working with a young wahine who had not attended mainstream schooling for over three years. Like many neurodiverse tamariki, she had quietly fallen through the gaps, struggling to re-engage in school, declined twice for assessment through the public system, and facing barriers that made accessing support incredibly difficult.

When we started working with her, she slowly began to reconnect, joining group sessions, building friendships, and gently working through social anxieties that had once held her back. Over time, she started learning about who she is, where she comes from, and what it feels like to be grounded in identity, culture and belonging. Her confidence began to grow, and so did her spark.

With our wrap-around support for her and her whānau, we were able to advocate for assessment funding, secure a diagnosis for neurodiversity, and transition her into home-based learning through Te Kura — a setting that honored her pace and unique way of learning.

The change has been incredible. Below is feedback from her teacher:

"She has responded wonderfully to learning from home. She met with me online every week, spoke freely and comfortably, and consistently submitted high-quality work at an increasingly challenging level. She also attended online classes regularly.

She was awarded a tohu at the end of the year, although travel was too far to attend the ceremony, so it will be sent to her.

End-of-year assessments show her working at a much higher level than indicated at enrolment. I often see this for ākonga with ASD when they are removed from the noise and pressure of a classroom environment and can learn in their own space and time.

She should be incredibly proud — she’s had an awesome year!”

Her journey reminds us of what happens when a young person is given time, patience and a place where they feel safe to simply be themselves. With identity, connection and the right support, potential is not just reached, it flourishes.

Another success story.
Another tamaiti thriving.
This is why we do the mahi.