A Journey with the Ministry of Youth Development.

As the winds of change blow through our community, we find ourselves embracing the opportunity to empower our rangatahi (youth) ages 12-24 through the Ministry of Youth Development. It’s been a journey filled with excitement, adventure, and most importantly, growth.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce our success with the Ministry of Youth Development application, which has allowed us to embark on a transformative journey with our rangatahi. Spearheaded by Hayley Smith, alongside the invaluable support of Stephen Brassett, our program has flourished, igniting a spark within over 30 young individuals during an incredible term 1.

Reflecting on our journey thus far, it’s been nothing short of extraordinary. From the outset, our mission was clear: to provide enriching experiences that not only foster personal development but also cultivate a deep sense of connection to our land, culture, and community.

Our adventures have been as diverse as they have been enriching. From traversing the ancient pathways of Pounamu to scaling the heights of Awa, our rangatahi have embraced every challenge with courage and enthusiasm. But it’s not just about conquering physical feats; it’s about instilling a sense of resilience, determination, and self-belief that will serve them well beyond these adventures.

Waka ama has seen our youth navigate the waters with grace and unity, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Bushcraft adventures have taught essential survival skills while deepening their connection to nature. Each experience has been carefully crafted to provide not just fun outings, but meaningful opportunities for growth and learning.

What’s truly heartening is witnessing the transformation within our rangatahi. With each adventure, we see them blossom—growing in confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. They’re not just participants; they’re active agents of change, shaping their own futures and the world around them.

And let’s not forget the invaluable contribution of our dedicated team. Hayley’s passion and dedication have been the driving force behind our program’s success, while Stephen’s commitment, even on his two days a week, has been instrumental in shaping memorable experiences for our rangatahi.

As we look ahead, our journey with the Ministry of Youth Development is far from over. We’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead—new adventures to embark on, new skills to master, and new connections to forge. But one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to empowering our rangatahi, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive.

Together, we’re building a brighter future—one adventure at a time. And as we continue on this journey, we invite you to join us in championing the potential of our rangatahi, empowering them to reach new heights and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

Looking forward to this opportunity for our team and whānau.

Taking care of oneself isn't just a luxury; it's a fundamental necessity, especially in our professional setting. In today's fast-paced world, where demands are high and expectations are ever-increasing, the importance of staff looking after themselves cannot be overstated.

Staff members are the backbone of our organisation, driving its success and growth. However, their well-being often takes a back seat as they prioritise meeting deadlines, achieving targets, and catering to the needs of others. Yet, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even long-term health issues.

When our staff prioritise their well-being, they are better equipped to handle challenges, manage stress, and maintain a positive attitude. They become more resilient, adaptable, and creative, fostering a healthier work environment and enhancing overall team dynamics.

Moreover, self-care isn't just about physical health; it encompasses our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well. Encouraging staff to take breaks, practice mindfulness, engage in hobbies, and seek support when needed can significantly improve their overall quality of life and job satisfaction.

Ultimately, our organisation thrives when its staff members are thriving. By recognising the importance of our staff looking after themselves and promoting a culture that prioritises well-being, we can cultivate a workforce that is not only productive but also fulfilled and resilient.

Join Us for the Hokitika Winter Food Drive: Feeding Our Community Together

As the chill of winter settles in, so do the challenges faced by many families in our community. The increase in food costs coupled with limited funding for essential services has made it even more difficult for families to put food on the table. In response to this pressing need, we are happy to announce that we are going to do another kai drive. Hokitika Winter Food Drive.

Similar to our successful Christmas food drive, this initiative aims to rally the community together to support those in need during the colder months. We understand that every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference in someone's life.

Here's how you can participate:

Simply leave your donations of perishable items at your letterbox, and our volunteers will take care of the rest. Whether it's one tin, ten tins, or a bag of food, every donation is deeply appreciated.

Spread the Word: Help us spread awareness about the food drive within our community. Share our message on social media, tell your friends and family, and encourage others to join in this collective effort to support our neighbors in need.

Together, let's show the strength of our community by coming together to support one another during these challenging times. By participating in the Hokitika Winter Food Drive, you're not just providing meals; you're offering hope and solidarity to those who need it most.

If you would like to drop off food anytime then you can do so to 47 Revell St Hokitika.

Let's make this winter a little warmer for everyone. Join us in feeding our community and spreading kindness one donation at a time.

Building Awesome Whānau: A Partnership with Kati Waewae Runanga and Whare Manaaki

Are you ready to strengthen the bonds within your whānau and build a foundation of aroha? We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kati Waewae Runanga and Whare Manaaki to bring you the empowering Building Awesome Whānau Workshop!

Mark your calendars for May 11th and 12th, where we'll embark on two full days of transformative experiences at Arahura Marae. But that's not all—our journey continues weekly for six weeks starting on May 16th, where we'll be at Whare Manaaki in Māwhera, delving into the essence of whānau building.

What makes these workshops even more special? They're free! We believe that every whānau deserves the opportunity to thrive, which is why we've made these workshops accessible to all. And don't worry about childcare—we've got you covered. Feel free to bring your tamariki along, and we'll ensure they're taken care of while you participate in the sessions.

The heart of the Building Awesome Whānau workshops lies in our kaupapa—building love within our whānau. Together, we'll explore strategies, share stories, and engage in activities aimed at nurturing stronger connections, fostering understanding, and promoting love and harmony within our families.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or simply someone who values the power of whānau, these workshops are for you. Join us as we embark on this incredible journey of growth, healing, learning, and love.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enrich your whānau life. Come along, bring your whānau, and let's build something truly awesome together!

We can't wait to see you there!

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, we find ourselves in the midst of flu season once again. The influenza virus can wreak havoc on our health, leading to missed work or school days, hospitalizations, and even fatalities. However, there is a simple and effective way to protect ourselves and our communities: getting a flu shot.

Fortunately, many healthcare providers and organizations offer free flu shots, making it easier than ever to safeguard against this contagious illness. In this blog post, we'll explore why getting a flu shot is crucial, debunk some common misconceptions, and highlight the benefits of accessing free flu shots.

Why Get a Flu Shot?

Protect Yourself: The flu vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the influenza virus. By getting vaccinated, you significantly reduce your risk of getting sick with the flu.

Protect Others: Getting vaccinated not only safeguards your health but also helps protect those around you. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of complications from the flu.

Prevent Spread: Flu shots help prevent the spread of the virus within communities, reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems and preventing outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces.

Dispelling Myths

Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of flu vaccines, there are still myths and misconceptions that deter people from getting vaccinated. Let's address some of these:

"The Flu Shot Can Give Me the Flu": This is a common misconception. The flu vaccine does not contain live viruses, so it cannot cause the flu. Some people may experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever, but these are temporary and far less severe than the flu itself.

"I Don't Need a Flu Shot Every Year": While immunity from flu vaccination can last several months to a year, the influenza virus strains change over time. Annual vaccination is necessary to ensure that you are protected against the most current strains circulating each flu season.

"I'm Healthy, so I Don't Need a Flu Shot": Even if you consider yourself healthy, getting vaccinated helps protect you and those around you. Plus, you never know when you might come into contact with someone who is more vulnerable to the flu.

The Benefits of Free Flu Shots

Access to free flu shots eliminates financial barriers and ensures that everyone, regardless of income or insurance status, can take proactive steps to safeguard their health. Here are some key benefits:

Equitable Access: Free flu shot clinics and programs promote equity in healthcare by ensuring that underserved communities have the same opportunity to protect themselves against the flu as those with greater resources.

Public Health Impact: By increasing vaccination rates across the population, free flu shot initiatives contribute to better overall public health outcomes, reducing the spread of illness and preventing severe complications.

Conclusion

As flu season approaches, don't underestimate the importance of getting vaccinated. Free flu shots offer a convenient and cost-effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the flu. Remember, prevention is key, and taking proactive steps now can help keep you healthy throughout the flu season and beyond. Schedule your free flu shot today and stay one step ahead of the flu!

The team at Te Hono O Ngā Waka have done up an amazing safety plan for those who may be struggling with mental health.

Whether you are, your whānau member or a friend this plan is the perfect resource to ensure your safety during this difficult time!

Our Te Hono team have up-skilled in many trainings to expand our knowledge and ability from previous personal lived experience & numerous trainings to ensure we are able to provide the best quality of help for rangatahi and whānau.

Feel free to pop into our office on 47 Revell street to meet the team and have a kōrero about all of the resources we have available for yourself, whānau or friends who will benefit from it!

Last week, amidst the pitter-patter of raindrops and the scent of freshly cooked kai, we had the joyous opportunity to gather at Lazer Park for a heartwarming reunion. It was a day filled with laughter, catching up, and the joy of seeing our children play together, carefree and happy. As we reminisce on this beautiful gathering, it's evident that these moments are what truly enrich our lives.

The kai, prepared with love and care, was a testament to the culinary talents within our group. From roast port and lamb to flavorful kumara & salad, each dish was a delight for the senses. And as we savored each bite, and including dessert!

But perhaps the most heartening aspect of our gathering was witnessing our children's joy as they played together in the rain-soaked surroundings. Their laughter echoed through the park, a reminder of the simple pleasures that bring us together. As they chased each other, their innocent smiles served as a poignant reminder of the beauty of childhood friendship.

For our parents, the gathering provided a much-needed reprieve from the daily grind. With no cooking or dishes to worry about, they could relax and enjoy the moment, basking in the warmth of our community whānau.

In retrospect, our kai and kōrero at Lazer Park was more than just a gathering—it was a reaffirmation of the importance of connection and community. In a world filled with hustle and bustle, these moments of togetherness serve as anchors, grounding us in what truly matters—love, laughter, and shared experiences.

So, to all who joined us on that rainy day, thank you for adding warmth and light to our gathering. May our bonds continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may we always find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Until we meet again in May.

One of our pathways advisors Bridie with her student Nikita in the kitchen at the supported learning course at the Tai Poutini Polytechnic. Nikita has come such a long way during her time in our youth pathways service. When we first met Nikita she was mentally and physically suffering. So Bridie and Nikita have been working closely together with getting Nikita’s life back on track again, achieving small goals one step at a time. And now here she is showing herself that she is 100% worth it, doing something out of her comfort zone.

A fun day out with the Monday Mokopuna Ora Parenting Ropu strengthening relationships and unity of tamariki and parents.

We exchanged ideas and love for children's development for promoting tamariki well-being. Acknowledging the importance and appreciating our tamariki language to enhance their enthusiasm and genuine affection for their connection to the Māori world. The Māori language is a great treasure for us, and by strengthening this language, our tamariki can strengthen their own connections to the Māori world.

Our goal is to empower strength, participation, and the desire to our whānau bodies and minds. Let us support and help each other achieve our dreams and find the paths they desire to develop.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and ongoing commitment to us. Our Mokopuna Ora contract has made a significant difference in the lives of so many whānau within our ropu. Through your generosity and dedication, we've been able to achieve incredible progress and positive outcomes.

The visit gave us a momentous opportunity to showcase the collective achievements and successes of our community. We were able to share stories of growth, resilience, and empowerment, highlighting the impact of our collaborative efforts.

As we reflect on the visit, we're reminded of the strength and unity within our whānau. Together, we've created a supportive and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive and flourish.

In the heart of Te Tai o Poutini, something truly remarkable is happening. Jerry and Jack, two passionate individuals dedicated to the revitalisation of traditional Mau Rākau. Their tireless efforts have seen them working with over 15 schools, inspiring young minds and fostering a deep connection to the cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

Breathing new life into ancient practices their work not only preserving traditional knowledge but also empowering our community to embrace our heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Jerry and Jack's journey began with a shared vision to reconnect people with the Mau Rākau traditions of their ancestors. Through workshops, educational programs, and community events, they've sparked a renewed interest in waka navigation, weaving together history and culture in a compelling tapestry.

Now, with their reach expanding and the demand for their expertise growing, Jerry and Jack are taking another significant step forward. They are welcoming a new apprentice into their fold, aiming to increase the capacity and ensure the longevity of their mission for generations to come.