Last week, I had the privilege of taking seven incredible young wahine on a horse trek, an experience that turned out to be far more transformative than any of us anticipated. This adventure was not just about riding horses through scenic trails; it was about building confidence, fostering connections, and showcasing bravery.

The sun was shining, and the community was buzzing with excitement as whānau gathered at the local pool for a day of fun and health promotion. Children splashed in the water, laughter echoed, and the smell of pizza filled the air. This whānau day was not just about enjoying the summer; it was also an opportunity to engage with our community and get their voice about immunisations.

Te Tai O Poutini was abuzz with excitement as Mana Mokopuna visited for the first time to collect the voices of our Rangatahi. The Rangatahi were eager to share their stories and experiences.

This winter, we have had the privilege of putting together winter packs for our whānau through our Healthy Homes Mahi. It's heartwarming to see the community come together, supporting one another to ensure everyone stays warm and well during these colder months.

We are excited to announce that Te Hono O Ngā Waka will now be part of the NZ Needle Exchange Programme, extending our efforts to support the Westland Community with safe practices. Our aim is to decrease stigma and discrimination, increase safety for users and their whānau, and provide much-needed education and support when whānau are ready.

We are thrilled to share the heartwarming success of our winter kai drive, "Feed the Tamariki." This year, the community's outpouring of generosity and support has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we have made a significant impact in ensuring that our tamariki and their whānau are well-fed and cared for during these chilly months.

A Moment of Pride: Poutini Waka Ama's First Ever Race (in Dunedin).

Wow, what an experience! Words can hardly capture the pride and joy we feel. We made it! Poutini Waka Ama traveled to Dunedin with two groups of rangatahi and a group of mixed adults to compete in their first-ever waka ama race. It was an amazing event, marking a significant milestone for our team.

Hayley Smith: You can move mountains with one hand! Your dedication and hard work were pivotal in making this journey a success. From the planning stages to the execution, your commitment never wavered.

Wesley: You are our rock. Your support for our team and our youth is invaluable. We rely on you so much, and you never let us down. Watching the positive changes you bring to your sons and our community is a beautiful experience. We are immensely proud of you.

To our rangatahi who dedicated their time and effort, we cannot thank you enough. You showed your vulnerabilities and faced the challenge with courage. On the day of the race, you paddled your hearts out, giving it everything you had. Your performance was nothing short of spectacular.

A huge thank you to our supporters: Poutini Waiora, WestREAP, Te Rito, and the whānau. Your contributions and encouragement were instrumental in our journey. We are grateful for your support.

Our hard work paid off, and we are thrilled to announce that we secured a 1st, another 1st, and a 4th place! This taste of success has given us the bug, and Poutini Waka Ama is just beginning its journey to greatness. There will be more races, more victories, and more moments of pride.

A Joyful Day with it was at the Culture Festival with a lot of fun, laughter, and cultural appreciation. The festival was a vibrant showcase of some of the community’s heritage, filled with activities that delighted people of all ages.

One of the highlights of the day was undoubtedly the delicious traditional food. We served up a hearty boil-up and fry bread, which were an absolute hit. The aroma of the simmering pots drew everyone in, and it was no surprise that we went through three large pots!

In addition to the fantastic food, the festival was packed with engaging activities that allowed everyone to connect with our culture in meaningful ways. One of the most popular activities was harakeke weaving.

A huge thank you to the Lions Club for their incredible effort in organizing and bringing this festival to life. The Culture Festival was a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community. The laughter, the delicious food, the creative activities, and the sense of togetherness made the afternoon truly special.

Celebrating Community Health Initiatives with the Waitaha Health Bus.

This past week has been a remarkable journey of community health and wellness, marked by two significant events aimed at increasing vaccination uptake and providing essential heart checks. Partnering with the Waitaha Health Bus, we held successful gatherings at Lazer Park and the Kiwi Rugby Club, both of which drew an enthusiastic response from whānau and highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare.

Our first event took place at Lazer Park, where approximately 50 whānau joined us for a day of kai and kōrero. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie as families gathered to share. The Waitaha Health Bus, a mobile clinic dedicated to bringing healthcare services directly to communities, was on-site to provide the heart checks and Westland Medical Centre with flu vaccinations.

20 whānau received their flu shots, taking a proactive step towards protecting themselves and their loved ones from seasonal influenza.

Another 20 whānau took advantage of the heart checks, gaining valuable insights into their cardiovascular health and receiving advice on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

The success of this event was made possible through the collective efforts of our dedicated team and the enthusiastic participation of our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Amy and Jackie from the PHO, and Jo from the Waitaha Health Bus, whose commitment and expertise ensured the smooth running of the day.

Kiwi Rugby Club Day

Building on the momentum from Lazer Park, our second event was held at the Kiwi Rugby Club. The synergy of community spirit and sports provided the perfect backdrop for another day of health-focused activities. The Kiwi rugby boys played a pivotal role in attracting attendees and fostering an environment of support and encouragement.

We were thrilled to administer 35 flu vaccinations, significantly boosting our community’s defense against the flu.

The event mirrored the success of Lazer Park with another round of heart checks, ensuring more whānau received the essential screenings and guidance they need.

We are immensely grateful to the Kiwi Rugby Club for hosting us and to the Westland Medical Centre for their unwavering support, whose presence and professionalism were instrumental in the event’s success.

A Heartfelt Thanks. These events are a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared goal of health and well-being. We are proud of the positive impact these initiatives have had and remain committed to continuing our efforts in making healthcare accessible to all.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to everyone involved—our whānau who participated, our partners who provided the medical services, and the dedicated teams who coordinated the events. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger community.

Stay tuned for more community health events, and remember: your health is your wealth. Let’s continue to support each other in our journey towards better health and well-being.

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.