Whanonga Pono | About us
 

Whanonga Pono

About us

Te Hou Ora Whānau Services (THO) is a Kaupapa Māori service provider that has walked alongside ngā hapori o Ōtepoti since 1976. We provide support across a range of services designed to meet the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. By building resilience, enhancing early learning for tamariki, building parenting skills, educating rangatahi, and reducing offending, THO's ultimate aim to facilitate positive outcomes for whānau.

As an organisation we seek to empower tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to reverse cycles of hardship and create positive opportunities for themselves within the context of their cultural identity through the application of reo me ngā tikanga Māori.

Our Stories

Tūrangawaewae

A brief explanation of what the Tūrangawaewae programme hopes to instil in whānau.

Foraging kai

Documenting a hīkoi collecting wild kai around our local whenua, teaching our Rangatahi the importance of looking after our environment, and the po...

Diving for kaimoana

A short trip up the coast, safely pushing Rangatahi out of their comfort zone introducing them to new experiences and getting them in touch with Te...

Mana Ake Camp

A short clip showing the benefits of one our Mana Ake holiday programme camp - sharing kai, whanaungatanga and positive experiences as a rōpū.

Amatanga Ski Camp - Wānaka

A run down of Amatanga Clubs (7-11yrs) Ski camp experience, creating lasting memories, inspiration and hope. Meeting Olympic gold medalists, learni...

Tūrangawaewae hīkoi to Aparima

The tūrangawaewae whānau hīkoi to Southland embracing all they have learnt on their journey so far.

Āwhina ako video

Āwhina Ako, our alternative education program reading to tamariki within our hapori.

Hei Oranga Whānau

Our mission is to deliver whānau wellbeing. We are committed to an all-encompassing and holistic definition of well-being for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

 

Whakamana Ngā Pā Harakeke

Our purpose is to empower whānau. In our Pā Harakeke, each whānau represents a harakeke plant: tamariki are at the centre as rito, supported by whānau as awhi rito at each side and our services provide mana-enhancing wrap-around support.

 

Our Values | Ngā Whanonga Pono

Aroha: We act and work with aroha, always. Manaakitanga is a key demonstration of aroha, ensuring services are delivered with generosity and empathy. Acting with aroha ensures we respond to the needs of all people, recognising the diversity of communities in Ōtepoti.

Pono: We believe in sincere communication, honesty and transparency in all practices.

Tika: We advocate for the fair treatment of whānau and appropriate methods of communication and service delivery.

Whanaungatanga: Meaningful and effectual relationships ensure positive outcomes for whānau and a co-coordinated approach to the planning and delivery of services.

Mana Motuhake: Our strengths-based approach empowers whānau to shape service delivery and decision-making. We are committed to nurturing the autonomy and mana of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. 

 

Ngā Whanonga Pono ē Ngā Mahi

This Whare Nui shows how our values inform and guide our mahi.

Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga provide the foundation of all mahi and ensure a strong basis for relationships with whānau.

Supporting the Whare Nui are the three Pou that shape our everyday practice: tika, pono and aroha. These ensure we deliver services with integrity.

Mana motuhake is possible when the foundations and Pou are strong.

We also acknowledge elements surrounding the Whare: Whakapapa, te Taiao and Ngā Atua which ensure the wairua of all people connected to THO remain strong. These crucial entities keep us safe and provide essential guidance.

 

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Te Hou Ora recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundational document of Aotearoa. We strive to embody its principles in our practice, management and governance every day. THO believes in a united Aotearoa where all people are treated equally and the devastating cycles of intergenerational trauma are broken. This can only be achieved in a society that honours Te Tiriti and actively practices it's principles:

Tino Rangatiratanga | Self-Determination
Pātuitanga | Partnership
Mana Taurite | Equity
Whakamarumarutia | Active Protection
Kōwhiringa | Options