We are the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for Te Waipounamu.

We work on behalf of the nine Te Waipounamu iwi to determine the best ways to support whānau development.

Our approach aims to create social impact by investing directly in initiatives developed by whānau or community groups. We also support a significant workforce of Whānau Ora Navigators who work directly with whānau to support them to develop their own pathway plans.

All our mahi is centred on the philosophy that whānau must be placed at the centre of service design and delivery, supporting them to realise their own solutions.

Our Funds

Ā mātou pūtea

We have funding streams available for whānau living in Te Waipounamu, Rakiura, and Wharekauri

Wave

Wave

Our Wave funding is a social innovation model that gives whānau the agency to realise their own aspirations

Ruia

Ruia

This is a contestable fund which supports rangatahi wellbeing, intergenerational leadership, succession planning and cultural development

Te Kīwai

Te Kīwai

This fund has been designed to support tamariki and rangatahi wellbeing through play, active recreation and sport

Kōanga Kai

Kōanga Kai

Kōanga Kai provides physical resources and coaching so that whānau can create gardens in their homes and communities

Tama Ora

Tama Ora

Tama Ora can help you create an event, project or programme targeted at keeping tamariki and rangatahi active

Latest articles

Karere o te wā

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Mānawatia a Matariki

This week we join with Aotearoa in celebrating Matariki. We celebrate Pride Month, and hear updates from kaimahi who have travelled to Wharekauri/Rēkohu, Waitangi and Murihiku.
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Mānawatia a Matariki

This week we join with Aotearoa in celebrating Matariki. We celebrate Pride Month, and hear updates from kaimahi who have travelled to Wharekauri/Rēkohu, Waitangi and Murihiku.
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Manaaki Mai, Manaaki Atu – Tā Mark Solomon

Getting vaccinated – and getting tested when you have symptoms – is a small price to pay for the wellness of your wider whānau
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A time for reflection

We celebrate the rising of Puanga with a reflection on our Aroā event, amazing weightlifting results from HCC, the launch of a new pukapuka, and Hopewalk 2022. We look forward to great things from Takitahi Kreations and new applications for Te Kīwai.
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An abundance of caution

This week we reflect on how the pandemic has shaped the operations of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu. We also check in with Mokopuna Ora and with the Whānau Ora Navigators.
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“My wife and I run a whānau business. How I got there was through a really cool dream, where a taniwha pulls me into the awa and from that moment on, I would go down to the awa and I find the taonga and it started to be my life-long journey of carving.”

Taonga by Timoti

Nā te pūtea tautoko

Watch these previously funded kaupapa

Meet the faces behind Pōtiki Poi, a kaupapa that grew from a fundraising initiative on Facebook, into the successful business that it is today.

In this video we catch up with the amazing Sofia Tuala, the creator of Warrior Princess Workshops in Timaru. Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu is so proud to support these transformative workshops that empower girls and young women to make their way through the world with strength and confidence.

Te Hā Oranga o Tuahiwi has been making a massive difference in the lives of these whānau since embarking on a health and fitness journey at the beginning of this year. Under the guidance of trainer Mere-Ana Brennan, they’re seeing the benefits of getting fitter with the support of their whānau.