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

Click here to read more articles

Momentum

This week we reflect on the momentum that Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu has built over the years, and the potential that Budget 2022 offers us to keep building. We check in with Whānau Ora Navigators at Tumai Ora, and our Tama Ora panel meets.
Read article now

Momentum

This week we reflect on the momentum that Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu has built over the years, and the potential that Budget 2022 offers us to keep building. We check in with Whānau Ora Navigators at Tumai Ora, and our Tama Ora panel meets.
Read article now

The time is now

This week we introduce our interim Pouārahi, Ivy Harper and Vanessa Hutchins, and we share some more photos from our poroporoaki for Helen Leahy. We receive an update from Tū Anō and celebrate the launch of Mahara Lane photo booth.
Read article now

Whānau Ora is a love story

This week, our beloved Pouārahi bids farewell to the whānau and hapori she has advocated tirelessly for over the past seven years.
Read article now

Manaaki Mai, Manaaki Atu – Helen Leahy

I spend my life thinking of ways that I can provide my kids with the best future possible and enable them to walk forward with confidence.
Read article now

“Selling poi on my mums Facebook page, since I wasn’t old enough for a Facebook page yet. It went way bigger than I ever thought and turned into a business.”

Georgia from Pōtiki Poi

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.