On July 26, 2014, at six locations across Te Waipounamu, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu was launched in a historic partnership between the nine iwi of Te Waipounamu.
After what feels like a few heavy months, this week is undoubtedly one of light and celebration as Te Huinga Whetū and Matariki shine bright on the national stage and in our homes and communities.
This week we are thinking about the role we play for our kaimahi, supporting them to grow and sometimes to spread their wings by leaving the organisation. We attend the Terea Te Waka conference and host Tū Pono Connectors here at the tari.
We will continue to advocate on behalf of our whānau and hapori, and to do our very best to secure funding to deliver back into the hands of those who will use it best.
It is without a doubt a massive blow to see that work undone, and especially to face the reality that our Government seems to view Māori outcomes as expendable. However, this only makes the work of Whānau Ora even more important than ever.
The beginning of this calendar year has been a whirlwind for Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, with the opening of Wave 18 and Tai Neke, Tai Ora and the chance for our teams to get on the road to promote these funds.