Who we are
Our approach:
By Community,
for Community.
We believe those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. Whakamana Ora exists to empower people with lived experience of adversity to discover their purpose, grow in confidence and use their gifts to make a difference in their whānau and communities.
Empowerment
Whanaungatanga
Partnership
Aroha
Whakamana Ora is a charitable trust in Manurewa, South Auckland, that exists to identify, equip & empower emerging community leaders “on the margins” of our society who are:
often overlooked or excluded from traditional leadership pathways
from Māori, Pasifika, and disadvantaged communities
deeply connected to their whānau, hapū, and communities
carrying lived experience of trauma and adversity that is being transformed into purpose, leadership and powerful 'stories of hope'
uniquely positioned to lead change from within.
Whakamana Ora means “to live empowered”. Our name was given to us by kaumatua Te Hurihanga Rihari. Our symbol is the huia feather
representing chieftainship and mana.
OUR PURPOSE (why we exist)
-
![]()
To equip and empower emerging community leaders
We do this through MADE to Lead, our community leadership pathway for people with lived experience of adversity, equipping them with the confidence, skills and support to grow, serve and make a difference in their communities.
-
![]()
To support, strengthen and connect local changemakers
We do this through the Manaaki Collective, our growing network of graduates, changemakers, volunteers and community partners, working together, sharing resources, supporting one another and putting leadership into action.
-
![]()
To uplift whānau & strengthen wellbeing in our communities
We do this through our trauma-informed Flourishing programmes, creating opportunities for people to heal and grow, build supportive relationships, discover their purpose and recognise the power of their own story.
Our community: South Auckland
South Auckland is rich in culture, community and potential, but many whānau continue to face the impacts of persistent inequity, including intergenerational trauma, poverty, housing stress and disconnection. For many, formal services can feel difficult to access, culturally disconnected or unable to respond to the realities of their lives.
Yet alongside these challenges are people whose own experiences of hardship have forged extraordinary strength, resilience and a deep commitment to their whānau and communities. Some are already supporting others and responding to needs around them, but lack the resources and support to grow their leadership. Others are carrying their own wounds and challenges, not yet seeing themselves as leaders or recognising the potential they carry to make a difference. We believe that with the right support, healing, encouragement and opportunity, that potential can be unlocked.
A diverse community
South Auckland is home to a rich mix of cultures, with approximately 21% Māori, 40% Pasifika and 30% people from migrant communities.
High deprivation levels
South Auckland experiences significant socio-economic hardship, including some of NZs highest unemployment rates.
Rangatahi wellbeing
A high number of Māori and Pasifika rangatahi in South Auckland are experiencing significant psychological distress
(1 in 4)
Housing insecurity
South Auckland experiences some of the highest rates of severe housing deprivation and homelessness in Auckland.
At the heart of our communities are people who are making a difference. Here's why supporting community leaders matters:
-
![]()
They reach where services can’t
Community leaders hold deep trust, lived experience and cultural insight. They can connect with people who may feel disconnected from, or have given up on, formal systems.
-
![]()
They respond quickly, with heart
In moments of crisis or quiet struggle, a trusted local leader can often respond in ways that formal services cannot, offering connection, practical support and a familiar face.
-
![]()
They lead from purpose
Community leaders are driven by a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to their people. They understand the communities they serve because they are part of them.
-
![]()
They multiply impact
One supported community leader can influence dozens of whānau, guide rangatahi, strengthen connections and inspire others to step forward and lead.
What makes us unique?
OUR
VALUES
Partnership
&
Whanaungatanga
&
Empowerment
&
Aroha
&
Partnership & Whanaungatanga & Empowerment & Aroha &
We look for potential others may not see.
We work alongside people who are often overlooked or excluded from traditional pathways, recognising the strengths, potential and leadership already within them. We call this “digging for the gold.”
We believe those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions.
We support people to draw on their lived experience, wisdom and cultural knowledge to lead change in their own whānau and communities.
We honour every story and its power to inspire hope.
We value each person’s journey and create opportunities for people to share their stories in ways that build connection, courage and hope for change.
We walk alongside people for the long haul.
Our relationships don't end when a programme ends. We continue to walk with people through life's ups and downs, offering encouragement, connection and support as their leadership grows.
We care for the whole person.
We recognise that lasting change involves spirit, soul and body. Our approach supports people to grow in wellbeing, identity, purpose and resilience.
We lead through service.
We model servant leadership through aroha, hospitality, generosity and a willingness to walk alongside others rather than lead from above.
We believe lasting change is possible when we work together.
We actively build partnerships with organisations, community groups and other leaders, sharing knowledge, resources and connections to strengthen networks of care across our communities.
the ripple
effect
When we invest in one leader, the impact can reach many.
As we equip and support emerging leaders to grow in confidence, capability and purpose, they use what they've gained to strengthen their whānau, support others and lead positive change in their communities, creating ripples that extend well beyond the people who participate directly in our programmes.
Who are we impacting?
-
![]()
45 emerging community leaders are being equipped through MADE to Lead
Our MADE to Lead participants are “Making a Difference Everyday” in their families, workplaces and communities.
-
![]()
113 people have participated in our Flourishing programmes
Our Flourishing People and Flourishing Relationships programmes are helping people get “unstuck” and begin a journey of healing, growth and empowerment.
-
![]()
310 tamariki & rangatahi are benefitting from their parents' growth
As the parents we work with strengthen their emotional wellbeing and sense of purpose, they are creating positive change that ripples through to their tamariki and rangatahi.
-
![]()
14 graduates are being trained as facilitators for Flourishing People
These influential leaders hold powerful stories of change and strong local connections, enabling more whānau to access opportunities for healing, hope and positive change.
-
![]()
400+ people are regularly participating in community groups led by our graduates
Our community leaders are supporting many people through the groups they lead - women’s groups, men’s groups, youth groups, outreach groups and charitable trusts.
Our history:
Whakamana Ora was founded in 2024 following the sudden closure of Te Whakaora Tangata, a trusted community organisation that had served whānau in Manurewa and South Auckland for more than 15 years through restoration-focused and community leadership programmes.
The closure was a shock for staff and community members whose lives had been transformed through the work. Many of us felt a deep responsibility and calling to the people and communities we had been serving, particularly those already on a journey of leadership and transformation.
Len and Pris Moodley opened their home as a place for people to stay connected, receive mentoring and support, and continue their leadership journey.
From this beginning, Whakamana Ora was born. We have continued the kaupapa of walking alongside people, nurturing leadership from lived experience, and creating spaces where people can heal, grow and make a difference.
Today, we are building on that foundation with a growing community of leaders, volunteers and partners. We are honouring what came before while creating something new, strengthening trust and continuing the journey together.
Our team
-
Len Moodley
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
-
Priscilla Moodley
COMMUNITY & PEOPLE MANAGER
-
Margaret WIlliams
MADE TO LEAD COORDINATOR
-
Lucy Nanai-Vatau
ADMIN & EVENTS (MANAAKI)
-
Robert Brown
MENTORING & SUPPORT
-
Simone Graham
FUNDING & COMMUNICATIONS
Our volunteers are an essential part of our team. They bring their time, skills, lived experience and heart to the mahi, helping create the connections and community that sit at the heart of Whakamana Ora.
Angel volunteering at our second Flourishing Relationships workshop
Rox preparing dinner for a MADE to Lead session at our new community venue
We took our MADE to Lead serving team bowling to say thankyou for all they do
Melissa and Neri serving at Flourishing Relatiionships
Sometimes baby-holding is part of the service! (Flourishing Relationships 2)
Lucy serving at our Speech Showcase
Amazing food served by our beautiful volunteers
Our "sistas" from Sistahood volunteered to help serve at our Speech Showcase
Beautiful volunteer "sistas"
Setting up...
Volunteers at Flourishing Relationships - Ayashna, Sheredon and Angel
Len and Pris Moodley
Pris and Ngaire
Margaret, Rox and Kasalina at our serving team thank you dinner
The kai is always good
At our serving team "thank you" dinner after Flourishing People
Margaret with Aiden - our fantastic techy guy!
Tu gets stuck in
Angel, Elyse and Margaret
Ngaire has an incredible gift for connecting with whanau
Our team give great hugs
Elyse stepped upas MC at Flourishing People
Kasalina gave her testimony at Flourishing People
Amazing team in the kitchen getting the kai served up
Rob and Len - welcoming our whanau
Julz and Melissa
Lucy jumped straight in the deep end when she joined us the day Flourishing People started
Rob, Devs, Ash, and Pris at Inspiring Leaders Night
Our fantastic Board with Len
Dishes duty at the Moodley home
Blanket drive volunteers
Angel makes great kai
Virginia and Ngaire
Community partners pulling off our first partners training workshop (Caring for the Carers)
Melissa giving a korero
Our whanau at Inspiring Leaders Night in January
Serving team dinner - March 2026
Amazing cleanup crew
Our amazing volunteers supporting whanau at a MADE to Lead Phase One session
Our Board
-
Jenny Horst
CHAIR
Jenny has 20+ years of senior leadership experience in the charitable sector and is currently CEO of Upside Youth Mentoring Aotearoa. She brings strategic leadership and a strong commitment to our communities.
-
Te Hurihanga Rihari
KAUMATUA
Te Hurihanga (Ngāti Torehina) is a kaumātua and experienced spiritual leader in Te Ao Māori and in business. He serves as our cultural and spiritual advisor and gave Whakamana Ora its name.
-
Devs Charles
TRUSTEE
Devs has served on South Auckland charity boards since 2010 and remains actively involved in our community. She is also Deputy Principal of Sommerville Special School.
-
Elyse Stubbington
TRUSTEE
Elyse (Ngāti Apakura) is a local Manurewa community leader who brings cultural wisdom, lived experience, a wide range of expertise, and a passion for community empowerment.
-
Grant Raynor
TRUSTEE
Grant is an experienced accountant with more than 30 years in professional services. He brings financial and strategic expertise to Whakamana Ora's governance.