Who we are
Whakamana Ora is based in Manurewa, South Auckland.
We work to develop and support community changemakers who are deeply connected to the whānau and communities they serve.
Our leaders are often walking out of complex realities such as intergenerational trauma, gang involvement, family violence, or homelessness, and are choosing to lead change from within their own communities.
Our focus is on equipping these emerging leaders with the tools, confidence and relationships they need to lead positive, sustainable change. We do this through a blend of leadership development, mentoring, and opportunities to serve, collaborating to meet community needs.
Whakamana Ora means ‘to live empowered”.
Our name was given to us by kaumatua
Te Hurihanga Rihari. Our symbol is
the huia feather,
for chieftainship
and mana.
OUR PURPOSE (why we exist)
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To equip and empower emerging community leaders
We do this through MADE to Lead our flagship two-year community leadership development pathway for emerging leaders with lived experience of hardship or trauma, equipping them with the tools & support they need to be change makers.
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To support, strengthen and connect local changemakers
We do this through the Manaaki Collective – our growing network of graduates, changemakers, volunteers and community partners, collaborating, sharing resources and supporting each other.
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To uplift & transform our whānau & communities
We do this by mobilising volunteers and collaborating with our community partners to meet the needs of whānau, resourcing them with wellbeing workshops, support and organisational expertise, to strengthen them in their mahi for the long haul.
Our community
South Auckland community is rich in potential but is also shaped by deep, persistent inequities. Many whānau face the impacts of intergenerational trauma, poverty, housing stress and disconnection. Formal services can feel clinical, culturally disconnected, or simply hard to access.
Yet in these same communities are powerful, untapped leaders – people who’ve walked through adversity and now feel called to serve others. But they are often isolated, under-resourced and unsupported. Without help, many burn out, give up, or never get started.
Whakamana Ora stands in the gap, supporting people with lived experience of harship to become trusted community leaders who prevent harm, foster belonging and drive transformation. We believe those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions – and we are here to walk alongside them.
South Auckland is a melting pot of cultures; our Manurewa population is 25% Maori, 40% Pasifika & 27% from migrant communities
South Auckland faces significant socio-economic hardship, with high rates of unemployment and roughly 35% of the population living in high deprivation
Our rangatahi face high rates of psychological distress, especially among Māori & Pasifika youth, due to systemic inequities & underfunded services
South Auckland suburbs including Manurewa and Papakura, have some of the highest rates of severe housing deprivation (homelessness) in Auckland
In the heart of our community are leaders who hold the key to transformation. Here’s why we are working to empower & support them:
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They reach where services can’t
Community leaders hold deep trust, lived experience and cultural insight. They connect with those who’ve long given up on the system.
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They respond faster & with heart
In moments of crisis or quiet struggle, it’s often a local community leader who shows up first, not a referral form.
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They lead from love, not obligation
Community leaders aren’t driven by KPIs. They’re moved by a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to uplift their people.
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They multiply impact
One empowered community leader can influence dozens of whānau, guide rangatahi, and spark change across generations.
What makes us unique?
OUR
VALUES
Partnership
&
Whanaungatanga
&
Empowerment
&
Manaakitanga
&
Partnership & Whanaungatanga & Empowerment & Manaakitanga &
We work with those that are often overlooked and “dig for the gold”
We value each person’s story and support them to use their life experiences to help make a difference
We walk long-term with our participants through life’s ups and downs, not just until a programme ends
We equip the whole person – spirit, soul & body – for lasting change
We model servant leadership through showing aroha, hospitality, and generosity
We believe healed people help heal communities and support people to lead from lived experience
We actively collaborate with other organisations to build strong networks of community care.
Our Impact (2025)
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183 individuals participated directly in our programmes & initiatives
These individuals included our MADE to Lead participants, workshop & event attendees, volunteers and other community members who received care and support.
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36 emerging community leaders participated in MADE to Lead
Our participants graduated from Year One, Two, and Three of our MADE to Lead programme in December 2025. 61% are parents with 97 children & grandchildren between them.
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200+ people are participating in community groups led by our graduates
The leaders we equip and empower are actively engaging others in their communities, with 200+ people participating in groups they lead - including women’s groups, men’s groups, youth groups, outreach groups and charitable trusts.
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280 tamariki & rangatahi benefitted from their parents' growth
In 2025 our programmes and initiatives directly engaged 183 adults, including 112 parents, benefitting 280 children and youth whose parents are being empowered and supported (at 2.5 kids per parent)
667
TOTAL NUMBER IMPACTED IN 2025
Not all outcomes can be quantified – the impact is far greater than what we can count. Our emerging leaders are being strengthened and equipped to model resilience and demonstrate that change is possible.
Every empowered leader creates ripples that extend far beyond our direct reach, shaping communities and inspiring transformation across South Auckland.
Our history
Whakamana Ora was founded in 2024, following the closure of Te Whakaora Tangata – an organisation that had long served whānau in South Auckland through restoration-focused, leadership-based programming.
Driven by strong community relationships and a deep sense of responsibility, Len and Pris Moodley, along with others from the original team, continued the mahi independently. They opened their home to provide mentoring, training and support to those already on a leadership journey.
Whakamana Ora was established to carry that work forward, with the same kaupapa and commitment to transformational leadership grounded in whanaungatanga and aroha. Today, we are growing this movement in partnership with others, ensuring the legacy not only continues but flourishes.
Our team
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Len Moodley
DIRECTOR
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Pris Moodley
PROGRAMMES & PEOPLE
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Margaret WIlliams
ADMIN & EVENTS
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Robert Brown
MENTORING
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Simone Graham
FUNDING & COMMUNICATIONS
Our Board
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Jenny Horst
CHAIR
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Te Hurihanga Rihari
KAUMATUA
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Devs Charles
SECRETARY
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Elyse Stubbington
TRUSTEE
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Grant Raynor
TRUSTEE