Who we are
Whakamana Ora is a South Auckland charity (based in Manurewa) that exists to restore mana and empower grassroots leaders, particularly those with lived experience of hardship.
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 collaborative community initiatives.
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.
Why our work is needed
South Auckland 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 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.
The power of community leaders
Empowered community leaders are essential for creating lasting, meaningful change. Here's why:
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.
They respond faster and with heart.
In moments of crisis or quiet struggle, it’s often a local leader who shows up first, not a referral form.They lead from love, not obligation. These leaders aren’t driven by KPIs. They’re moved by a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to uplift their people.
They multiply impact. One empowered leader can influence dozens of whānau, guide rangatahi, and spark change across generations.
Our purpose
Why we exist:
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.
To support, strengthen and connect local changemakers
We do this through the Manaaki Collective – a growing network of changemakers, volunteers and community partners, collaborating, sharing resources and offering support.
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. Together, we multiply our impact to create resilient, thriving communities.
What makes us unique?
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, and body – for lasting change
We model servant leadership through aroha, hospitality, and generosity
We believe healed people help heal communities, and we support leaders who lead from lived experience
We actively collaborate with other organisations to build strong networks of community care.
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 the same 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
-
Len Moodley
DIRECTOR
-
Pris Moodley
PROGRAMMES & PEOPLE
-
Margaret WIlliams
ADMIN & EVENTS
-
Robert Brown
MENTORING
-
Simone Graham
FUNDING & COMMUNICATIONS
Our Board
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Jenny Horst
CHAIR
-
Te Hurihanga Rihari
KAUMATUA
-
Devs Charles
SECRETARY
-
Elyse Stubbington
TRUSTEE