Who we are

Our approach:
By Community,
for Community.

We believe those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. We equip and empower emerging leaders with lived experience of adversity to heal, grow and lead change within their 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 and powerful “stories of hope”
uniquely positioned to lead change from within.

Our Impact

Our Purpose

Our Community

Our Values

Our History

Our Team

Our Board

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)

To equip and empower emerging community leaders

We do this through MADE to Lead – our flagship 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.
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.
To uplift & transform our whānau & communities

We do this through our trauma-informed Flourishing workshops, providing opportunities for whānau to heal and grow, build supportive community, find purpose, and discover the power of their story.

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 hardship 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 the some of NZ’s highest 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 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:

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 & with heart

In moments of crisis or quiet struggle, it’s often a local community leader who shows up first, not a referral form.
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.
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

&

Aroha

&

Partnership & Whanaungatanga & Empowerment & Aroha &

We work with those that are often overlooked and “dig for the gold”
We believe those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions so we support people to lead from lived experience
We value each person’s story and empower them to share it with others to spark hope for change
We walk long-term with people 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 showing aroha, hospitality, and generosity
We believe in the power of partnership so we actively collaborate with other organisations to build strong networks of community care.

712

TOTAL NUMBER IMPACTED

IN OUR FIRST YEAR

Our actual impact is far greater than what we can count... Every empowered leader is creating ripples that extend far beyond our direct reach, shaping communities and inspiring transformation across South Auckland.

Our Year One Impact

257 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. 68% are parents.
36 emerging community leaders graduated from MADE to Lead

Our MADE to Lead participants are “Making a Difference Everyday” in their families, workplaces and communities. 61% are parents with 102 children & grandchildren between them.
67 people began their emotional healing journey through Flourishing People

This 5-day workshop took participants on an emotional healing journey, helping them get “unstuck” from shame and emotional pain. 72% are parents with 149 children between them.
251 tamariki & rangatahi benefitted from their parents' growth

In 2025 our programmes and initiatives directly engaged 257 adults, including 172 parents. The parents who attended our programmes are caring for 251 children and young people between them.
200+ people are regularly participating in community groups led by our graduates

The leaders we equip and empower are supporting 200+ people through the groups they lead - including women’s groups, men’s groups, youth groups, outreach groups and charitable trusts.

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 Programmes

Our Stories

Our Latest Updates

Our team