Christmas Greetings from the team at Whakamana Ora!
What a year it has been! We are so thankful for every person who has come with us on the journey - our amazing MADE to Lead Graduates, whānau, supporters, volunteers, donors, pray-ers and community partners... you have all helped make this year possible. Read on for more inspiring stories from our community!

Finishing the year with our Christmas Celebration & Graduation

On Tuesday 2 December, we gathered at Whitford Park Golf Club for a beautiful Christmas Celebration and Graduation.
Over 50 guests joined us to honour the hard work and growth of our MADE to Lead participants.
Thirty-six graduates from three year groups received framed certificates, with three inspiring speakers sharing on behalf of their “class”. Melissa, Teariki and Kasalina spoke with passion about the life-changing impact of MADE to Lead on their confidence, wellbeing, and whānau. Many graduates described Whakamana Ora as a place of belonging, grounding, and growth, echoing Melissa’s words of gratitude for the aroha and investment poured into them.
From Pris the next day: “I am still reeling from last night’s event — there is so much to be thankful for. Seeing our community leaders looking so mature, grounded, focused, and well made me incredibly proud. What moved me most was how they honoured one another. Watching them break through barriers with such grace and unity was truly beautiful to witness.”
It was a night that reminded us why this kaupapa matters: when leaders are empowered, communities are uplifted.
Thank you to all our volunteers and helpers and donors who made this night possible - what a beautiful way to finish out the year!

Melissa and Nevaeh with Len and Pris.jpg

If you know someone who might be interested to join our MADE to Lead 2026 intake, get them to register for our info night dinner on Tuesday 27 January 2026!

MADE to Lead is for people who have experienced challenges in their life but want to heal, grow as a person and be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

To join our MADE to Lead programme you need to:

be aged 18+
be committed to participating and attending regularly
be recommended by one of our graduates or community partners

Register for Info Night

Paul's Story of Hope - never too young to lead

We are excited to share the next video in our #StoriesOfHope series – Paul’s story. Paul joined our Community Leadership Programme when he was just a teenager, seeking answers to some deep and painful questions. Through the programme, he discovered a safe space to explore who he truly is, gain confidence, and build the tools to navigate life’s challenges. His journey is a powerful reminder that you are never too young to offer hope to others and to “shine your light.”

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Inspiring Leaders night: caring for the carers

On 12 November we hosted our Inspiring Leaders Night with guest speaker Chris Clarke (former World Vision CEO), and it became one of our most meaningful gatherings of the year. With 36 people in person and more online, Chris spoke with honesty about the real challenges of leadership — the storms we face and the importance of “building your backstage” to stay grounded. His message sparked laughter, tears, and heartfelt questions.

This was our first Caring for the Carers gathering — a new initiative to support those doing the mahi on the frontlines. We know community leaders carry heavy loads and face real risk of burnout, so we're creating regular spaces where they can connect, be strengthened, and look after their own wellbeing. Our goal is to help them stay the course, thrive in their roles, and continue making a lasting impact in their communities.

Spotlight On Angel: Inspiring Community Leader

**Making a Difference Everyday**

Angel is an inspiring leader whose dedication and aroha are making a real difference in the community.
Angel joined the Community Leadership Programme as an intern in 2022, where she began to believe in herself and her potential. With our support, she gained entry into a social work course at MIT, graduating at the top of her class. Angel was offered a team leader position at one of the organisations where she did her placement. For the past 2 years she has worked tirelessly to create a positive culture of collaboration, support, and care in her workplace. She remains closely connected to our MADE to Lead whanau, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements.
Angel recently accepted the position of Services Manager at Te Anua Nua Trust, a residential home for whānau with special needs in Manurewa, where she will be working with Len and Julia.
We celebrate Angel’s journey and are proud to see her stepping into this new leadership role, continuing to make a lasting impact in her community.

Equipping our community: Ministry training workshop

Building Stronger Support: Community Training Workshop – 11 October

In October we hosted a full-day training workshop, led by Pris Moodley, for community partners and emerging leaders, equipping them to better support their groups and preparing volunteers for our emotional healing workshops launching in 2026.
33 leaders from Sistahood, Kingsmen, and other community groups learned tools to understand people’s emotional and spiritual journeys and create safe, empowering spaces for whānau. This was such a great day full of connection, equipping and honest discussion. Participants shared that they left feeling equipped, encouraged, and inspired, and there is already strong excitement
for Part Two in early 2026.
We are grateful to NZMA Manukau for letting us use their space, Sistahood and Virginia for the amazing kai. This workshop was a powerful example of the community coming together to strengthen capacity and equip our local leaders.

Elyse - a true Champion for Change

Elyse (Ngāti Apakura) was one of the first graduates of our community leadership programme (MADE to Lead). Today she is an influential community leader and valued member of our Board of Trustees. Manurewa born and raised, Elyse brings deep insight from her lived experience and a heart for connecting people in challenging situations with the support they need. She has worked as a cultural advisor to community organisations, supporting understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and her leadership continues to inspire and empower our community. We hope her video inspires you…

As we step into our second year in 2026, we invite you to continue the journey with us as we empower leaders, support carers, and strengthen wellbeing across South Auckland. We will continue to build on what we are already doing, as well as adding a couple of new initiatives...

WELLBEING WORKSHOPS - new in 2026

In 2026, we will deliver wellbeing workshops to our community. This has been part of our vision, and with secured workshop funding, we are now able to make them a reality!

Flourishing People – a workshop for whanau to begin a journey of emotional healing from trauma. Our new MADE to Lead intake for 2026 will begin the year with this workshop to lay a strong foundation.
Flourishing Relationships – a workshop to strengthen communication, foster empathy, and help couples establish healthy patterns that prevent family harm.
Caring for the Carers – connection spaces for community leaders to help prevent burnout so they can sustain their wellbeing, their families and their mahi.

PEER-TO-PEER MENTORING - new in 2026

In response to feedback from our programme evaluations, we are excited to introduce peer-to-peer mentoring for emerging leaders in 2026. Year Two participants and graduates will support new Year One participants, creating meaningful connections and opportunities to lead with heart. Following the tuakana–teina model, experienced leaders (tuakana) guide newer participants (teina), nurturing confidence, belonging, and a natural flow of leadership and learning. Around 20 leaders have already expressed interest in becoming mentors, showing the heart and generosity of our whanau.

A huge thank you to our supporters!

Thank you to every donor & grant funder who is supporting us (including those who want to stay anonymous). You are helping make this work possible. Ngā manaakitanga me ngā mihi nui!