September Update
Welcome
to our
September
newsletter!
So much has happened since July – from powerful community events to stories of transformation – and we’re excited to share these updates with you.
Greetings from the team at Whakamana Ora.
As we head into spring we can’t believe how fast the year has gone – already, we are beginning to plan our end-of-year graduation celebration!
We are also beginning to plan for our first “Flourishing People” wellbeing workshop, thanks to some exciting news – a partnership with Manurewa Local Board, which makes these workshops possible.
Our MADE to Lead community continues to meet, learn and grow through our weekly sessions where they receive quality training and wisdom on how to navigate life’s challenges. We’ve been blessed with some inspirational guest speakers this year who have shared from their life experiences.
Our team are busy providing pastoral care and support to whānau who have reached out for help. We have a number of people who are struggling with significant health issues, and family difficulties and so we really appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support.
Thank you once again to every single person who has been keeping us in your prayers! Please continue to keep our team, whanau and community in your heart.
- Len, Pris and the Team xxx
Rob's Story of Hope goes viral!
Rob Brown’s powerful story is the latest video in our #storiesofhope project. Rob has inspired hundreds of people by sharing his powerful story at programmes and men's groups through the years. Rob joined our first intake of the Community Leadership Programme back in 2022 where his dedication and passion to reach people who are trapped in anger and violence shone through. Rob is now working with us at Whakamana Ora, mentoring people and serving in the community. He is an amazing role model for his grandchildren, and says they would never believe the person that he used to be - he has been completely transformed.
When we shared Rob’s video on our social media, it went a bit viral on TikTok with nearly 30,000 views to date!
Local changemaker: Carving a new path for rangatahi
In our last newsletter, we introduced you to Ali, a father of five who joined our leadership programme at the start of this year. After becoming a traditional carver through Te Wananga, Ali’s dream has been to use his carving skills with youth/rangatahi, but he didn’t know how to get started.
Six weeks ago, we connected Ali with the Clendon Pride Project and helped him start a carving group for four rangatahi who had just completed one of their youth programmes.
With Ali’s guidance, the rangatahi are each creating a carved wooden taonga (treasure) for someone they love, while he nurtures them through encouragement, conversation, and gentle mentoring as they work together. Their dedication and enthusiasm are amazing to see, and Ali shares photos and videos of their progress almost every week. He is a natural mentor, connecting with the kids through his warm, supportive manner – so much so that they’ve asked if he can ‘keep being their kaiako’ beyond the end of the project. We can’t wait to see what grows from this simple beginning – kia kaha, Ali, we’re so proud of you!”
What they're saying (feedback from community leaders)
"Joining the community leadership programme, I’m so thankful that they taught me so many things about who I am… they’ve done so much for me, peeling back the layers and layers, to be able to truly get into the nitty gritty of who I’m meant to be. It gave me a place to ask all the questions that I had… so thankful that I know who I am now, and I’m so much more confident…” —Paul, basketballer and youth coach
"I honestly cant think of anything needed to improve the [community leadership] programme. I believe that the best has been given to us in every way. Thank you to our Moodley whānau for leading this waka and certainly making a difference in so many people's lives. Nga manaakitanga o te Atua." —Alisi, community leader
“The Community Leadership Programme helped me to connect with other people interested in serving the community and helped me take the time to tackle key topics on leadership and serving. This helped me hone several skills, and given me opportunities to serve alongside others.” —Dristan, young entrepreneur & fitness consultant
"Great leadership and people who come together in aroha. The warmth and kindness is amazing! Having a whānau to pray with, to share together our struggles, our wins, our ups and downs, is amazing." —Teariki, University student (post-graduate)
Pictured left to right: Paul, Alisi, Dristan, Teariki
Spotlight on: Sistahood
At Whakamana Ora, we’re all about empowering people to step forward and lead.
One of our community leadership programme participants, Julia, has done just that. Together with her sisters, she launched Sistahood – a South Auckland support group where women meet to care for each other, share their journey, and find belonging.
Recently, Sistahood hosted Echoes of Grace, a powerful evening of testimonies, song, and community. Held at the Nocton Woolshed, the event drew more than 120 women. The atmosphere was electric – voices once silenced were heard, shame was replaced by healing, and women were reminded that their stories matter.
Sistahood is part of our Manaaki Collective, where graduates of MADE to Lead grow initiatives that meet real community needs. We’re proud to walk alongside Julia and her sisters as they create spaces of hope and empowerment for women across South Auckland.
In Julia’s words:
“We had well over 120 women come together... Thank you to all involved including Pris and the team at Whakamana Ora, the women who attended, @kingsmen_outreachnz for their support... Last but not least, thank you to our Sistahood who stood in the gap, worked hard, and prayed with us while in anticipation for an amazing night.”
Wondering why you should support Whakamana Ora?
Wondering why you should support Whakamana Ora? Here's a video from one of our “champions for change”, Greg Fleming, MP for Maungakiekie and former CEO of Parenting Place, who believes our work is worth investing in...
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!