Our Stories

We believe in the power of stories to offer hope and inspire change. Every person’s story matters.

Explore stories from our community…

Stories of Hope
Champions for Change
Blog Posts

Stories of Hope

Our “Stories of Hope” digital project has been created to share the real-life journeys of people who have faced adversity and now lead change in their communities. When someone is ready to tell their story, we help them record it and share it, to bring hope to people who are walking a similar path.

Watch videos from our “champions for change” – key community leaders who believe in our work - sharing why they value and support the work of Whakamana Ora

Champions for Change

Blog Posts

Blog
March Update - a new year
March Update - a new year

In this update we cover our very first Flourishing People programme, new MADE to Lead intake, new videos, brand new team member and more…

Launching into 2026 with a bang…
Launching into 2026 with a bang…

2026 is here! We are only two months into the new year and already we have done so much, it feels more like SIX…

December Update (2025)
December Update (2025)

Christmas Greetings from our team! In this update we cover our Graduation, Inspiring Leaders night, partner training workshop and more…

Inspiring Leaders night
Inspiring Leaders night

Our first Caring for the Carers gathering brought leaders together for an encouraging and deeply moving evening with Chris Clarke.

Equipping our community
Equipping our community

Building stronger support: Our community training workshop with Sistahood and Kingsmen on 11 October

September Update (2025)
September Update (2025)

In this update we share updates on some of our emerging leaders, powerful community events, a viral new video and more…

July Update (2025)
July Update (2025)

Our July update gives an overview of our key programmes and tells the story of our “Warmth for Winter” blanket drive outreach for homeless whanau in Manurewa.

Winter Warmth Project part 2
Winter Warmth Project part 2

Our Winter Warmth blanket drive distribution with Shining Light Community Trust - tents, sleeping bags & blankets for whanau sleeping rough

Winter Warmth Project part 1
Winter Warmth Project part 1

We launched a blanket drive to gather items to help keep people warm who are sleeping rough this winter. Collaborating with Shining Light Community Trust to distribute what our amazing community has donated,

May Update (2025)
May Update (2025)

In our May newsletter we are introducing our team and Board. PLUS, we are now a registered charitable trust!

February Update (2025)
February Update (2025)

Our very first newsletter - what we did in January and February 2025

Planting together
Planting together

Collaborating with the Beautification Trust and Wiri women’s prison to plant native seedlings grown by the inmates.

Angel’s story: making a difference
Angel’s story: making a difference

From having no confidence and no qualifications, Angel is now an influential leader in her workplace, leading a team supporting people with serious mental health difficulties.

Rob’s story: from prison to purpose
Rob’s story: from prison to purpose

Rob’s past was one of extreme abuse, violence, crime and depression until he discovered the transforming power of forgiveness. Now he is thriving and using his past to help bring hope and change to others.