What we do

Our programmes & initiatives

We bring our mahi to life

through two main strands:

MADE to Lead - community leadership programme

MADE to Lead is our community leadership pathway, supporting people to heal, grow and make a difference in their whānau and communities. MADE stands for Make A Difference Everyday.

The Manaaki Collective - leadership in action

The Manaaki Collective is our growing network of graduates, volunteers and community partners. It’s where leadership comes to life, as our whānau put their gifts, experiences and growing leadership into action by supporting others, sharing resources, leading initiatives and responding to community needs.

MADE to Lead

Manaaki Collective

What we mean by leadership

At Whakamana Ora, we believe everyone has the capacity to lead. Leadership is not about position, title or status. It’s about discovering your purpose, growing in confidence and using your gifts to make a positive difference wherever you are.

We believe that when ordinary people discover their purpose and begin shining their light where they are, stronger whānau and stronger communities naturally follow.

Heal. Grow. Make a Difference.

“We are ALL leaders -

especially if we are parents…”

(Elyse, MADE to Lead graduate)

MADE to Lead

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

MADE to Lead is our community leadership pathway for people who have faced significant adversity and are ready to heal, grow and make a difference in their whānau and communities. We believe everyone has the capacity to lead, and that people with lived experience are uniquely positioned to create positive change from within their own communities.

Through relational leadership development, mentoring, connection and practical support, MADE to Lead supports emerging leaders as they heal and grow, helping them discover their purpose, develop confidence and capability, and put their leadership into action.

MADE stands for “Make A Difference Everyday”.

“Make A Difference Everyday”

Each year we welcome a new intake of people into Phase One of MADE to Lead, beginning with our trauma-informed emotional healing programme, Flourishing People. From February to November, participants come together fortnightly on Tuesday evenings for a journey of healing, growth, connection and leadership, followed by a graduation celebration in December.
Every session begins with a shared meal, because connecting over good kai, building relationships and creating a sense of belonging are very important.
MADE to Lead is for people who have experienced challenges in their lives and are ready to heal, grow and discover their potential to make a difference in their whānau and communities.
You need to be:
- 18 years or older
- Committed to attending regularly
- Open to spiritual and emotional growth
- Connected to our community, through a recommendation from one of our graduates or community partners
Phase One is the foundation of the MADE to Lead journey, focusing on personal healing, growth and building a strong foundation to make a difference every day, wherever you are. It is made up of two six-month modules, and you can choose whether to continue into the second module or complete your journey after the first. Along the way, you receive group mentoring, pastoral care and support for your mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
We welcome people with different learning styles and life experiences, including if you never completed school or are neurodiverse. Our aim is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can grow in confidence, build strong relationships and discover your true value and purpose.
Phase Two is about stepping into practical leadership. Building on the personal growth of Phase One, you continue to grow in confidence, communication and leadership skills, explore your unique gifts, and learn how to use your experiences and strengths to make a difference in your whānau and community. This includes shaping and sharing your story, public speaking, building healthy relationships and understanding different leadership styles.
Phase Two is made up of two six-month modules, with the second module being our facilitator training pathway. This is by invitation for those who are ready to take the next step, developing the skills and confidence to facilitate Flourishing People within their own communities and cultural contexts.
Our graduates are people who are Making A Difference Every Day by supporting whānau, sharing their stories, mentoring others, being role models in their workplaces, iwi and communities, and stepping into leadership and service in many different ways. Many continue their studies, serve on Trust Boards, and become people of influence for their whānau and wider community.
Their leadership takes many different forms. Some lead community groups or initiatives, some support others through their own lived experience, and others simply begin making a difference wherever they are. What they share is a growing sense of purpose and a desire to use what they have learned to strengthen others.
Graduates can stay connected and supported through the Manaaki Collective, so they are never walking the journey alone.

Click the [V] for details

OUR STORIES

What are they saying about MADE to Lead?

  
100%

        The teaching is making a positive difference to how I see myself
      
96.6%

        I am putting into practice the things I have learned
      
89.7%

        I found a sense of community and belonging
      
93.1%

        I now believe I have potential as a leader or positive role model in my whānau/community
      
89.7%

        I am finding ways to serve others and make a difference
      
89.7%

        I feel more positive and confident
      
    % of participants who agreed or strongly agreed

Our pathway

Healing → Mentoring → Leadership → Community Impact

Manaaki Collective

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

The Manaaki Collective is our growing network of graduates, volunteers and community partners. It’s where leadership comes to life. Our whānau put what they have learned into action, working together to meet community needs, sharing resources and expertise, and supporting each other so no one is working alone.

We empower and support our whānau to:

Lead community initiatives and groups, sharing awhi and manaaki through practical care, connection and service.
Share their Stories of Hope, using their own experiences and journeys of change to encourage and inspire others.
Build networks of care, reaching, supporting and mentoring others within their whānau and communities.
Turn ideas into action, responding to needs they see around them and working alongside community partners to make a difference.

Manaaki:‍ ‍
to support, take care of, give hospitality to, protect & look out for; showing respect, generosity & care for others

Manaaki Collective initiatives

Flourishing People is our trauma-informed emotional healing programme for people who have experienced adversity and want to begin a journey of healing, freedom from shame and renewed hope.
The programme creates space to reflect on your experiences, understand the impact of trauma, and begin moving forward with greater resilience, connection, and a restored sense of identity and purpose. From here, you can continue your journey through MADE to Lead or stay connected through other Manaaki Collective programmes and initiatives.
Flourishing Relationships is a workshop for couples who want to strengthen their relationship by understanding how past experiences and trauma can shape the way we relate to one another.
Together, couples explore their differences, develop greater understanding and appreciation for one another, and learn ways to reduce conflict and build stronger, healthier connections.
Caring for the Carers provides ongoing connection and support for community leaders doing high-trust, high-stress mahi. Through gatherings, encouragement and practical support, we help our graduates refill their cup, develop connections, reduce isolation and stay supported as they serve their communities.
We walk alongside our leaders in the ways they need, helping them navigate challenges, strengthen their wellbeing and sustain their mahi for the long haul.
Manaaki Groups are locally led spaces created and hosted by our graduates in homes and community venues across Auckland. Whānau come together to share kai, find belonging, connection, support, accountability and purpose.
These groups are welcoming spaces where people can support one another, reduce isolation, build resilience and grow together. They are a beautiful example of leadership in action, with our graduates using their own gifts, relationships and experiences to create spaces where others can flourish.
Today, these locally led groups and initiatives support more than 400 people on a regular basis across Auckland.
Community Action is where our graduates turn the needs they see around them into practical action. We support emerging leaders to develop their ideas, connect with others, and turn local opportunities into meaningful initiatives that strengthen whānau and neighbourhoods.
These initiatives are conceived and led by our graduates. Whakamana Ora walks alongside them with mentoring, planning support, connections, encouragement and practical backing, helping them bring their ideas to life and championing their leadership.

What are they saying about Flourishing People?

  
        100%
      
        of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Flourishing People helped them:
      
✓
Understand how trauma has affected their life
✓
Begin a healing journey
✓
Renew their hope that healing and change is possible
✓
Better understand why they think, feel and behave the way they do
✓
Make a positive difference in their lives and relationships

Our Programmes

MADE to Lead

Community Leadership Programme
This FREE programme backs you with training, connection and support, helping you heal, grow and make a difference for your whānau and community.

REGISTER
Flourishing People

Register your interest for our next workshop
A FREE emotional healing workshop for anyone ready to heal, get unstuck, and move forward. Put your name on the list to be contacted when the next one is scheduled.

REGISTER
Flourishing Relationships

Register your interest for our next workshop
A FREE workshop for couples to better understand each other and restore their connection. Put your name on the list to be contacted when the next one is scheduled.

REGISTER

Feedback from our community

Impacting my family

“MADE to Lead has impacted my family hugely and positively. Every teaching, session I've taken away gems and applied to my daily life as a wife, mum, sister, daughter, friend and colleague. And I love sharing what I've learnt with my husband who I wished could've joined but as a shift worker making it to all sessions could be hard for him - but I'm sharing with him always which is so cool too.”
(from a MADE to Lead participant)
An important part of my journey

“MADE to Lead has been such an important part of my journey. The teaching, the learning, and the incredible people I've met along the way have challenged, encouraged, and inspired me to keep growing. Being part of a community where you can bounce ideas off others, learn from different experiences, and be supported by people who genuinely want to see you succeed has been invaluable.”
(from a MADE to Lead Participant)
They are whānau

“The team that serves us and facilitate our sessions always deliver their very best and are people of honour, integrity, leadership, servanthood and most of all love. They foster a learning environment to bring out the very best in others and provide a great balance of teaching and a practical community lens to grow in leadership. I love them all, they are not only mentors and leaders in my life - they are Whānau!”
(from a MADE to Lead participant)
Leadership begins at home

“Participating in MADE to Lead has had a positive impact on both myself and my family. The programme encouraged me to reflect on the kind of leader I want to be and how my actions influence those around me… The programme has reminded me that leadership begins at home and that the way I treat my family can inspire and strengthen them. Overall, MADE to Lead has helped me grow as a person, a parent, and a member of my community.”
(from a MADE to Lead participant)
Learning and changing

“Its helped alot in my personal spiritual growth and who I am in my family as a mother, a wife, sister and daughter. Its been powerful.”
“My mindset feels way better. Now feel that I have a purpose, a mission.”
“Cutting through years of unhealthy thinking and making sense of a lot questions.”
(from MADE to Lead participants)
Grateful for community

“This course has given me community and family; there is so much more then words. I’m super grateful to have leaders that I can glean off and be inspired by.”
“I can say this program has really softened my heart. Being surrounded by so much kindness has made me want to grow, treat people better, and show more love.”
(from some MADE to Lead participants)
Growing in confidence

“I am able to open up [my] home & use what I had learned to help others, I feel a lot more confident in who I am as a leader in a world filled with darkness. I feel a lot more confident to fellowship with other people as I was an extremely shy girl hiding away before, but I just love to be around like minded people to edify & learn from each other.”
(from a MADE to Lead participant)
Help moving forward

“Doing the program has helped me in my ways moving forward in my journey and a better understanding of trauma and how it impacts my family.”
“I now feel much lighter in my spirit… Letting go of past hurt and trauma and the ability to forgive.”
“The entire programme has shifted something in my marriage.”
(from some Flourishing People participants)
Finding my purpose

“Flourishing People has truly given me a sense of direction. Through this journey, I’ve been able to recognise the depth of my past trauma and understand the areas in my life where I need healing. It has opened my eyes to my purpose; that’s why I’ve chosen to take part in the Made to Lead program—so I can better understand my purpose and where I am called to serve.”
(from a Flourishing People participant)
Healing from trauma

“It has helped me grow as an individual. Growing to know that trauma can be healed. That it doesn't matter what kind of trauma it is it can be healed in so many ways. Learning the different ways to heal trauma was the best knowledge i conceived.”
“I understand my past more.”
“It helped me to overcome my traumas and to forgive.”
(from some Flourishing People participants)
I would have drowned

"I am so glad to be part of the Leadership Programme. I have faced so many different challenges over the recent months and feel stretched to meet so many needs and demands. The programme is consistent and that's what I like. It keeps me encouraged and focused. I honestly do not know what I would have done without the support, I think i would have drowned in my problems."
(from a MADE to Lead participant)
Growing as a person

“This experience has brought clarity into my life, helping me reflect on what I need to work on and how I can continue growing spiritually and personally. I genuinely appreciate the people behind this initiative. Programs like this are so important, especially for those of us who feel lost but have a desire to grow...”
(from a Flourishing People participant)
Grateful for this space

“Sometimes, opportunities like this aren’t easily available, so I’m truly grateful for the space they’ve created for us to focus on our well-being, healing, and spiritual life. Being a free initiative makes it even more impactful. Hats off to everyone involved—you are doing an incredible job.”
“Absolutely perfect love it”
(from some Flourishing People participants)
Warmth and kindness

“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.”
“I appreciate the fellowship and community, ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’!”
(from some MADE to Lead participants)
A huge thank you

“Being in this community leadership programme has been awesome, so grateful. I am the quiet type – hard to open up to people, but this programme has made me feel safe, comfort, healing in myself and has driven me to push more to help our community. I am a carver and I’m planning to use my skills with the community. So thankful to be in this programme. Where I come from we say Atāwai wōlō.” (a huge thank you in Pukapukan)
(from a MADE to Lead participant)
Such a good time together

“I really enjoyed learning about how our past traumas can affect our relationships, and what we should implement in our relationships to build healthier connections... I also loved the fact that we all came together and genuinely had such a good time. The couples games were so much fun, and it was beautiful to witness the love between couples and the joy people shared with one another.”
(from a Flourishing Relationships participant)
Opportunity for connection

“We absolutely loved the opportunity to come together, leaving our hectic lives behind for a few moments, to concentrate on us as a couple. The way everything was done made it so welcoming and open and had an ease about it, making it a safe and whole space. Everything was actually done to very high standards… we are just so thankful. The teaching was absolutely relevant and first class.”
(from a Flourishing Relationships participant)
Taking time for each other

“I enjoyed everything - the workshop was a good way to understand how we all carry baggage from our past. And why we love differently. And the dinner date too - why as couple we should always take time out for each other. You all did amazing - thank you for doing this. I can see how it helps a lot of couples regain their spark & love for each other. Some days we get so busy with our families & work that we forget about spending time with each other.”
(from a Flourishing Relationships participant)
A welcoming space

“The content and delivery was great, also the environment created for us was warm friendly and welcoming”
“Loved that a space like this even exists, the team are some of the most warm and welcoming crew this always helps, hospitality was EXCELLENT! The content was great for future discussions.”
“The feeling that you’re not alone resonates with me. Programmes like this should be available and easily accessible to all couples”
(from Flourishing Relationships participants)
So grateful

“I'm so grateful for everyone who has poured into me, shared their wisdom, and walked alongside me. Thank you, MADE to Lead, for creating a space where leaders are developed, relationships are built, and purpose is strengthened. I'm excited to keep learning, growing, and leading with greater confidence.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I believe the positive changes I have experienced will continue to benefit both myself and my family in the future.”
(from some MADE to Lead participants)