Te Ara Poutama: Guiding Futures with Heart and Purpose
Whaia Te Pae Tawhiti: Turning Vision into Action
Photo by: NGAKONUI VALLEY SCHOOL – Term 2 Newsletter
On 12 June 2025, something powerful was set in motion. Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua the first careers event under Te Ara Pikinga ki Te Pae Tāwhiti landed in Taumarunui with intent, heart, and fierce dedication.
This kaupapa, a collaboration between Ngāti Hāua Iwi Trust and the Ministry of Education, brings big vision to a small town. Rooted in the wisdom of Hinengākau and Tamahina, Te Ara Pikinga is about fostering success that’s shaped by identity, community, and future-focused planning. Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata—it’s more than a saying here, it’s a strategy in motion.
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to stand alongside iwi leaders in launching the Rehua Series, named after the red star of high potential. Like the Poutama pattern itself, each event offers steps upward toward knowledge, skills, and new career journeys. It’s not just for rangatahi either. Uri, pakeke, and whānau showed up. They asked questions, made connections, and left with possibilities.
What makes this initiative different? It integrates mātauranga Māori with the realities of today's workforce. It puts cultural depth next to practical know-how. It builds bridges between kura, employers, and communities so uri don’t have to walk alone.
Kōtahi te waka, kia kōtahi te hoe. The mahi’s underway, and Hāpai Tūhono is here for it and will be attending the August and October events.
Honouring Te Tiriti – A Day of Reflection
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to host Te Tiriti o Waitangi training alongside the ANZASW team at our Manukau office, guided by the skilled facilitation of Riki Consultancy, on Thursday 17 July 2025.
The day invited participants to explore the deep history of Treaty relationships in Aotearoa, understand the articles of Te Tiriti, and unpack what it truly means to honour them in our everyday practice. The atmosphere was open, thoughtful, and honest. Conversations moved between the historical and the personal, acknowledging complexity, while also centering collective responsibility. Through it all, Riki Consultancy held space with clarity and warmth, creating room for both challenge and encouragement.
Ngā mihi to ANZASW and Riki Consultancy for partnering with us in this vital kaupapa. Days like this deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to doing the work with integrity, clarity, and connection.
A legendary moment—Marshy and Joanah in one frame!
**Side note: Marshy had a photo with Joanah Nga-Woo. He recognized Joanah from the World cup winning Black Ferns. In the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup final, the Black Ferns secured their victory with a crucial lineout steal in the final seconds of the match against England. Joanah Ngan-Woo was the player who made the game-winning steal, disrupting England's lineout and securing possession for New Zealand. Marshy called it the “Hand of God moment”.
Ngā Karanga Anamata: Voices of the Future at EPIT 2025
Future-Focused and Fierce: Hāpai Tūhono Lights Up EPIT 2025!
On the 23 July 2025, Tanya Kaihe, Lenny Andrews and Bryan Marsh had the privilege of attending the annual EPIT Partnership Showcase held at Te Whiriwhiringa – The Nest, a day dedicated to sharing innovation, insights, and collaborative action.
With partners from across Aotearoa in attendance, the event provided a space for each organisation to present on their latest initiatives, creating a dynamic environment for learning and sharing. It was inspiring to hear the breadth of mahi happening in different communities, from rangatahi development and industry engagement to education pathways that reflect local strengths and values.
Hāpai Tūhono contributed to the day with a presentation on our Ngā Karanga Anamata. Our kōrero shared how we’ve been working alongside rangatahi, whānau, marae, and local partners to share opportunities that reflect the future aspirations of our young people, anchored in tikanga, identity, and connection.
The showcase was an affirming reminder of the collective momentum across the sector. EPIT’s continued commitment to assembling partners in this way reinforces the value of collaboration and provides critical space to reflect, learn, and strengthen alignment.
Ngā mihi to EPIT for hosting such a thoughtful and well-organised event, and to all partners who shared their stories of impact.
Photo by: EPIT LinkedIn