Where Kaupapa Begins: With Aroha, Kawhe, and Kanohi ki te Ka
CBNZ visit to Hāpai Tūhono
The morning sun had barely warmed the windows of Hāpai Tūhono when Terangi Parima, CEO of Community Builders NZ Trust, stepped through the doors with a quiet determination and a heart full of aroha. Over cups of kawhe, Terangi and Marshy sat kanohi ki te kanohi, speaking openly about the rangatahi they both serve. “Each one is different,” Terangi said, “and each one deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in the way they need, right when they need it.” The kōrero flowed easily, grounded in mutual respect and a shared belief: that rangatahi are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they’re the heartbeat of today. Together, they explored ways to strengthen the bridge between services, to ensure that no young person slips through the cracks. Whether it’s cultural expression, entrepreneurship, or simply a safe space to be themselves, the goal was clear, offer what’s needed, when it’s needed, so each rangatahi can grow into the best version of themselves. As Terangi prepared to leave, there was a sense of momentum in the air. Not just a visit, but a beginning. A commitment to actively connect, collaborate, and uplift. Because when kaupapa are born from the heart of the community, they carry the power to transform lives.
About Community Builders NZ Trust
Based in Ōtara, Community Builders NZ Trust (CBNZ) is a charitable organisation dedicated to empowering residents from Aotearoa’s most underserved communities. Their kaupapa—ranging from youth development to cultural preservation—are co-created with locals to reflect real needs and aspirations. CBNZ focuses on skill-building, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression, always guided by the belief that thriving communities are built from within.
Learn more at the Community Builders NZ Trust website: About us
Rangatahi Meet Rawiri at the Ballot Box – A Mana Tūroa Momen
On Tuesday 2 September 2025, there was a real buzz in the air as our rangatahi made their way through Westfield Manukau. After weeks of kōrero, wānanga and hands-on learning about the power of voting, they were finally putting it into action, casting their votes, and stepping into their role as decision-makers for their whānau, hapori and future.
And then, as if the moment couldn’t get any more exciting, who should be standing right in front of them but Rawiri Waititi, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori. With his trademark hat and infectious energy, Rawiri greeted our rangatahi with warmth and mana, taking time to kōrero about why their voices matter and why voting is a taonga that must be protected and used.
“Your vote is your whakapapa in action,” he told them, “It’s how we honour those who came before us and shape the world for those coming after.”
The smiles were huge; the photo says it all. Rangatahi stood tall, inspired, and affirmed, knowing they weren’t just ticking a box, they were part of something bigger. This wasn’t just a lesson from the Mana Tūroa programme. It was a lived experience, a moment of connection, and a reminder that leadership can be found in the mall, at the ballot box, and in every rangatahi who chooses to stand up and be counted.
Ngā mihi nui to Rawiri and Te Pāti Māori for making space for our rangatahi and reminding us of all that the future is in good hands.
South Auckland Cluster Meeting: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Unleash Creativity, Shape Tomorrow! – Whāia te Auahatanga, Whakaritea āpōpō!
Unleash Creativity, Shape Tomorrow! – Whāia te Auahatanga, Whakaritea āpōpō!
Unleash Creativity, Shape Tomorrow! – Whāia te Auahatanga, Whakaritea āpōpō!
Whitecliffes - Liam Sutcliffe opened doors with dynamic options in fashion, jewellery, fine arts, and IT — helping rangatahi claim their mana.
Be Informed, Be Bold! – Kia Mōhio, Kia Māia!
Unleash Creativity, Shape Tomorrow! – Whāia te Auahatanga, Whakaritea āpōpō!
Unleash Creativity, Shape Tomorrow! – Whāia te Auahatanga, Whakaritea āpōpō!
Ahvee Ram and Soul Ailao (MBIE) uplift rangatahi with real-world mahi skills through the ‘Youth at Mahi’ kaupapa.
Know Your Worth – Mōhio Ki Tō Uara!
Unleash Creativity, Shape Tomorrow! – Whāia te Auahatanga, Whakaritea āpōpō!
Know Your Worth – Mōhio Ki Tō Uara!
Westpac’s Warren brought budgeting and saving to life, blending fun with practical mātauranga for rangatahi.
Future Focus: Rangatahi, Wānanga, Success!
A powerful PD session unfolded at Auckland Business Chamber’s Manukau office, bringing together schools, agencies, and guest speakers to inspire Career Advisors working with rangatahi. Led by Auckland Business Chamber’s Jonny Faamatuainu and Brianna Heremaia, the wānanga showcased real-world pathways in finance, employment, and creative industries.
Westpac’s Warren Ngan Woo energised the room with free ‘Money Makes Cents’ programme, budgeting, savings goals, and scam awareness made fun through games and hands-on workshops. MBIE’s Ahvee Ram and Soul Ailao unpacked employment rights and the ‘Youth at Mahi’ initiative, empowering young people to know their worth and navigate the workplace with confidence. Liam Sutcliffe from Whitecliffe closed with a creative punch, sharing study options in fashion, jewellery, fine arts, and IT, all backed by small class sizes, internships, and real-world entrepreneurship. With a strong turnout from South Auckland secondary schools and support from TEC, MoE, Auckland Council and Hāpai Tūhono, this session was a great opportunity to gain more information from different organisations offering opportunities to the rangatahi.
Auckland Business Chamber Event at MIT MANUKAU
Hāpai Tūhono Attends Auckland Business Chamber Event at MIT Manukau
Driving Auckland’s Growth: Developing Talent and the Game-Changing Drury Development
On Tuesday 26 August, Hāpai Tūhono attended a timely and forward-focused event hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber at MIT Manukau, exploring the question: What does the future of Auckland look like—and how are we preparing for it?
The morning opened with an insightful address from Chamber CEO Simon Bridges, who shared a clear-eyed view of the current economic climate and the challenges facing Auckland businesses. His kōrero highlighted the resilience and innovation emerging across the region, with many organisations responding to pressure with bold thinking and long-term ambition.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Executive Director of MIT and Unitec, spoke to the recent integration of the two institutions and its significance for Auckland’s talent pipeline. His reflections underscored the importance of aligning education with industry needs to ensure a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Rod of Kiwi Property, who outlined the scale of the Drury development, a major new town centre set to support 60,000 residents with housing, retail, commercial infrastructure, and transport links.
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to be part of the event, engaging with leaders who are actively shaping Auckland’s future. The morning concluded with a guided tour of MIT’s TechPark Campus, offering a closer look at the facilities supporting the next generation of skilled workers.
Chambers CEO - CEO Simon Bridges
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Chambers CEO - CEO Simon Bridges
Clear-eyed leadership meets resilient innovation
Kiwi Properties - Rod
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Chambers CEO - CEO Simon Bridges
Future-focused Drury development takes shape.
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Executive Director of MIT and Unitec Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Education meets industry—Auckland accelerates forward.
Rangatahi Voices Front and Centre
A Visit from Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson and Shanan Halbert
On Wednesday 20 August, Hāpai Tūhono welcomed a powerful trio of leaders: Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson and Shanan Halbert, for an afternoon of kōrero with rangatahi centred on voting, representation, and the future of Aotearoa.
Held at Hāpai Tūhono offices, the visit created space for honest, energised discussion. The kaupapa was clear: empower rangatahi to understand their voice, their vote, and their role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives, whānau and communities.
The kōrero was direct and engaging. Peeni Henare spoke about whakapapa and civic responsibility, reminding rangatahi that their tūpuna fought for the right to be heard.
Rangatahi responded with confidence, asking thoughtful pātai, sharing their perspectives, and challenging the speakers to speak plainly and with purpose. The atmosphere was electric. It wasn’t a lecture, it was a wānanga. A space where leadership met lived experience.
Hāpai Tūhono was proud to host this visit as part of its ongoing commitment to rangatahi development. The day reinforced the importance of civic education that’s grounded in tikanga, relevance and manaaki.
Ngā mihi to all who made the visit possible. The kōrero continues.
Peeni Henare
Whakapapa and civic responsibility
Willie Jackson, Peeni Henare, Shanan Helbert
Representation, and the future of Aotearoa
Rangatahi rose, leaders listened, future ignited
Real issues raised, leaders truly listened
Voices united, truths shared, futures shaped
Rangatahi challenged, leaders answered, wānanga thrived
Rangatahi challenged, leaders answered, wānanga thrived
Tuia Conference 2025
Te Ara Whakamua in Action
Tuesday, 12 August 2025 and held at Jet Park Hotel in Māngere, Auckland, Tuia 2025 brought the wairua of transformation to life. The venue buzzed with whakaaro, strategy, and real-world tools to help Māori organisations take bold steps forward. Hāpai Tūhono was among the many kaupapa-driven teams present, adding their voice to the collective kōrero.
The whakapapa of Tuia has always been about evolution, action, and vision. This year’s theme “Te Ara Whakamua” reminded attendees that the path ahead is shaped not just by where we’re going, but by how we travel, who walks beside us, and the resources we carry. It’s a journey grounded in intention, innovation, and intergenerational purpose.
From rangatahi leaders to seasoned strategists, the conference offered practical takeaways, fresh data, and tools to grow impact, strengthen workforces, and build futures. Sector intelligence and mātauranga Māori flowed freely, guiding decision-making and accelerating Māori-led success.
Tuia Conference 2025 was a great opportunity to hear from leading Māori professionals and whānaungatanga with other liked minded people. It was certainly one that left attendees energised, equipped, and ready to walk Te Ara Whakamua with purpose.
Keynote speakers lit up the room
Jack Thatcher CNZM (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Awa) took everyone on a voyage through the stars, weaving maramataka and navigation into leadership and planning.
Maria Ngawati (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) brought the energy of Indigenous enterprise, showing how innovation and whakapapa can drive economic change.
Anthony Ririnui (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga) shared insights from his banking and finance journey, urging whānau to think big and back themselves.
Hāpai Tūhono Participates in Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua – Career Pathways Series
On Friday 9 August, Hāpai Tūhono joined a strong line-up of organisations at the second Ngāti Hāua Iwi Trust: Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua – Career Pathways Series event for 2025, held at the Athletic Sports Hub in Taumarunui. This kaupapa, led under Te Ara Pikinga ki Te Pae Tāwhiti, continues to provide meaningful engagement between rangatahi, whānau, and a wide range of industries.
Wānanga of Possibilities: Where Careers Come Alive
The event brought together representatives from CKC REAP, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, Get Set Driver Training, New Zealand Defence Force, the Tertiary Education Commission, and Hāpai Tūhono. Each organisation contributed to a full day of interactive sessions, kōrero, and hands-on exploration of career pathways. The day was supported by 12 kaikōrero across diverse fields including Māori Visual Arts and Tā Moko, Communications and Future Technologies, Building, Real Estate, Māori Tourism, Māori Literature and Publishing, Film and Television, Fire Service and International Rescue, Navy – Pilot, and Fitness and Nutrition. Their presence added depth and inspiration to the event, offering rangatahi a broad view of what’s possible.
Te Ara Poutama 2025: Closing Strong with Whakatau Spirit
A whakatau was held the evening prior at Ngāpuwaiwaha Marae, setting a tone of whakawhanaungatanga and shared purpose. The event was well-supported by kaiawhina and organisers, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all involved.
The final Te Ara Poutama nā Rehua event for 2025 will take place in October, marking the end of a successful year of collaboration, storytelling, and future-focused action. Hāpai Tūhono looks forward to continuing its contribution to this important kaupapa.
Photography courtesy of Bryan "Marshy" Marsh 2025 Ⓒ
Kanohi ki te Kanohi: Connecting for Change - Auckland CATE
On Tuesday 5 August, Hāpai Tūhono joined a dynamic gathering of careers staff and industry representatives at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall for the Auckland CATE professional development event – Kanohi ki te Kanohi. The kaupapa was simple and powerful: connect those shaping futures with those guiding them.
With over 50 careers advisors from secondary schools across Tāmaki Makaurau in attendance, the event offered a rare opportunity to sit face-to-face with key influencers in vocational education. Michael Johnston set the scene in the opening korero, speaking candidly about the need for structural shifts to better bridge school and industry pathways. From there, the space came alive through a carousel-style format that saw nine industries rotate through speed conversations with groups of educators. Each 12-minute exchange gave space to share stories, discuss pathways, and open doors for rangatahi.
It was a day of connection, clarity, and purpose.
Ngā mihi to Auckland CATE and all the organisers for curating a space where educators and industry could learn from each other and move forward together.
Real conversations. Real change. One powerful day in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The energy in the room said it all: we’re ready to move forward, together
2025 CATE Māori Conference – Kotahitanga in Action
whakawhānaungatanga ā-hapori/community engagement
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini - "My success is not the success of one, but the success of many".
This wasn’t just a theme, it was lived. The CATE Māori Conference brought the heartbeat of Kotahitanga to Te Pā, where community, Kaupapa and connection came to life.
From the tomokanga to the final poroporoaki, rangatahi, educators, and employers stood shoulder to shoulder. The pōwhiri carried mana. The kōrero! Next level. Te Kahukura Boynton dropped truth on wealth and legacy. Tahu Kukutai layered in depth. Ashley Toye stretched minds into futures not yet imagined. James Whetu made placemaking real. Waikato Tainui lit up career pathways. And the Māori Careers Panel! Unfiltered, honest, powerful.
Mel Veituna led with the kind of grounded brilliance that builds villages. Her mahi held the space, wove the strands, and lifted the tone. It was Kotahitanga personified.
No fluff. No tokenism. Just real people, real impact, and a reminder that success is shared. It was a privilege to MC the day on behalf of Hāpai Tūhono.
Venue: “Te Pā” Waikato University, Date: 25.07.2025
