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

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 

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.