Enabling Communities commenced in 2023 with Oranga Tamariki identifying a number of providers across Aotearoa Te Waipounamu to walk into the future with innovation.

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka approached this by engaging whanau to identify needs and gaps, then working with stakeholders and community members to gather further insight into the communities’ requirements.

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka is only one provider selected to undertake this prototype. 

• A service design and delivery initiative endorsed by Ngāi Tahu
• Focused on innovative, whānau-led approaches to the care and wellbeing of Tamariki and Mokopuna
• Part of a nationwide prototype initiated by Oranga Tamariki to explore future-focused care models

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka are the current guardians of Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae.

Its carvings depict the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, showing eight warriors paddling a canoe which is representative of all the ancestral canoes at Waitangi in 1840 and, opposite, Captain William Hobson, RN, Governor of New Zealand at that time. This entrance symbolises the Marae as a place for all citizens of New Zealand.

Through the Te Ara Tūhono service, we assist whānau Māori in understanding and accessing ACC entitlements, advocating for their rights, and navigating complex processes.

• Supporting whānau to understand ACC claims, cover, and entitlements
• Providing guidance and advocacy throughout the ACC process
• Connecting whānau with additional health and social services
• Ensuring equitable access to ACC support for Māori

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka has been providing reintegration services to the Department of Corrections’ five South Island prisons since 2015

The Tiaki Tangata service supports Māori offenders being released from prisons to transition and reintegrate into their local community.

• Getting their drivers license through our Mauri Tū service
• Participating in Functional Family Therapy in order to rebuild relationship with their children.
• Budgeting Services
• Access to on site MSD work broker
• Free legal advice from Community Law clients onsite
• Securing employment through our onsite MSD representative, Offender Recruitment Consultant and our own networks
• Reporting to probation officers at the Marae

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka Māori Wardens Roopu is a member of the Te Waipounamu Māori Wardens Association Incorporated, the registered body representing Māori Wardens operating in the South Island, including the Chatham Islands.

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka in partnership with New Zealand Police, The Ministry of Justice, and The Department of Corrections have come together to form an innovative Marae-based Justice Hub, Tai Aranui.

How we can help

Our team provide support under the following service streams:

1. Te Waharoa – Youth at risk of Offending (under 17 years of age)
2. Manapou Taiohi – Youth who are Offending (under 17 years of age)
3. Mauri Tū – Driving Education (under 17 years of age)

A two-year programme designed for those passionate about making a difference in their communities. Starting with foundational knowledge in Level 4 and advancing to professional practice in Level 5, students develop real-world skills through classwork and extensive placement experiences. Delivered in a supportive, culturally grounded environment.

• Core learning areas: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural engagement, self-leadership, and community support
• Practical skills: Intake, assessment, service coordination, advocacy, and integrated practice
• Graduate roles: Community support, family violence prevention, social justice, refugee services
• Entry: Open to all – no prior study required; selection includes interview and police check