Rāapa, 6 Haratua 2026 | Wednesday, 6 May 2026

E te whānau, this month the theme of taking collective action continues. You'll see more of what's already underway in Porirua and how you can join in making Porirua the best place to raise a whānau. 

Opinion piece by Jodi Watene

Across Porirua, more of us are noticing people sleeping rough in our public spaces. It’s visible. It’s confronting. And it’s prompting conversation about what should happen next.

At the same time, new move-on powers are being introduced. The intent is to support safety in public places. That matters. But it also raises a deeper question for our city.

Are we a city that cares?

We know this sits within a wider housing shortage across Aotearoa. There simply aren’t enough homes, and demand continues to grow. But what we are seeing on our streets is only one part of a much bigger picture.

Rough sleeping is the most visible edge. We don’t have full visibility of how many people in Porirua don’t have somewhere they call their home. We know there are whānau couch surfing, staying in overcrowded homes, or moving frequently just to get by. The reasons are many. Family violence. Poverty. Mental health. Addiction. Trauma. Financial stress.

For many, housing instability is not a single issue. It is layered and complex.

“Unaffordable housing has affected my mental health because the insecurity of not knowing if you have a home in the future and always having to move house to house. I could never stay with the same friends for long.”
— Rangatahi at Reimagining Session on mental health

Porirua is not short of people who care. Across our city, providers are working hard every day to support whānau, often going above and beyond to respond to complex needs. That mahi matters, and it is making a difference. But those same providers are also telling us something important. That while there is strong commitment, there are still gaps. That navigating the system can be difficult. That more coordination and support across the system would help ensure whānau don’t fall through. Which is why this is not just about housing supply. It is about whether our system works for whānau.

When there is nowhere to go, “move on” does not resolve the issue. It simply shifts it. From one place to another. Out of sight, but not solved!

Between rough sleeping and stable housing sits a system that is difficult to navigate. Often fragmented and not always responding at the right time, in the right way.

For some, that shows up in the hardest possible ways:

“I was homeless and you say I don’t qualify.”
— Young hapū māmā at Reimagining Session on maternal health

“Not living in fear of getting kicked out of housing.”
— Māmā at Reimagining Session on maternal health

If we believe in making Porirua the best place to raise a whānau, then that has to mean everyone has access to what they need to thrive. That includes those without a home.

So the question becomes not just what we do, but how we respond. Are we a city where we give people a hand up? Not to be confused with a hand out. A hand up is about connection, support, and creating real pathways forward.

We all acknowledge this is a complex issue. It requires a collective response. No one organisation, agency, or system can do this alone.

Housing has been identified as a priority focus by the Porirua Community Leaders Forum, reflecting what our community has been telling us and the urgency to respond together.

That is why the Porirua Housing kaupapa rōpū matters. This week, 14 organisations came together for the first hui. Fourteen organisations willing and ready to work together for the collective good of whānau in Porirua.

The focus is clear. Supporting people from those sleeping rough through to those needing support into social housing and beyond.

This is what a movement looks like. 

Because this is not just about managing visibility. It is about strengthening the system so it works better for whānau.

Safety in our public spaces matters. And so does ensuring people have somewhere safe to go. One without the other will not work.

We can choose to move people on.
Or we can choose to move together toward solutions.

If you have something to contribute, we invite you to join us HERE. 

Because this is about all of us.

The question is not just what we do next.
It’s what kind of City we want to be?

One that cares for its people.
Or one that chooses not to see them.

A Case Study

Investing early in Rangatahi, strengthening whānau resilience

Porirua is part of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, a Cabinet-mandated, multi-agency initiative focused on reducing harm from organised crime. ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring.

It recognises that enforcement alone is not enough, and that lasting change comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm before they escalate.

Through Reimagining Hui facilitated by Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou, lived experience directly shaped the recommendations guiding ROCC in Porirua. A strong message from the community was the need for a balanced approach that strengthens both prevention and treatment — addressing root causes early, while also ensuring support for those already impacted.

One key priority identified through this work was supporting rangatahi who are at risk of, or impacted by, substance harm and organised crime. Organisations across Porirua are already doing powerful prevention-focused mahi in this space, helping build resilience, confidence, and connection before harm takes hold.

One organisation making a significant difference is Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand.

Mark* was referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters by his mother. A kind, energetic and caring young boy, Mark had been experiencing challenges at school following an ADHD diagnosis. He had also been exposed to family violence and, with his father in prison, lacked consistent positive male role models in his life.

Through the programme, Mark was matched with a tuakana who shared his interests in the outdoors and cars. From their first meeting, the connection was immediate.

Together they spend time tramping, biking, swimming, and bonding over their shared passion for vehicles. More importantly, the relationship has created a space where Mark feels seen, understood, and valued.

After just three months, the impact has been significant. Mark now waits eagerly on the front step each week for his tuakana to arrive. His confidence has grown noticeably, and his whānau have seen positive changes in both his behaviour and self-belief.

After one visit, Mark told his mother:

“Mum, you know my ADHD, it is a superpower.”

This shift in mindset has helped him better understand himself and begin developing strategies to manage his impulses.

The changes have also been felt across the wider whānau. Mark’s sister reflected:

“He used to have tantrums five or six times a week after school. Now it’s maybe once a month.”

In a short time, Mark’s journey demonstrates the power of trusted relationships, positive role models, and strengths-based support. Prevention is not only about stopping harm before it happens; it is about creating the conditions where rangatahi feel connected, capable, and hopeful about their future.

For Porirua, this kind of locally led, relationship-based support reflects exactly what communities called for through the ROCC Reimagining process — investing early in rangatahi, strengthening whānau resilience, and helping create a city where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

*Name changed for privacy.

What is this about? 

The Porirua Community Leaders’ Forum (PCLF) is a space for connection, alignment, and collective action across our city. 

It brings together leaders from iwi, community, Pacific, migrant, business, education, and social sectors to strengthen relationships, share learning, and coordinate action on what matters most for Porirua. 

The Forum operates as a living system. It is not a fixed structure, but a platform that supports community-led action and shared stewardship. 

Together, we are working towards a shared vision: 
Porirua is the best place to raise a whānau. 

Through the Forum, seven priority kaupapa have been identified: 

• Renewable Energy
• Community Resilience
• Kai Security
• Rangatahi Resilience
• Wai
• Homelessness
• Drug Harm

Kaupapa groups are now forming around these areas to support coordination and collective impact. 

What is the Kaitiaki Rōpū? 

As the Forum continues to grow, we are establishing a Kaitiaki Rōpū. 

In line with the PCLF  operating model,  the role of the Rōpū is to: 

• honour community voice and priorities
• provide guidance and direction
• support transparency and trust

This is not a traditional governance board. It is about stewardship to ensure our mahi stays true to community aspirations and grounded in collective responsibility. 

Time Commitment and Koha 

Kaitiaki Rōpū members are asked to commit up to 4 hours per month. 

This is expected to be the maximum, with some months requiring less time depending on what is happening across the Forum and associated kaupapa groups. 

In recognition of the time, insight, and leadership members bring, koha will be provided. 

This reflects our commitment to valuing people’s contributions and ensuring participation is accessible and sustainable. 

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for people who: 

• have strong connections with Porirua communities
• hold trust and influence within a collective  
• care about collective action and doing things differently  
• can bring a broad, community systems view  
• are willing to both give to, and gain from, this kaupapa 

You don’t need a formal title. Leadership here is about connection and trust. 

If this sounds like you, submit your Expression of Interest HERE by 5pm Friday, 5 June 2026.

If you’d like to kōrero before submitting, please reach out to the Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou team – TeWahiTiakiTatou@ngatitoa.iwi.nz

Porirua Providers' Cuppa & Connect Case Study - Te Āhuru Mōwai 

Over the past two years, Porirua has been part of a wider reimagining journey centering community voice and challenging how systems can better work for whānau, not around them.

A consistent theme through this mahi has been the need to shift from fragmented, provider-led responses to a more connected, relational system. One where providers know each other, trust each other, and actively work together to support whānau wellbeing.

Porirua Providers' Cuppa & Connect is one practical expression of that shift. It creates a regular, intentional space for providers to come together, build relationships, and strengthen collective understanding of what is happening across the community.

The Problem: Silos Create Gaps for Whānau

For community housing providers like Te Āhuru Mōwai, the impacts of a disconnected system are visible every day.

Whānau accessing social housing can often be managing multiple needs in addition to housing. While providers are working hard within their own organisations, a lack of visibility and connection between services can mean whānau miss out on support that already exists.

“If they don't know about the support, how do they get there?”

“The longer we take between noticing a need for social services support and meeting that need, little things can become big things.”

Without shared awareness, access relies too heavily on chance or existing relationships. This creates unnecessary barriers, and highlights the need for a more coordinated, responsive system. One that closes the gaps rather than leaving whānau to navigate them alone.

What We’re Doing: Creating a Space for Connection and Collaboration

Porirua Providers' Cuppa & Connect monthly sessions were established to respond to this exact challenge.

It brings Providers together to:

• share what they do and what's available
• build direct relationships with other providers
• identify opportunities to work together
• stay connected to emerging community need

For Te Āhuru Mōwai, it's an effective forum for supporting for tenant whānau.

“If we know what providers are in the community and what they do, and if providers know about our whānau and how to connect … then the distance travelled from the tenant whānau to the service… can be shortened."

"Information shared at these sessions doesn’t stay in the room, it flows directly back to frontline kaimahi and into whānau."

The Impact: A More Connected System for Whānau

After connecting with providers through the network, Te Āhuru Mōwai was able to connect tenant whānau to stroke survivor workshops facilitated by Stroke Aotearoa and Maraeroa Marae Health Clinic.

“They promoted the opportunity, we had conversations… tenant whānau were contacted directly… and some of our whānau participated and were directly supported".

"It was as simple as that, I think it was like 8 phones calls, 5 emails, one online meeting and some internal kōrero." 

The network is building something enduring. The ongoing, relational approach means providers are not just connecting once, they are building a stronger, more coordinated system over time.

“To make the most of the hour hui, we attend with clear intentions: to find providers that can support our whānau, to understand the pathway in for whānau and to maintain the relationships already made".

Contributing to Porirua as the Best Place to Raise a Whānau

Porirua Providers' Cuppa & Connect highlights what’s possible when we move from siloed ways of working to a more connected, collaborative system.

At its core, it is about making it easier for whānau to get the support they need without having to navigate the system alone.

“It’s shortening that distance between the whānau who have a need and the provider who can help with that need.”

This is how we bring to life the vision of Porirua being the best place to raise a whānau, not through one service alone, but through a community that works together.

Are you working alongside whānau in Porirua experiencing substance harm? 

We’re inviting providers across Porirua who work alongside whānau experiencing substance harm to register their interest for a fully funded training opportunity.

This training is for those who, through their mahi, come across whānau impacted by substance harm, and who would benefit from building their knowledge and confidence in this space.

It will support providers in recognising substance harm and connecting whānau to the right support in a safe, whānau-centred way.

It is open to all providers working with whānau across any kaupapa in Porirua. This is an opportunity to build shared understanding and strengthen how we respond together as a community.

Spaces are limited. Register your interest HERE by 31 May to be considered for a place.

Providers' Cuppa & Connect is on

At its core, Porirua Providers' is about making it easier for whānau to get the support they need without having to navigate the system alone.

“It’s shortening that distance between the whānau who have a need and the provider who can help with that need.”

Join us for this informal monthly catch-up. It's a great opportunity to connect, meet other Porirua providers, and share information and ideas. Come along to the next one.

Details: 

• When: Wednesday, 20 May 2026 | 10am - 11am 
• Venue: Mungavin Hall (Supper Room), Mungavin Avenue

No RSVP needed! Just drop in every third Wednesday of the month.

#kotahitanga #manaakitanga #PoriruaProviders

Your feedback is important to us. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please email us at tewahitiakitatou@ngatitoa.iwi.nz