Rāpare 10 Hūrae | Thursday 10th July

Kam na mauri!

This week, we join our Kiribati whānau in celebrating Kiribati Language Week. A special time to honour the language, culture, and contributions of the Kiribati community in Porirua and across Aotearoa.

In the spirit of Matariki, the team at Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou has been taking time to reflect, reset, and map out the next six months of our mahi. Our vision is simple but bold: that Porirua can be the best place to raise a whānau. A place that is safe, caring, and connected, where all whānau have the opportunity to thrive.

Our focus remains on prevention and working alongside others to create safer, more connected communities. We’ll be applying the insights and whakaaro you’ve so generously shared with us through our reimagining sessions over the past year.

We look forward to sharing more about this kaupapa soon, including ways you can be involved in shaping what comes next.

Joel-Jack Sheck, winner of the Variety Category 2024

We’re excited to be supporting Porirua Has Talent again! This kaupapa was created following a reimagining session on rangatahi mental wellbeing in 2023. Rangatahi told us they wanted more free and low-cost activities that are fun, help them discover their passions, and give them a chance to shine.

From that kōrero, Porirua Has Talent was born — with our first event held in 2024 and after a successful debut, Porirua Has Talent is back again for 2025, creating space for rangatahi to showcase their talents and be celebrated by their community.. 

Last year showcased everything from spectacular dancers to spine chilling vocalists through to talented guitarists, pianists and a staunch young beat boxer.  Holy Family School came together to give a wonderful kapa haka performance and Sage Ngatai Skipper wowed everyone with his hip hop animation. 

Categories are vocal or musician, dancers, and groups and are split into two different age groupings: 5-12 and 13-25. 

Judges this year include social media sensation, cultural comedian, actor and musician Pairama Wright; NZ Alt Country Singer/Songwriter Ainslie Allen, Fredwyn Kisona of Tomorrow People, talented dancer and choreographer Aroha Davidson. 

Auditions will be held on Saturday 19 July, with the grand final on Saturday 16 August. 

Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou (TWTT) teamed up with Autism NZ for an exciting presentation and Q & A session about Takiwatanga Tamariki/ Autism in Children.

As we know, the number of children being diagnosed with Autism continues to grow with around 1,900* children diagnosed per year (*New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association.)

Whānau can be left feeling frustrated and confused when trying to understand what supports and resources may be available for their tamariki.  Finding the time to understand what Autism is and what it means for their tamariki can also be challenging for busy whānau.

TWTT were contacted by kaimahi wanting more information and support when working with children on the spectrum.  After reaching out to Autism NZ we decided that a presentation and Q & A session for Kaimahi and the community would be very useful.

Our goal was to provide a relaxed setting for kaimahi, parents and the community to learn more about Autism and have the opportunity to ask questions from knowledgeable speakers. 

TWTT  prepared a handout with useful information and links for Autism support services and resources. Click on the links to see these. 

• Children With Autism - English Version
• Takiwatanga in Tamariki - Te Reo Māori Version

We have another drug checking clinic happening this weekend as part of our Pathways to Healing: Community Support in Reducing Drug Harm campaign this weekend!

These clinics are built on a foundation of trust and support, offering a free, legal, and confidential service that empowers individuals to make safer choices.

By creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space, we encourage people to check their substances in a safe environment. Through promoting informed decision-making, we’re working to reduce stigma and strengthen a sense of community care.

#ReduceDrugHarm#PoriruaManaaki

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