Our third Pre‑Trades cohort has officially begun their 10‑week learning journey with Rukuhia Te Mahi, marking another exciting step in whānau development toward independence, financial sustainability, and supporting our future workforce.

As we welcomed our new tauira with a warm whakatau, we reaffirmed our commitment to Te Pou Mataaho – Optimum health and wellbeing as a collective movement toward sustaining clarity, confidence, and the realisation of inner potential.

Our tauira are now settling into the theory component of the course, which includes Construction training delivered by Vertical Horizonz, along with modules designed to strengthen confidence, self‑awareness, and core employability skills.

Over the coming weeks, they will transition into their practical work placements with our trusted industry partners: Beulah, SABRE, Waiotahi Contractors, WSP Engineering, Glenn Glass, and Kiwi Span.
These placements play a vital role in professional career growth, offering hands‑on learning, real‑world experience to obtain BCITO Unit Standard credits. These credits are delivered by our qualified builder, through practical projects that contribute directly to our housing initiatives. The placements also provide opportunities to build strong industry connections that can lead to potential employment and future career pathways.

We are proud to celebrate a significant milestone in our journey – the fifth Korowaitanga graduation of the Tū Te Pūehu “Work Ready” Programme, where 7 tauira successfully completed their haerenga in Kaiawhina Navigator

Graduated Tauira: Hune Maniapoto, Synear Te Whau, Erana Tuna, Roimata Davidson, Marlene Te Moana, Jessica-Ann Friis, Claire Peters

This programme continues to empower tauira to reconnect with their why, weaving together a korowai of mātauranga, self-discovery, and personal growth, while preparing for meaningful futures. The impact of this kaupapa is evident in the confidence and clarity each tauira carries forward

Delivered in two phases:

• 4 weeks of theory-based learning, focused on foundational skills, digital literacy, and personal development
• 4 weeks of work placement across our EBOP Iwi Alliance, offering real-world experience in social, health, and education settings

Tauira trained towards:

• Strengthened employability
• Enhanced digital and soft skills – Privacy E Modules, In-house Management Systems, Case Noting, Privacy Act and Confidentiality and more
• Readiness for entry-level roles supporting whānau and communities across the hauora and wellbeing sectors
• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Accredited by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi)

Programme Snapshot:

• 5 Korowaitanga graduations
• 38 total tauira graduated
• 62% transition into employment or further training

We acknowledge the unwavering commitment, resilience, and aroha shown by each tauira, and the collective support from our EBOP Iwi Alliance and Industry partners, mentors, and service teams

Together, we continue to build pathways that uplift and prepare our people for purposeful futures

“In order to change, we must be the change”

These powerful words shared by a past tauira reflect the heart of a new initiative that marks a significant step forward for whānau, hapū, and future generations

Last week 7 tauira commenced their 1st week of the 4-week work placement and celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, establishing a shared commitment to deliver the Tū Te Puehu “Work Ready” Hauora and Social Kaiāwhina program, accredited with the Level 2 Health and Wellbeing certificate

Our tauira are in-placement within our iwi alliance providers, gaining hands-on experience that strengthens their skills, confidence, and connection to community

This development is not just about training – it’s about uplifting the wellbeing of our people. By working together, we ensure bespoke training that empowers tauira with the tools and confidence to serve their communities, and in turn, inspire change across generations

We acknowledge Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa for creating the space for this kaupapa to thrive, and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi for walking alongside this vision

Rukuhia ngā mātauranga, ka puta ki te ao.
Together, we move forward with purpose, connection, and a shared belief in the strength of our people

This week, Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa and our Rukuhia Industry Trades Coordinator hosted Future Academy Trades students from Trident High School at Tūkokeke Papakāinga. Our graduate pre-trades boys proudly manaaki the group, guiding them through their workplace and the He Tohu Kāinga housing development

As part of the visit, the rangatahi heard kōrero about the whenua, its history and significance, and how it shapes the vision for papakāinga housing—connecting whānau aspirations, tikanga, and pathways to home ownership

The students explored the completed homes, learned about the many trade fields available to them, and saw how careers in the trades can contribute directly to their community. A highlight of the day was hearing from former tauira, now employed as part of the He Tohu Kāinga building maintenance crew, who shared how their pre-trades journey and hands-on contributions to this very papakāinga led to real career opportunities

Ka mau te wehi – awesome mahi boys!