About us
To develop a workforce that empowers whānau to flourish, on their transformative journey leading to self-sufficiency. To strengthen workforce capability through workplace quality training and development.
Te Kaupapa
Our Values
Rukuhia Te Mahi – are dedicated to empowering our people on their transformative journey towards
Grounded in the values of whakapapa, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, mana, ako, mahi tahi, whakapono, rangatiratanga, and wairuatanga, we provide a holistic and integrated program of social, education, and employment services.
Tikanga me ōna Kawa
Rukuhia Te Mahi
We are committed to assessing the unique needs of individuals, fostering personal and career growth, and supporting the journey of self-discovery and aspirations for the future. Through building strong relationships and connections, we empower individuals to recognize and utilize their transferrable skills, both in life and work experiences.
Working collaboratively with new established and existing relationships connecting with potential partners, iwi alliance, stakeholders and employers.
We hold space for empowerment, laying foundations of self-identity and belonging through the exploration of whakapapa. By fostering Te Ohonga Ake, the state of awareness, we fill the basket of knowledge, equipping individuals with work preparation, essential skills, and access to resources for success.
We navigate our own lives, channelling the wisdom of our tipuna, recognizing, and applying transferrable skills and life experience.
Our journey extends beyond individual development, as we actively engage with potential employers, exploring horizons, and facilitating work experience, apprenticeships, upskilling, and in-work training.
Providing work ready candidates to potential employer’s whose values align with Rukuhia Te Mahi and are supportive to whanau seeking to make a difference in their lives and the lives of the tamariki and whanau.
We provide ongoing support, financial budgeting services, and assistance with navigating government programs and services.
Our ultimate goal is to achieve Tino Rangatiratanga, where individuals experience self-determination, independence, optimum health and wellbeing, and financial sustainability.
Through our commitment to engagement, collaboration, and progress,
we empower whanau to be independent and confident decision-makers, serving as role models for their whanau, iwi, and rohe
Te Pou Mataaho
Mai te korenga ki Te ao Marama
Optimum health and Wellbeing
Te Pou Mataaho is a uniquely Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa model of care that guides our journey toward holistic wellbeing – anchored in the wisdom of our tipuna and the strength of our whakapapa. This kaupapa Māori framework weaves together the physical and spiritual dimensions of hauora, recognising that true wellbeing is achieved when all aspects of our being are nurtured in balance.
Ngā Pou E Wha
This journey begins at Te Korenga, a place of dormancy and unknowing, and moves through Manaakitanga (intervention) to Whanaungatanga (connection), drawing strength from our cultural narratives—like that of Wairaka, who defied odds to protect her people.
Through Te Pou Mataaho, we honour the interconnectedness of body, mind, spirit, and whenua, embracing a pathway of healing, empowerment, and transformation that is distinctly Ngāti Awa.
Ngā Pou E Rima:
• Te Pou o Tātaiwhakaheke – our whakapapa, connecting us to our tīpuna and each other.
• Te Pou o Hinetītama – our tūrangawaewae, grounding us in our whenua and identity.
• Te Pou Ihorangi o Papatūānuku – our wairua, honouring the spiritual origins of whānau.
• Te Pou Aotūroa – our environment, acknowledging the forces that shape us.
• Te Pou Mataaho – the culmination of all Pou, representing the state of ultimate wellbeing.
Industry Partners
Empowering our people, empowering our communities
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At Rukuhia Te Mahi, our industry partnerships are grounded in our shared value of having people at heart – working for the wellbeing of our whānau while giving back to the community. Through these relationships, we uphold a collective commitment to creating meaningful employment pathways
We collaborate with local and national employers, training providers, and iwi-led initiatives to co-design opportunities that reflect the aspirations of our tauira and the needs of our communities
These partnerships enable us to deliver hands-on work placements, tailored training programmes, and real-world experiences that prepare our tauira for success in sectors such as construction, civil works, building maintenance, and beyond. Together, we are building a workforce that is skilled, confident, and culturally grounded – ready to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of our wider community