Why Ora

23/07/2025

Rapuara Ako Workshop 2

A Career in Education Can Change Lives!

Rapuara Ako offers a unique opportunity for taiohi in Years 11 to 13 to explore meaningful and inspiring career pathways in the education sector. Last Thursday, kura from across the rohe came together to be inspired by the possibilities of a career in personalised education. Presenters from Educational Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, Pastoral Care and Youth Work shared their passion for Ako through engaging, hands-on activities.

Ngā mihi nui to all our presenters — your energy, enthusiasm, and insights truly sparked excitement in our future leaders.

17/07/2025

Ngā mihi nui to Tui Ora and Te Korowai o Ngāruahine for hosting our recent Rapuara Hauora workshops 🙌🏽

For the first time, we brought hauora career experiences into kaupapa Māori spaces — and the impact was powerful. Our taiohi got hands-on learning, met incredible role models, and saw the value of serving their own communities.

This is just the beginning. Together, we’re growing a future Māori health workforce grounded in identity, connection and purpose.

17/07/2025

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UwVrqryIa0ax_ZD5sbHUmbKm8fvaLBlDt1rUyNvkqW1UMVhSTjNUNVBVN05CMjU4VkxUVFlSUzZNNS4u

Hui Whānau 2025 - Save the Date
Pukekura Function Centre, New Plymouth
18th August | 5:30pm

Our Hui Whānau is a special evening for you and your whānau to connect with us here at Why Ora. It’s a time to come together, share kōrero, and talk about the future of our taiohi.

We’ve got some awesome presenters lined up – so bring the whole whānau and make a night of it!

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UwVrqryIa0ax_ZD5sbHUmbKm8fvaLBlDt1rUyNvkqW1UMVhSTjNUNVBVN05CMjU4VkxUVFlSUzZNNS4u

15/07/2025

Are you in Year 12 or 13 and curious about uni life? Why Ora is taking a group of Taranaki taiohi to the University of Waikato for a full day experience!

📍 Hamilton
📅 23 July 2025
🚌 Transport provided

- Full campus tour with Student Ambassadors
- Lunch at the Uni Hall
- Meet Māori tauira & lecturers
- Learn about study pathways & support

Spots are limited – use the below link to register now or talk to your Kaiārahi! NOW CLOSED

14/07/2025

🌱 Mattie O'Carroll - whānau story

This week we have our Rapuara Ako (Education) workshop, it’s the perfect time to highlight one of our amazing education taiohi – Mattie O’Carroll.

What began as “just a free day off school” turned into something life-changing for Mattie. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how unexpected moments can spark passion and purpose.

“I didn’t think it would lead to anything – but here I am.”

Click the following link to read Mattie's full story!

Igniting a passion for teaching – Mattie O’Carroll I te taha o tōku PāpāKo Taranaki te MoungaKo Waitara, ko Mōhakatino ngā AwaKo Tokomaru te WakaKo Te Ati Awa, ko Ngati Tama ngā IwiKo Otaraua te HapūKo Pukearuhe, Ko Mangaiemiemi ngā MaraeI te taha o tōku...

11/07/2025

This Sunday, Aaliyah Anaha leaves from Ngāmotu to head all the way to Houston, Texas!!
Aaliyah will be taking part in the United Space School learning alongside students from around the world and working with real NASA scientists and astronauts. What an amazing opportunity!

Aaliyah’s not 100% sure what she wants to do after school yet, but this experience may help her find her path. No matter what, we know she’ll make the most of it and do us all proud.

Travel safe Aaliyah. Your whānau are behind you every step of the way!

08/07/2025

Thinking about studying at the University of Waikato?

Their annual Information Evening is coming to New Plymouth! This is a great chance for students and whānau to learn more about Waikato’s programmes, pathways, and chat directly with their team.

Where: Plymouth International – Hobson Room
When: Tuesday, 30th July 2025
Time: From 5:30pm onwards

If you’re interested, make sure to head along!
Register here: https://crmwaikatoportal.powerappsportals.com/events/event/?id=dbf166f0-c340-f011-8779-7c1e52627ba6

08/07/2025

A special day for our team as we handed over our very own Liahna Smith, who begins her 6-month secondment with the incredible Pūhoro whānau.

Ngā mihi nui to Pūhoro for the manaaki and the warmth you showed us today. Your aroha and commitment to uplifting our people is so inspiring!

Liahna, we are so proud of you. Step boldly into this next chapter. With your mauri, your purpose, and your wairua strong. We’ll be with you every step of the way e hoa. Kei te tautoko mātou i a koe i ngā wā katoa.

03/07/2025

Hui Whānau 2025 - Save the Date
Pukekura Function Centre, New Plymouth
18th August | 5:30pm

Our Hui Whānau is a special evening for you and your whānau to connect with us here at Why Ora. It’s a time to come together, share kōrero, and talk about the future of our taiohi.

We’ve got some awesome presenters lined up – so bring the whole whānau and make a night of it!

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UwVrqryIa0ax_ZD5sbHUmbKm8fvaLBlDt1rUyNvkqW1UMVhSTjNUNVBVN05CMjU4VkxUVFlSUzZNNS4u

29/06/2025

Creating Opportunities for a Career in Health 2025

From hands-on experiences to developing potential relationships with their future classmates, C.O.A.C.H helped our taiohi see that a future in health isn’t just a dream—it’s an achievable goal!

To highlight, we had one of our own, Rangikata O'Carroll, serve as a tuakana during this programme.

See below what Koen and Olive had to say about their experience while attending the four day wānanga at Waipapa Marae, The University of Auckland facilitated by the Ake Programme.

24/06/2025

🌱Liam Ratana -Lloyd - whānau story

This week's whānau story is about one of our previous Hoki Mai ki Why Ora taiohi, Liam Ratana-Lloyd. Liam joined the Hoki Mai program in July 2024 and has recently secured a Building Cadetship! See his story below.

24/06/2025

The focus for this month's Hoki Mai ki Why Ora Wānanga is Taha Hinengaro/Mental Health. Taiohi heard from a range of kaimahi who support the Taha Hinengaro of others in the community; From Tina, Workforce Co-ordinator at Whai Mahi and ending with Jody and Kevin from Community Mental Health at Te Whatu Ora. As always, good kai and kōrero brought us together throughout the day!

"The wānanga was deep, we had to listen to take it all in. I loved the speakers they were well spoken, and it made sense. I liked how they personalised their stories and that it was a free-flowing day. It felt safe, confidential and you could say what you wanted. Good vibes too! I felt like what the presenters were saying was personal and I could relate to it." Taiohi quotes.

Hoki Mai Ki Why Ora is supported through He Poutama Rangatahi, a kaupapa of the Ministry of Social Development.