Why Ora

07/05/2026

Through kōrero with our taiohi, we were able to hear about their experiences at Rapuara Ako Workshop 1🌱

Their whakaaro remind us why this mahi matters, creating spaces where our rangatahi can grow.

"You don't need to have it all figured out, just start somewhere." - Scott Walden

06/05/2026

Rapuara Ako Workshop 1 🌱

Rapuara Ako provides an opportunity for Year 11 to Year 13 secondary school taiohi to see and experience meaningful careers in the education sector.

Today we had the privilege of welcoming taiohi to our first Rapuara Ako workshop of 2026!!

We heard inspiring kōrero from Scott Walden (Principal), Tara and Casey (WITT Nursing Team), Courtney and Tara (Educare). A huge mihi to you all for taking the time to share your experiences and inspire our future educators.

We look forward to our second workshop, which will be held in July where we shift our focus to alternative education careers ✨

05/05/2026

Kia Ora e te whānau,

Our tari will be closed today, as the team is delivering our Rapuara Ako workshop!

Tari Closed: Wednesday 6th May 8am - 1:30pm

05/05/2026

✨ Rapuara Ako is tomorrow! ✨
We’re excited to bring our community together to learn, connect and be inspired. As part of Rapuara Ako, we’ll be hearing from some of the passionate professionals who will be presenting on the day.

Meet Scott Walden, current Principal of Marfell Primary School and one of our valued Whakatipuranga Rima Rau board members. We’re incredibly privileged to have Scott join us to share his haerenga, insights, and inspiring kōrero with our taiohi.

Scott’s passion for education and leadership brings a powerful perspective for rangatahi who are curious about stepping into the teaching space. His journey and whakaaro will offer encouragement, motivation, and real insight into what it means to lead and serve through education.

We’re grateful to have Scott as part of Rapuara Ako and can’t wait for our taiohi to hear from him tomorrow!

Mā te mātauranga ka ora ai te iwi.
Through education, the people will thrive.

📢Event Details📢
📅 Wednesday 6th May
📍 TET Stadium, Inglewood
⏰ 10.00am – 12.30pm

01/05/2026

✨ Rapuara Ako is next week! ✨
We’re excited to bring our community together to learn, connect and be inspired. As part of Rapuara Ako, we’ll be hearing from some of the passionate professionals who will be presenting on the day.

Meet Tara Malone, and Casey Trownson - Nursing Educators along with Phillppa Peters - StudyLink Outreach Officer for Taranaki and King Country.

They’ll be sharing what drives them to do the mahi they do within the education sector, and why supporting tauira on their learning journeys matters so much to them.

Mā te mātauranga ka ora ai te iwi.
Through education, the people will thrive.

📢Event Details 📢

📅 Wednesday 6 May
📍 TET Stadium, Inglewood
⏰ 10.00am – 12.30pm

26/04/2026

🎓 Rapuara Ako is happening next week!

This is a great opportunity for taiohi to connect with inspiring presenters who are doing meaningful mahi across the education sector in Taranaki. Come along, ask pātai, and explore the different pathways available in Ako.

📅 Wednesday 6 May
📍 TET Stadium, Inglewood
⏰ 10.00am – 12.30pm

If you are registered with Why Ora and interested to come to our workshop contact your kura co-ordinator or Why Ora Kaiārahi today! Dont miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired 🌱

24/04/2026

🕯️ Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. - We will remember them.

Join us as we remember and honour those who served. Here are the details of Anzac events happening across Taranaki this Saturday, so take a moment to check what’s happening in your local hāpori.

Please also remember to check your local RSA or council channels for the latest updates and any changes.

Anzac ki Waitara
📍 Assemble: Waitara RSA
🕔 Time: 5.45am

Anzac ki Ngāmotu
📍 Assemble: King/Queen Street
🕔 Time: 5.45am

Anzac ki Te Kōhanga Moa
📍 Assemble: Matai Street Cenotaph, Inglewood
🕔 Time: 5:45 am march and a 6:00 am service

Anzac ki Hāwera
📍 Assemble: Ngāti Ruanui Building, Princess Street
🕕 Time: 6.15am

Anzac ki Pātea
📍 Assemble: Chester Street (by the library)
🕕 Time: 6.20am

22/04/2026

📣 Ngāti Tama Scholarship Applications Now Open 📣

Are you a uri o Ngāti Tama and currently studying at tertiary level?
Ngāti Tama scholarships are now open, and this could be your opportunity!

📩 Your kaiārahi will be in touch to support you along this haerenga.
✅ Please see the eligibility criteria below.

🎓 Ngāti Tama Scholarship Grants – Apply Now! 🎓
Are you a Ngāti Tama uri studying or planning to study? We’re proud to support your journey across Aotearoa and overseas.

‼️REMINDER‼️
One week to go! Please complete your application before next Wednesday, the29th of April, 5pm.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Be of Ngāti Tama descent and registered as a member.
• Be enrolled in a New Zealand government-recognised tertiary institution, trade
training or apprenticeship. Or participate in regional or national sports as an
unpaid amateur.
• Provide the following: A completed application form is required; late or
incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Proof of enrolment for the year of application.
• An academic transcript or report of grades from the previous year.
• Acceptable evidence of a bank account (e.g., bank deposit slip or letter from the
bank)

Through our partnership with the Māori Education Trust (MET), we’re investing in the capability, confidence, and future pathways of our uri – for today and for generations to come.

What’s on offer:
✅ Undergraduate & postgraduate study support
✅ Trades & apprenticeship funding
🗓 Applications close: 29 April at 5pm
🔗: https://ebsontrackprospect-metnz.tribal-ebs.com
1. Apply through the MET portal
2. Select Ngāti Tama as one of your iwi affiliations.
Application link also available on our website: www.ngatitama.iwi.nz
Pātai? Send it to office@ngatitama.iwi.nz
Let’s continue building strong, thriving futures – Tama Taitangata, Tama Tangata Ora

22/04/2026

Payton Tamatea began his journey as a Why Ora Cadet and is now in full‑time mahi as a Wheelchair Technician Assistant at Health NZ - Taranaki and he’s been absolutely smashing it!

His dedication, positive attitude, and passion for helping people shine through every day. We’re proud to see him growing in his mahi and making a real difference in health for our whānau.

🎥 Let’s hear Payton’s whakaaro as he shares what his mahi in health means to him.

Click the link below to read Payton's full story in our Why Ora Quarterly Newsletter:https://www.whyora.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-Issue-31-2026-Final.pdf

15/04/2026

📣 Pānui for Ngāti Mutunga Uri 📣
Are you a registered uri of Ngāti Mutunga currently in tertiary study? This pānui is for you!

🎓 Ngāti Mutunga Education Grants are closing this Friday, 17 April.
Reach out to your kaiārahi if you need any awhi, and check out their website for more information below.
https://www.ngatimutunga.iwi.nz/education-grants/

***REMINDER***

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga is pleased to announce that applications for our education grants are now open! Whether you are pursuing a pre-bachelor certification, tertiary education or trades, we're here to support your educational journey.

Closing: 5.00pm, Friday 17 April 2026.

Funding available:
· Pre-Bachelor/Undergraduate or Trades Grants - Ten (10) certificate/diploma level grants available, valued at $500.00 each. Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
· Bachelor/Undergraduate Grants – Ten (10) with eight ( 8 ) bachelor’s degree level grants available, valued at $1,000.00 each and two (2) bachelor's degree (honours) level grants available, valued at $1,000.00 each. Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
· Graduate/Postgraduate Grants – Two (2) with one (1) graduate/postgraduate diploma level grant available, valued at $2,500.00and one (1) master’s/PhD doctoral level grant available, valued at $2,500.00. Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.

Applicants must be able to whakapapa to Ngāti Mutunga and be registered with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga, either in their own name or recorded under their parent(s). Members aged 18 years and over are encouraged to register in their own name.

Grant Conditions
· Priority is given to first-time applicants each year.
· Funding is available to both full-time and part-time students.
· Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
· Applicants who are eligible for Fees Free study may still apply for this grant.
· Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to re-apply in subsequent years.
· Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Required Documentation
Academic Reference - a letter from your research supervisor for Master’s or PhD applicants, or a simple transcript for other grants
Bank Verification - confirmation of your bank account number
Enrolment Confirmation - evidence of enrolment from your education or training provider
Ngāti Mutunga Registration - evidence of whakapapa to Ngāti Mutunga and registration with TRoNM, either under your own name or recorded under your parent(s). This is the confirmation email you would have received from the Registration Officer when your or your parent’s registration was validated.
Fees Statement - a statement showing total fees for the year of study
Written Statement - a detailed statement explaining why you have chosen your field of study and how your studies can contribute to Ngāti Mutunga.

If you have any questions, please contact us at office@ngatimutunga.iwi.nz.
You will find all information on how and where to apply via our Education Grants page on our website.

Link here: https://www.ngatimutunga.iwi.nz/education-grants/

15/04/2026

✨ Rapuara Ako Workshop – Coming Up Soon! ✨
Our Rapuara Ako workshop is fast approaching! Come along to connect with educator professionals and learn more about their mahi.

🗓 Wednesday 6 May
⏰ 10.00am – 12.30pm
📍 TET Stadium, Inglewood

If you're keen to attend, be sure to let your Why Ora Coordinator know. We’d love to see you there!

09/04/2026

Our first newsletter for 2026 is here!

What a great start to the year it’s been. From welcoming our taiohi back into kura and tertiary study, to connecting with taiohi through our Rapuara Hauora Workshops, we’ve loved beginning 2026 together.

Check out our newsletter to see what we’ve been up to so far and what events and programmes are coming up next.

Click here to view our full Newsletter for Ngahuru 2026 Newsletter Issue 31 2026
https://www.whyora.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-Issue-31-2026-Final.pdf