Latest news with #PoriruaWhānauCentre
Scoop
12-07-2025
- Scoop
Trusted Porirua Rangatahi Programme Expanded As Part Of National ROCC Initiative
Porirua Whānau Centre is proud to be part of the Government's new Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme, launched in Porirua last week. As a trusted community provider with deep relationships in the region, the Whānau Centre is expanding its Ko Wai Au programme to support rangatahi and their whānau with tools to prevent harm from methamphetamine and organised crime. Delivered in local schools, Ko Wai Au currently focuses on violence prevention, anti-bullying, digital safety, and suicide awareness. The Whānau Centre will now incorporate new modules targeting the risks and social impacts of organised crime, particularly meth-related harm. 'Our kaimahi already have strong relationships with tamariki and rangatahi,' said Porirua Whānau Centre CEO Liz Kelly. 'They're firm but fair, and they bring real energy to the classroom. That makes a big difference when delivering tough messages to young people in a way that sticks.' The programme targets Year 5 to Year 8 students (aged 8-12), with additional one-on-one support available for those identified as needing extra help. The Whānau Centre will also wrap its broader whānau services around these students and work closely with other ROCC-aligned organisations to ensure coordinated support. Teacher feedback from the existing programme has been overwhelmingly positive. One said: 'The tutors really connect and relate well to our tamariki.' Another commented on the value of repetition in reinforcing key messages: 'They think about the consequences before they act.' Kelly said the Whānau Centre's involvement in ROCC reflects the importance of grassroots leadership. 'When solutions are driven by people who know their community, the work goes deeper. 'The trust our community has in us to create safe spaces helps deliver a strong message, and helps our young people see a future that's free from violence, addiction and exploitation.'
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Porirua Whānau Centre Welcomes MPs To See Impact Of Life-Changing Community Programmes
Press Release – Porirua Whanau Centre Porirua Whnau Centre welcomes MPs to see impact of life-changing community programmes. The Porirua Whānau Centre was proud to welcome Social Services and Community Select Committee Chair Joseph Mooney and Ōtaki MP Tim Costley to the Centre this month, offering an opportunity to share the trusted, wrap-around social services that support every generation across the Wellington region. Tumu Whakarae Liz Kelly said the visit was a chance to bring to life the breadth and depth of integrated services offered by the Centre, programmes that focus on long-term, community-led solutions. 'Our goal is always to wrap the right support around whānau, so they can move forward safely, confidently, and together,' says Ms Kelly. 'It was a privilege to share our stories of strength, healing and hope with Joseph and Tim.' One of the key initiatives discussed was Hapori, a programme run in collaboration with Oranga Tamariki to reduce the need for child uplifts by strengthening home environments and empowering parents with tools, support and cultural connection. 'Our team walks alongside whānau through incredibly challenging circumstances. Hapori helps them find a way forward that protects their tamariki while keeping whānau intact wherever possible,' Ms Kelly says. The MPs also heard about the Centre's Transitional Housing Programme, which not only provides short-term housing but also addresses the root causes of housing insecurity through counselling, life-skills training, and personalised support into long-term accommodation. 'It was inspiring to meet the team at the Porirua Whānau Centre,' Mr Costley says. 'I have heard great things about the Hapori programme, and to meet the kaimahi (staff) and families and whanau who have directly benefited from it was a humbling experience. 'We heard stories of lives changed, and new trajectories for people who thought hope was lost. 'I'm proud to support our Kāpiti and Mana area, and will continue to work with all those who want to make our community the best place to grow up in New Zealand.' In addition, the Centre runs dedicated Non-Violence and Parenting Programmes, both designed to break cycles of harm and equip individuals with the tools to build respectful, safe relationships in their homes. 'Every person who walks through our doors has the potential to thrive with the right support, and our programmes help make that possible,' Ms Kelly says.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Porirua Whānau Centre Welcomes MPs To See Impact Of Life-Changing Community Programmes
The Porirua Whānau Centre was proud to welcome Social Services and Community Select Committee Chair Joseph Mooney and Ōtaki MP Tim Costley to the Centre this month, offering an opportunity to share the trusted, wrap-around social services that support every generation across the Wellington region. Tumu Whakarae Liz Kelly said the visit was a chance to bring to life the breadth and depth of integrated services offered by the Centre, programmes that focus on long-term, community-led solutions. 'Our goal is always to wrap the right support around whānau, so they can move forward safely, confidently, and together,' says Ms Kelly. 'It was a privilege to share our stories of strength, healing and hope with Joseph and Tim.' One of the key initiatives discussed was Hapori, a programme run in collaboration with Oranga Tamariki to reduce the need for child uplifts by strengthening home environments and empowering parents with tools, support and cultural connection. 'Our team walks alongside whānau through incredibly challenging circumstances. Hapori helps them find a way forward that protects their tamariki while keeping whānau intact wherever possible,' Ms Kelly says. The MPs also heard about the Centre's Transitional Housing Programme, which not only provides short-term housing but also addresses the root causes of housing insecurity through counselling, life-skills training, and personalised support into long-term accommodation. 'It was inspiring to meet the team at the Porirua Whānau Centre,' Mr Costley says. 'I have heard great things about the Hapori programme, and to meet the kaimahi (staff) and families and whanau who have directly benefited from it was a humbling experience. 'We heard stories of lives changed, and new trajectories for people who thought hope was lost. 'I'm proud to support our Kāpiti and Mana area, and will continue to work with all those who want to make our community the best place to grow up in New Zealand.' In addition, the Centre runs dedicated Non-Violence and Parenting Programmes, both designed to break cycles of harm and equip individuals with the tools to build respectful, safe relationships in their homes. 'Every person who walks through our doors has the potential to thrive with the right support, and our programmes help make that possible,' Ms Kelly says.
