Latest news with #TeRūnangaoToaRangatira
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Scoop
Porirua Launches Resilience To Organised Crime In Communities Work Programme (ROCC)
Porirua has officially joined the rollout of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme – a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to address the social conditions that enable organised crime and to support lasting change for whanau. The launch, held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today (Thursday 3 July) brought together local and national leaders to celebrate the expansion of the programme. Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello formally marked the occasion alongside key partners including Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Police, and the Greater Wellington Regional Public Service. ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring. The programme recognises that enforcement alone is not enough – lasting impact comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm. Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins welcomed the programme as a huge opportunity to make a difference to families and communities impacted by organised crime. 'We know that that ROCC works and what sets it apart is its commitment to coordinated, wraparound responses - that is Police, iwi, partner agencies and community working side by side. 'Enforcement is an important part of reducing harm in our communities, but we also know the reality of whānau left behind when a loved one is arrested, or imprisoned. At the heart of the ROCC community plan is building a resilient, strong, and thriving Porirua – which says to whānau, the whole system and community are here to support you through the tough times. 'ROCC can be a game changer for whānau impacted by organised crime, and for the wider Porirua community,' she said. The ROCC in Porirua team is focused on building trust, strengthening local relationships, and supporting sustainable solutions. Steve Johnson from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira said 'The most powerful voices shaping ROCC are the voices of lived experience. People who've seen addiction tear through their whanau. Who've watched their children fall into harm. Who've fought their way back from darkness. 'The people who know what works are the ones who've walked the path. That's why lived experience isn't just included in ROCC. Its centred,' he said. The ROCC Work Programme in Porirua has four key focus areas which have been identified as priorities by the local community: • Addressing the social drivers and harms associated with methamphetamine use. • Preventing intergenerational harm by disrupting pathways into organised crime. • Persons impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms. • Rangatahi (youth) on the pathway into organised crime (and their families) Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello said: 'The coalition government is strongly focused on law and order and making our communities safer. We are committed to developing a sustainable funding model for ROCC so that communities are supported to develop responses to organised crime that work for them.' She pointed to ROCC's clear value, in Tauranga and Opotiki where, where ROCC teams helped local communities after enforcement activity targeted gangs and meth supply – pairing law enforcement with on-the-ground social support. Porirua's approach exemplifies the wider ROCC kaupapa: community-led, regionally supported and nationally enabled. It centres community voices and leadership, especially those with lived experience, while building trusted partnerships across agencies. The Porirua event was an opportunity to reflect the Porirua community's perseverance towards long-term, sustainable change and will be embedded in community, led with manaakitanga, and focused on connection and celebration. Porirua Community representative Tania Carr says Porirua has never waited to be told what to do—we lead from within. This kaupapa reflects that. It's grounded in our people, our history, and our belief that real change happens when community leads and agencies walk alongside. A central feature of the launch, was the unveiling of a powerful mural, co-designed by local rangatahi and a Porirua based artist. The mural represents resilience, whakapapa, and the strength of the community in the face of adversity. It stands as a visual reminder of the kaupapa behind ROCC – that lasting change is rooted in connection, identity, and hope for the future. The event also celebrated the community's vision for its rangatahi with a dedicated youth event following the formalities offered a safe, fun environment during the school holidays. The space was designed in response to recent school holiday periods that saw over $70,000 in damage across schools in Porirua – a stark reminder of the need for positive outlets for young people. 'Sports give rangatahi more than just something to do – it gives them a team, a purpose and a reason to stay on the right track' says Steve Johnson. This kind of prevention-focused, community designed solution is exactly what ROCC exists to support. The programme is about responding to harm – but also about creating space for hope, healing, and change.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Whānau Ora Focused On Serving Greatest Need
Minister for Whānau Ora New Zealanders will soon benefit from strengthened Whānau Ora support services with a renewed focus on those in greatest need, Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka says. Four new Whānau Ora commissioning agencies - Rangitāmiro, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Te Tauraki (a subsidiary of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu), and the Cause Collective (operating as The Tātou Collective) - will begin commissioning services from providers starting 1 July. Mr Potaka attended the launch event for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira's Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency at Hongoeka Marae in Plimmerton this morning. 'Today, we acknowledge and celebrate the success of Whānau Ora and the great legacy of the late Kahurangi (Dame) Tariana Turia, which will be carried forward by the new commissioning agencies from tomorrow. 'Since National helped launch Whānau Ora in 2010, the model has become a trusted foundation for whanau-centred services. It's now time to further strengthen that foundation with a focused plan to better meet whānau needs as well as a more robust data framework to support ongoing improvement. 'National backed a bright future for Whānau Ora in last year's Budget by providing a $179 million investment for this 2025/26 year and out years. Starting tomorrow, funding for the four new commissioning agencies will be clearly allocated to regions of greatest need based on the Census 2023 Deprivation Index. 'These Iwi and agencies know the needs of their communities and are eager to get started supporting whānau aspirations. They are committed to: Expanding the reach of Whānau Ora to engage with more whānau most in need; Strengthening the evidence that Whānau Ora delivers for whānau; Introducing a data driven approach to strategic and investment planning, with Investment Boards to better ensure input from local communities drives investment decisions; Having improved transparency for the use of public funding for delivery outcomes; Developing and investing in the navigator workforce to develop the capability and retention of navigator kaimahi working with whānau; and Increasing capacity for identifying whānau in high-risk situations, and the ability to support whānau through these times. 'All four commissioning agencies have networks in place to ensure service providers and navigators - local kaimahi employed to work with whānau to identify services and support required to meet their goals, are delivering services on the ground. 'We know Whānau Ora services can have long-term, life-changing impacts. More consistent data collection will allow us to better measure these impacts and in time provide the foundation for greater, more targeted and evidence-based investment. 'As a part of our changes, anonymous Whānau Ora data will be further linked to the Stats NZ Integrated Data Infrastructure database, providing key information on the benefits of Whānau Ora. 'This is consistent with the Government's broader social investment approach, delivering better outcomes for all New Zealanders.' Notes: Overview of each incoming Commissioning Agency: National Hauora Coalition, Te Tiratū and Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau Consortium operating as Rangitāmiro, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, down to Taupō (Region 1). Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, south of Taupō and east to Bay of Plenty and the East Coast (Region 2). Te Tauraki Limited, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the South Island (Region 3). The Cause Collective, operating as The Tātou Collective, which will commission Whānau Ora services across Aotearoa focussed on delivery methodologies that can deliver for Pacific peoples (Region 4).
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Business Is Buzzing In Porirua
Press Release – Porirua City Council Poriruas commitment to business has meant a busy schedule of activities and events this year. While the sold-out BizFest 2025: Kp i te pae – Light up the Horizon will be a great opportunity to learn, network and connect, there are a number of … Porirua's commitment to business has meant a busy schedule of activities and events this year. While the sold-out BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will be a great opportunity to learn, network and connect, there are a number of other events in Porirua to help boost businesses. BizFest is at Te Rauparaha Arena on 1 July, with double Olympic gold winner, Dame Valerie Adams, and Black Grace founder and director Neil Ieremia among the speakers. With an awesome lineup of sessions and kōrero, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says it will be a fantastic day for the city's business sector. 'Porirua is a great place to do business and with the events we have on the calendar now, it means our city is humming. We're always looking to keep moving forward,' she says. A new pop-up initiative – BizHub – will kick off at Kai Tahi from 1 August. BizHub aims to keep the momentum from BizFest going and bring the business community together every second Friday, as a hub for advice, connections and support. 'BizFest and BizHub are both collaborations between Porirua City Council and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and it's a partnership approach that's focusing on uplifting and connecting Porirua businesses,' Mayor Baker says. Earlier this month the Love Local Expo showcased the best of our local products, services, crafts and community services – with more than 130 stalls and thousands of people coming through the Arena on 7 June. Other events coming up on the calendar are Visa Wellington on a Plate and the ever-popular ChoctoberFest. Visa WOAP will be held from 1-31 August in Porirua and there'll be outstanding burger creations to tempt your tastebuds from businesses across Porirua. It's not to be missed. ChoctoberFest is always a sweet spot with Porirua locals, visitors and businesses. In 2024, the third year of the festival, 20 cafes, eateries and bars took part. More than 13,000 baked treats and drinks were consumed in October, pumping $131,000 into the Porirua economy. 'What I love about the events that we host now for businesses is that they're not just for residents, but they attract visitors to our city,' Mayor Baker says. Also coming up is a three-day Bizezi Spark Programme on 30 and 31 July and 1 August. It's a hands-on business incubator programme, for those thinking about starting a business or wanting to build stronger foundations. You'll work with experts over three days to shape your business plan and set yourself up for success. Later in the month, on 20 August, there's a subsidised half-day workshop Business Growth and Resilience through the Circular Economy, where you can learn how the circular economy can unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and future-proof your business.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Business Is Buzzing In Porirua
Porirua's commitment to business has meant a busy schedule of activities and events this year. While the sold-out BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae - Light up the Horizon will be a great opportunity to learn, network and connect, there are a number of other events in Porirua to help boost businesses. BizFest is at Te Rauparaha Arena on 1 July, with double Olympic gold winner, Dame Valerie Adams, and Black Grace founder and director Neil Ieremia among the speakers. With an awesome lineup of sessions and kōrero, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says it will be a fantastic day for the city's business sector. "Porirua is a great place to do business and with the events we have on the calendar now, it means our city is humming. We're always looking to keep moving forward," she says. A new pop-up initiative - BizHub - will kick off at Kai Tahi from 1 August. BizHub aims to keep the momentum from BizFest going and bring the business community together every second Friday, as a hub for advice, connections and support. "BizFest and BizHub are both collaborations between Porirua City Council and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and it's a partnership approach that's focusing on uplifting and connecting Porirua businesses," Mayor Baker says. Earlier this month the Love Local Expo showcased the best of our local products, services, crafts and community services - with more than 130 stalls and thousands of people coming through the Arena on 7 June. Other events coming up on the calendar are Visa Wellington on a Plate and the ever-popular ChoctoberFest. Visa WOAP will be held from 1-31 August in Porirua and there'll be outstanding burger creations to tempt your tastebuds from businesses across Porirua. It's not to be missed. ChoctoberFest is always a sweet spot with Porirua locals, visitors and businesses. In 2024, the third year of the festival, 20 cafes, eateries and bars took part. More than 13,000 baked treats and drinks were consumed in October, pumping $131,000 into the Porirua economy. "What I love about the events that we host now for businesses is that they're not just for residents, but they attract visitors to our city," Mayor Baker says. Also coming up is a three-day Bizezi Spark Programme on 30 and 31 July and 1 August. It's a hands-on business incubator programme, for those thinking about starting a business or wanting to build stronger foundations. You'll work with experts over three days to shape your business plan and set yourself up for success. Later in the month, on 20 August, there's a subsidised half-day workshop Business Growth and Resilience through the Circular Economy, where you can learn how the circular economy can unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and future-proof your business.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Stellar Lineup Of Speakers For Porirua's BizFest
Press Release – Porirua City Council Run jointly by Te Rnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, BizFest 2025: Kp i te pae – Light up the Horizon celebrates the courage of those who seek new business opportunities, the wisdom of those who navigate uncertain times, and the … BizFest in Porirua will take place on 1 July – a day that aims to inspire, connect and share business knowledge. Run jointly by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon celebrates the courage of those who seek new business opportunities, the wisdom of those who navigate uncertain times, and the collective resilience and strength of our people. 1 July will provide opportunities to engage in three key areas over the course of the day, with speakers, panel discussions and other kōrero: – What's on the economic horizon for our region and city – How business leaders are navigating uncertain economic conditions – Seizing opportunities during times of change and the key ingredients for innovation and success. Key speakers include Animation Research Ltd's Ben Taylor, Infometrics chief executive and principal economist Brad Olsen, and software engineer, director of Fibre Fale, Young New Zealander of the year and Porirua's own Eteroa Lafaele. More will be announced soon. Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Pou Ohanga Boyd Scirkovich will open BizFest with an overview of the first Economic Development and Investment Strategy for the Rūnanga. 'We are excited to partner with the Council to bring BizFest to our whānau and community,' he says. 'The event is an opportunity to shine a light on local businesses doing amazing things. We are surrounded by abundant potential here in Porirua and have unique talents within our diverse communities that thrive on the global stage. We hope Bizfest provides the opportunity for people to come together to support each other and explore new areas of collaboration.' Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who has a background in business, says the event offers plenty to Porirua employers, business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, new and established businesspeople, and anyone wanting to be inspired. 'This will be an amazing day – what a fantastic opportunity for the business sector, which has experienced challenging times of late, to listen, share and connect,' she says. 'Porirua is a place to do business and that's highlighted by large and medium-sized businesses establishing themselves here recently, along with our small traders that keep our city humming. Our city is always moving forward and I'm excited about BizFest showing off what we have now, what's coming, and the innovation we're seeing.'
