News

The release of Te Whare Ruruahu o Meri Trust’s 2025 Annual Report highlights strengthened foundations and a clear strategy. Board Chair, Natalie Vincent explains “As we reflect on a transformative year of growth and evolution for Te Whare, we stand confident in our strengthened foundation and clear strategic direction. Our investments in people, systems, and…

Strong impact, consistent support and positive outcomes delivered by Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri. That’s the feedback from the latest Whānau Impact Survey, reinforcing the value of Te Whare’s support for whānau. Chief Executive, Elizabeth Walker says despite a modest response rate, the findings provide meaningful insight into whānau experiences and areas of impact. “Overall…

Te Whare and Brainwave Trust are excited to launch a new partnership built on shared kaupapa and a commitment to supporting tamariki and their whānau to thrive. At the centre of this mahi is a wānanga series based around Te Pā Tū Rangatira, a Brainwave Trust kaupapa and framework designed to strengthen mokopuna and whānau…

Te Whare CEO responds to Foundations of Wellbeing – Poipoia te Kākano State of the Nations 2026 report. Download the report here   I’m sure by now you’ll have heard commentary on the recently released report, Foundations of Wellbeing – Poipoia te Kākano. Tamariki poverty remains one of the most urgent challenges facing Aotearoa, with…

Left to right: Susanne Abbott, Amelia Peihopa (Kaiārahi Whānau Whangarei), Cecelia Taniwha (Te Whare Manutaki) and Kayla McGilligan (front) who joins the Pouhono team this week in Tāmaki Makaurau. Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust has strengthens its services into Whangārei welcoming two new kaimahi this week. Susanne Abbott and Amelia Peihopa joined Te Whare this…

Great news! Te Whare is now an Accredited Living Wage Employer. HR Manager, Semi Asafo says “At Te Whare, we believe it’s important that the mahi we do is genuinely valued and recognised Our kaimahi tell us that working for Te Whare, and leading the restoration of whānau wellbeing is extremely rewarding. They’re committed to the kaupapa. Paying the Living Wage is one way we uphold this commitment, also acknowledging the contribution,…

Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust Board has welcomed Matthew Mark as its newest Trustee. A kaupapa Māori social service provider, Te Whare provides whānau with a range of skills to support the wellbeing and long-term health of whānau, especially those affected by family and sexual violence. Board Chair, Natalie Vincent says Matt is a…

With family and sexual violence incidents set to soar over the Christmas period, urgent action is required to protect our tamariki says the Te Whare CEO. For most of us, Christmas is a time of peace, love and joy. Yet, sadly, for many children, it’s the most terrifying time of the year – marked by…

“It’s about strengthening the whole ecosystem around our tamariki so what happens in schools is reinforced at home and in the community.” Shay Twomey The Franklin Times recently featured Thriving Tamariki Pukekohe, a free community event hosted by Te Whare that brought over 300 local whānau together to share tools and guidance for raising resilient…

Our kaimahi work on the frontline of family and sexual violence, so they need strong support and connection to sustain their vital mahi. A key part of this is ensuring that they have opportunities to become culturally grounded themselves, so they can pass these learnings onto the whānau they walk alongside. To that end, many…

Our Impact Roadmap outlines the process we follow to create impact, guiding our kaimahi towards a consistent approach and clear demonstration of the outcomes of their mahi. This Roadmap empowers our teams to focus on what truly counts: healing and restoring whānau oranga and creating positive change for generations. You can learn more about our…

A crucial step in supporting tamariki to thrive is teaching parents essential life and parenting skills so they can better nurture their children. To that end, we have collaborated with several other local community providers to deliver our inaugural ‘Thriving Tamariki Pukekohe’ event on 28 August. Featuring guest speaker, Nigel Latta, this free event focuses…

Feedback from a recent survey of whānau who have engaged with our services demonstrates the truly transformative impact of our work. Since engaging with Te Whare, respondents reported that: 83%  consider that their life and relationships have improved 66% feel more connected to their culture 79% feel more confident and better able to handle challenges…

We are thrilled to announce a partnership with Rongopai House in Kaitaia. This is a partnership with many connections, a common heritage through Te Hāhi Mihingare and The Anglican Church, and a shared vision of strengthening whānau so that tamariki can thrive. Over the years, we’ve also shared kaimahi, with several Te Whare staff having…

Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri Trust is proud to be part of a new, multi-agency initiative in Kaitaia. Brought together under the umbrella of Whiria Te Muka, Te Ahuru Mōwai Service (TAMS) is an innovative collaboration designed to help prevent and reduce family violence. By weaving together the strengths of the New Zealand Police and…

For many of the tāne we work with at Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri, the idea that they have the power to make their whare a safe, sacred space is transformational. It’s a moment that shifts anger, blame and whakamā/shame – and replaces it with responsibility, strength and a pathway to healing. At the heart…

At the recent launch of our new impact strategy, we reaffirmed our commitment to creating tangible, lasting change for all whānau. The strategy is built around four key pou: cultural connection, stronger whānau, safer communities and thriving tamariki. These pillars reflect what matters most — not just what we do, but the change we help…

A recent evaluation by The Kingi Ihaka Research Centre has highlighted the significant impact of our tāne non-violence behaviour change programme. The report demonstrates that the programme has led to positive shifts in the lives of tāne and their whānau, creating meaningful improvements in relationships and wellbeing. One of the key success factors identified in…

A student’s reflection on our Wāhine Programme As part of my social work degree at Manukau Institute of Technology, I’ve been privileged to undertake my placement at Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri. One of the most meaningful experiences during my time here has been supporting our kaiārahi in delivering Te Kawa o te Marae as…