Te Hono o Ngā Waka was created in response to a need felt deeply within their community – whānau who were disconnected, isolated, or falling through the gaps of existing systems. From that need grew a kaupapa grounded firmly in tikanga, manaakitanga, and aroha: a place where whānau could reconnect to culture, identity, and opportunity. Their name, Te Hono o Ngā Waka, represents the binding together of many waka and many journeys into one collective pathway. It speaks to unity, shared strength, and the belief that no one should move forward alone.

Winning this award so early in their journey is more than just an achievement – it is an affirmation. For the team, it recognises the resilience of their people, the dedication of their kaimahi, and the power of Māori-led, culturally grounded solutions. It validates their approach and confirms that their mahi is creating meaningful, lasting impact within their community.

Embedding Te Mahi Ako’s tikanga programme into their workplace was never optional; it was essential. Tikanga shapes every interaction, every decision, and every act of service. It ensures their environment is culturally safe, affirming, and mana-enhancing for both kaimahi and whānau, while keeping the team anchored in values rather than simply tasks.

Their investment in upskilling has strengthened the entire organisation. Kaimahi have gained confidence, clarity, and the tools to support whānau with professionalism and integrity. Their practice is safer, their service delivery stronger, and continuous learning has become part of their identity as a team. One defining moment stands out for them: watching staff confidently facilitate wānanga using tikanga-based tools – opening with karakia, grounding the space with mana, and guiding whānau with compassion. Seeing their team step fully into their power remains one of the greatest rewards of this mahi.

What makes Te Hono o Ngā Waka truly unique is that kaupapa Māori sits at the heart of everything they do, never as an add-on. Their approach is whānau-centred, trauma-informed, relational, and strengths-based. They walk alongside whānau at their pace, honouring every story and celebrating every strength. Their community knows they are committed for the long haul.

As a new organisation, capacity has been one of their biggest challenges – balancing immense community need with a small team and limited resources. They have navigated this through collaboration, strong relationships, and a willingness to be flexible and innovative. Even under pressure, holding fast to their kaupapa has kept them steady, grounded, and connected.

Their proactive approach to building capability is not just about professional development; it is about shaping safer, stronger outcomes for whānau. A skilled, culturally grounded workforce leads to better advocacy, deeper trust, and truly transformational support. When their kaimahi grow, their community grows alongside them.

Their advice to other small businesses is simple yet powerful: make learning an everyday practice, build an environment where reflection, honesty, and curiosity are valued, allow people the space to grow at their own pace, and most importantly, ensure leaders walk the talk. When leadership embraces learning, the whole team follows.

Looking ahead, Te Hono o Ngā Waka is focused on expanding capability, strengthening trauma-informed and cultural services, and growing pathways that help whānau thrive. Sustainability, deeper partnerships, and the expansion of safe cultural spaces are central to their next phase. Their momentum will continue as long as they remain aligned with their kaupapa and guided by the needs of their people.

https://www.tehonoongawaka.org/