Ngāti Rangi has announced investment in 34 new whānau initiatives, creating local solutions with a diverse range of enterprises to help whānau and hapori thrive.
Whiria Ngā Hua is driven by whānau for whānau; within the geographical landscape of Ngāti Rangi. Research in previous funding rounds has shown that investing directly in whānau enterprise has made a positive social impact by building cultural and community connectedness as well as social, health and economic developments.
“This is the essence of Whānau Ora”, said Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Pou Ārahi, Helen Leahy.
“All of our experience and evaluations prove that outcomes are always more enduring and more meaningful when whānau are in the driving seat”.
“Rather than being directed to comply, or be a passive recipient of services, whānau have told us they want to create positive solutions for themselves In this round we have been amazed and excited by the inspirational and diverse ways in which whānau are bringing their aspirations to life.
“From creative sewing workshops for marae with Kakahu Huruhuru, to environmental work training including firearms licences, chainsaw skills, and risk management, there has been something to benefit everyone”.
“Our priority for funding was to invest in rangatahi. Some of that kaupapa includes Matua Te Mana Muay Thai, Ruapehu Waka Ama, and Ka Ora Nga Rangatahi Maara Kai, a hunting and gathering initiative with ‘Maara to Jar’, involving cultivation and ground preparation, seeding, planting, hanging meat, cutting and transforming the produce into delicious pickles and relish.”
“Te Hā o te Huru the essence of hair will nurture rangatahi in the art of barbering, while Taonga Pūoro Hauora Kete will focus on the stories, and creation of these taonga.”
“Our region has experienced significant employment shocks over the last 24 months,” said Ms Leahy.
“Some of the successful applications focused on soul-to-soul healing such as counselling, and equine-assisted therapy, while four local kura will also benefit from this round”.
With business liquidations expected to exceed 2,500 this year nationally, marking a ten year high, Whiria Ngā Hua is reversing the national trend by creating new opportunities for whānau and communities to thrive.
71% of approved applicants (24 whānau) will be establishing legal entities, transforming ideas into sustainable ventures. Whiria Ngā Hua continues to grow the Māori enterprise ecosystem and strengthen whānau-led economic resilience.
The independent assessment panel assessed 46 complete applications. Of these 27 were fully approved; seven partially approved; 12 declined and one has withdrawn. The proposed whānau reach from these initiatives is 1,756 individuals across the wider Ruapehu, Waimarino and Whanganui communities.