Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS) has recently launched an exciting initiative to capture the essence of Ngāpuhi voices through a state-of-the-art podcast caravan. This innovative mobile tool is designed to gather the stories, whakaaro, and aspirations of Ngāpuhi people, providing a platform for them to express themselves and maintain the precious mātauranga passed down through generations. The podcast caravan made its debut at the recent Auckland stop of the Apiti Hono Tatai Hono roadshow, where it was met with enthusiasm. Ngāpuhi members shared their knowledge, stories, and hopes for the future, which are now recorded and ready to be preserved for generations to come. The NISS team has been training multiple staff to operate the podcast equipment, ensuring they are prepared to capture these important narratives. This project is not just about the technical aspect; it’s about amplifying the voices of the people. It is an exciting tool for connecting with Ngāpuhi members far and wide, fostering an ongoing dialogue between the past and present. The caravan represents a bridge between kaumatua, kuia, and mokopuna, ensuring that the wisdom and experiences of Ngāpuhi are never lost, allowing the innovative nature of taitamariki to be guided in the most authentic way. As this project grows, so will its impact, offering the ability to gather untold stories from the wider Ngāpuhi whānau—stories that might otherwise have remained unheard. By taking a mobile approach, the podcast caravan will make it possible to reach those who cannot always come home to the North, further connecting and empowering the iwi.

Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS) is cultivating something special in the heart of Kaikohe—a maara kai (community garden) that is set to have a lasting impact on whānau and taitamariki across the region. In partnership with gardening experts Paula and Fred Hohua, the initiative brings the community together with a shared vision of health, wellbeing, and sustainable living. Located at a NISS property off Cumber Road, this space usually serves as a hub for mentoring and learning for taitamariki. Now, with the maara kai project in full swing, it has also become a site for reconnecting with the land and learning the traditional practices of growing kai. For the youth workers and taitamariki who drive this initiative, it’s more than just gardening—it's about strengthening whānau, sharing mātauranga (knowledge), and creating pathways to better health and wellbeing. The idea for the maara kai was born from a desire to address a real issue many whānau are facing today: access to healthy, sustainable, and affordable kai. With food costs rising, NISS saw an opportunity to support the community by growing their own huawhenua (vegetables) as part of a wider plan to establish a social supermarket. The maara kai will supply fresh produce to the supermarket, ensuring whānau have access to nutritious kai. Leading the way, Paula and Fred Hohua bring decades of experience in maara kai practices. Their guidance has not only taught practical gardening skills but also provided valuable lessons for the tinana (body), hinengaro (mind), and wairua (spirit). The project has seen incredible progress thanks to the dedication of NISS mentors and taitamariki. They’ve built six raised beds, installed water tanks, and planted spring vegetables like peas, beans, and pumpkin. The excitement is growing along with the plants. “Our taitamariki and the team have worked hard, and it’s inspiring to see them so engaged,” says Paula Hohua. “There’s been a lot of physical work, but everyone has embraced it. It’s exciting to see the maara come to life.” In addition to the raised beds, a rongoā (traditional medicine) and food forest sanctuary has been established with native and fruiting trees. Digger work has been completed, and irrigation systems are being installed to ensure the plants thrive. As the project continues, the mentors are eager to expand the maara, trial new crops, and learn more from Paula’s wealth of knowledge. Their mahi will not only provide kai but also empower taitamariki to take pride in their contributions, learn new skills, and grow closer to their community. This initiative is a true example of collective well-being—by working together, NISS, the taitamariki, and whānau are planting seeds for a brighter, healthier future. The maara kai is more than just a garden; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when we come together to nurture our land and our people. With the help of Paula and Fred, the Mahuru Maara will soon be fully operational, offering a place for taitamariki to continue learning, growing, and sharing their knowledge with the wider community. The work done here is not only a source of pride but a step towards a sustainable and healthy future for all. Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services is proud to lead this project, highlighting the importance of collective mahi and the power of working together for the wellbeing of future generations. As the maara kai flourishes, so too does the strength of the community.

Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services has formed a significant partnership with Dr. Alexander Stevens II, an esteemed expert dedicated to addressing historical sexual violence trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and overall well-being.

In a heart-warming display of kotahitanga, event hosts Okaihau College, with the support of Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS), recently spearheaded a highly successful Te Taitokerau Kapahaka Festival that brought together twenty-seven performing schools, residents, businesses, and volunteers from all around Te Taitokerau region. This year the event, now in its forty-ninth year, noticeably showcased the talent of Taitokerau taitamariki and their passion for te ao Māori, drawing widespread appreciation and support from attendees.

In a recent visit from 10th to 17th February, a distinguished delegation from Australia, comprising influential figures in indigenous advocacy and social services, embarked on a journey to Ngāpuhi. Led by April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, and Claire Ralfs, CEO of Relationships Australia, the delegation sought to delve into traditional child welfare practices within the Ngāpuhi community. Accompanying them were Michael O’Brien, Sarah Decrea, Lakshmi Sri, and Chloe Henderson, all eager to explore the strategies employed by Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS), particularly in the realm of indigenous youth in state care. The purpose of the visit extended beyond mere observation, as both parties engaged in an active exchange of knowledge and insights. Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services welcomed the delegation, embracing the concept of 'ako'-- where teaching and learning occur reciprocally. This mutual exchange underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration and dialogue in advancing indigenous-led solutions in child welfare. Key discussions revolved around the reclamation of traditional protective practices and the significance of cultural connections for indigenous children in state care. The delegates highlighted the detrimental effects of the colonial system, which often severs familial and cultural ties, leading to a loss of identity and community connection. By reclaiming indigenous practices and emphasising the importance of familial and cultural bonds, the aim is to create pathways for children to return to the care of their own communities, where they can flourish in environments that honour their heritage and nurture holistic wellbeing. As the delegates bid farewell, they departed not only with newfound insights but also with a renewed sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The visit left a lasting impact on both sides, contributing to a broader understanding and approach tochild welfare practices within Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services and fostering ongoing collaboration between indigenous communities across borders. Looking ahead, the collaborative efforts initiated during the visit are set to continue, with plans for future exchanges, initiatives, and partnerships aimed at further strengthening child welfare and cultural practices within indigenous communities.

Almost two months after her stirring speech on Waitangi Day, Codi Clarke, a dedicated staff member of Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services, remains a guiding light for her community. Her words, spoken with purpose and passion, continue to resonate as a call to action for her people.

Ngāpuhi Iwi is set to embark on a new chapter with the appointment of their dynamic new chairperson, Mane Tahere, a local community leader with a deep connection to the whenua and a passion for uplifting his people.

Ngāpuhi performing arts group ‘Ngā Moko a Rahiri’ provide Ngāpuhi taitamariki with a safe space to express themselves and develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate an ever-changing world. Ngā Moko a Rāhiri provides a programme where youth learn a diverse range of performing arts including Kapa Haka, Polynesian song and dance, World Music and Dance, and Cabaret. This programme develops youth confidence and allows youth to demonstrate their talents at local community events and also provide professional entertainment. Ngā Moko a Rāhiri is a non-profit organisation with the main purpose of providing a program to develop competent youth leaders through Māori Performing Arts and educational activities. The group was originally formed at Northland College to celebrate Matariki in 2016 at a staff social evening. The group then consisted of six girls and five boys but has grown over the years. The original group included students from neighbouring schools in and around Kaikohe, such as Northland College, Okaihau College, Kerikeri High School, and Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe. Seven years on the group remains active within the community. Having intertwined performing arts and community work, the group develops positive relationships within the community by performing at various local kaupapa to bring life, energy, and entertainment to local whanau and communities. The group recently performed at a 95th birthday party for a kaumatua in Hokianga, and just earlier this month went to the Whangārei Riverbank Centre to perform at the International Day for People with Disabilities to bring joy and entertainment to all who gathered. They performed kapahaka, polynesian dance, and cabaret. Currently one of its projects is to work with local organisations such as Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services to do outreach work on the streets of Kaikohe. The aim is to welcome youth who are not at school, unemployed, or those who may need a safe place to be, a second whānau, and a support system to ensure they reach their full potential. Part of this support is to engage youth by organising rehearsals every week, performances at local events, and marae wānanga. Whilst performing arts allow taitamariki to develop creative passions, they simultaneously teach children language and communication skills, helping them to communicate effectively to others with confidence. The programme is open to all youth residing in and around Kaikohe and within Te Whare Tapu ō Ngāpuhi aged 12 years to 17 years old.

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