Last month, the whānau of Te Pā Harakeke o Tauranga Moana gathered at The Kollective for a warm and uplifting hui. Te Pā Harakeke is a long-standing network connecting kaimahi Māori across health, education, and social services since the 1990s — a kaupapa for sharing knowledge and nurturing relationships.
The network was first led in the 1990s by Tiana Bennett, a highly respected Hauora Māori leader who shaped the kaupapa alongside other influential Māori advocates of the time. Now retired, Tiana has passed the rākau to SociaLink’s Kaiwhakawhanake Māori Development Manager, Andrea Jerry Ryan, who will carry the role of Kaitiaki and ensure this important kaupapa continues for Tauranga Moana.
The hui itself was rich with kōrero, whakawhanaungatanga, and connection. SociaLink’s Whakamana Tangata team, Waiaria Rameka, Paula Beilby and Andrea Jerry Ryan shared an overview of the important mahi they deliver to support for-purpose Māori providers, strengthening understanding of the resources and advocacy available across the rohe. Attendees also exchanged pānui, opportunities, and updates from within their organisations, further weaving together the networks that uphold community wellbeing. A special moment in the day was celebrating the Kaitiaki handover, acknowledging Tiana Bennett’s decades of dedicated service and welcoming Andrea into her new role with warmth and aroha.
Representatives from organisations including Pirirakau Hauora, Tuī Āwhina, Katikati Community Centre, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust, and SociaLink’s Whakamana Tangata team contributed to a day full of learning, reconnection, and future-focused planning.
Looking ahead, Te Pā Harakeke will continue bringing kaimahi Māori together throughout 2026, with hui planned for 17 February on Matakana Island, 19 May at Pirirakau Hauora, and 18 August at Ngāti Kahu Hauora. All kaimahi Māori are warmly welcomed to join, connect, and contribute as the kaupapa continues to grow and evolve.
Kua tukuna te rākau, kia mau te kaupapa.
The baton has been handed over, the kaupapa holds firm.
