When whānau are under pressure, community matters
A message from Liz Kelly, Te Tumu Whakarae | CEO
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Over the past few months, I’ve had many kōrero with parents who are doing everything they can to keep things steady for their tamariki.
They’re working hard, caring for loved ones, and stretching every dollar further than it should have to go. Yet even with all that effort, many are quietly saying the same thing: it just feels harder right now.
The everyday costs of rent, kai, power and transport are adding up. The pressure is real, and it’s being felt by whānau across Aotearoa.
The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation 2026 report reflects much of what we are seeing on the ground — rising hardship, increasing stress within households, and ongoing concerns about youth wellbeing and safety.
While these are national trends, they echo strongly here in Porirua.
Our community is full of hardworking whānau who want the very best for their tamariki. Yet we are seeing more people reaching out for support, and often earlier than before. Sometimes it’s a sudden job loss. Sometimes it’s parents juggling multiple part-time jobs and still struggling to cover the basics. Sometimes it’s rangatahi needing a safe place to connect, grow and belong.
At the Porirua Whānau Centre, our starting point is simple: when whānau are supported, communities thrive.
Each day our kaimahi walk alongside whānau, offering practical support, guidance and encouragement. That may mean connecting someone with housing or financial assistance, linking parents to counselling or parenting programmes, or helping navigate systems that can feel overwhelming.
Our early childhood education service provides a nurturing and safe learning environment where tamariki can grow and build strong foundations. Alongside this, our youth initiatives create positive spaces for rangatahi to develop confidence, leadership and connection, including pathways into employment and meaningful opportunities for the future.
Partnerships are central to our approach. We work closely with local schools, health providers, iwi, churches and other community organisations so that whānau receive joined-up support rather than having to navigate everything alone.
What continues to stand out to me is the resilience and heart of Porirua. Even in challenging times, this community is rich in care, generosity and strength.
Reports may highlight the pressures, but they also remind us why local organisations matter — because real change begins with connection, practical support, and people standing alongside one another.