This month’s stories are all about people and the journeys they’re on. Their stories are also a good reminder of the challenges they’ve faced, and the strength they’re discovering along the way.

One story that really stands out is about our new men’s programme, Te Huringa ō Te Ao – Supporting Men’s Behaviour Change, led by the incredible Troy Wairau-Laga.

Welcome to the very first edition of our Porirua Whānau Centre Panui!

When Harmony first connected with the Porirua Whānau Centre, she was sleeping on the floor at her job site and had no place to call her own. But the Whānau Centre have since helped her into transitional housing and enrolled her in their Ready to Rent programme, which gave her the skills and support to find a long-term rental.

The Porirua Whānau Centre’s new budgeting service, Building Financial Capability: Budgeting, is a free programme designed to support whānau across the Greater Wellington region through tough financial times.

Tiaki Mokopuna (at Porirua’s Whitireia campus) is one of two childcare centres operated by the Porirua Whānau Centre. With a kaupapa grounded in aroha, culture, and empowerment, it provides more than just childcare. It also creates a nurturing environment where tamariki thrive.

Through the Whānau Centre’s support, Taimua Pupi Holi (known to most as Semi) has earned his First Aid certificate, secured both his learner and restricted driver’s licences, and enrolled in an entrance-level carpentry course at Whitireia in Porirua.

The Whānau Centre has also now helped into his first job.