Our Whānau Voice team had the privilege of visiting Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust in Kirikiriroa. This kaupapa has its roots in a unique tri-partnership between tripac partnership formed between Maatua Whāngai o Kirikiriroa, Specialist Education Services and Te Kōhao Health to provide the Family Start programme in Hamilton City.
Together, they built a service grounded in early intervention and strengths-based practice — empowering whānau to thrive in their communities by wrapping support around them when it’s needed most.
We were welcomed into their all-of-staff hui to kōrero about Te Tiratū — who we are, the mahi we do, and how Whānau Voice can be uplifted across the motu. We shared ways KFST kaimahi can participate in this kaupapa — as whānau themselves, and as advocates who walk alongside whānau every day.
The team at KFST were engaged and curious, especially around how insights are used to shape systems and services that work for whānau. Their openness signalled strong potential for future collaboration.
At its heart, our visit was about building bridges — whakawhanaungatanga between Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board Whānau Voice kaimahi and those working in the community to strengthen whānau.
We know prevention starts with listening early and often. Our relationships with those who deliver frontline services to our Māmās, tamariki and rangatahi in particular are critical — especially those who may not be Māori-led but are deeply committed to whānau wellbeing.
By collaborating together, we ensure whānau are not only seen and heard, but that their voices carry influence — helping reshape the systems that impact their lives.
Ngā mihi nui ki te whānau o Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust. We look forward to continuing to walk this path together.