Photo: Hauora Team Leader Vinnie Ngaruhe, General Manager Georgina Christie and Raven Torea of Whānau Voice.
Recently, our Whānau Voice kaimahi spent time with Ko Wai Au Trust, a kaupapa Māori rangatahi service grounded in the belief that when young people know who they are, where they belong, and are supported to shape their own futures, they can thrive.
Established in March 2023, Ko Wai Au has grown quickly in response to the needs of rangatahi aged 15 to 24 across Te Awamutu and surrounding communities. Guided by a clear vision to empower rangatahi to live confidently and independently, the Trust places strong emphasis on identity, belonging and practical pathways forward. Its Hauora service, launched under Pinnacle, reflects this by providing accessible, culturally safe health and wellbeing support for rangatahi and their whānau.
Ko Wai Au works closely with rangatahi in schools and in the wider community, often supporting young people who are navigating multiple challenges at once. Their approach centres on early support, strong relationships and walking alongside rangatahi over time. Kaimahi meet rangatahi where they are, building trust and creating space for honest conversations about what is getting in the way of wellbeing, learning or stability.
Support is holistic and rangatahi-centred. Advocacy and mentoring help rangatahi move into education, training and employment, while also supporting them to navigate health, social and justice systems when needed. The team includes youth workers and addiction counsellors who deliver one-to-one support, group programmes and health promotion initiatives that normalise conversations about mental health and reduce stigma.
Much of the mahi focuses on breaking “revolving door” cycles that can keep rangatahi stuck. Practical support with driver licensing, re-engaging in education, first aid certification, life skills and goal-setting helps young people build confidence and independence. Current programmes include Mana Whatu Ahu for rangatahi still engaged in schooling, Tama Ora Tama Tū for those not currently at school, Tu Mahi Toi, walking groups and kai education. Transport is also provided, removing a major access barrier for many rangatahi and whānau.
Strong relationships with local schools underpin the mahi of Ko Wai Au. Trusted partnerships with Cambridge High School, Te Awamutu College and Cambridge College enable early identification of need and coordinated support. Whānau engagement is another strength.
Many parents are working long hours, and a significant number of rangatahi come from low socio-economic households. Ko Wai Au estimates that around 75 percent of the rangatahi they support lack positive role models, making consistent mentoring and trusted adult relationships especially important.
Ko Wai Au also collaborates widely across the local system, including with Rural South mental health services, local GP practices, Cambridge Community Hub, Youth in Tech, and mana whenua partners Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Maungatautari Marae. These relationships enable rangatahi to access the right support quickly and in ways that feel safe and culturally grounded.
Despite their impact, funding insecurity and housing instability remain significant challenges for rangatahi and for the service itself. From a Whānau Voice perspective, Ko Wai Au demonstrates what works. Kaupapa Māori, relationship-based support that strengthens identity, builds belonging and supports rangatahi to become confident contributors to their communities. Sustainable funding and fair access to commissioning will be critical to ensuring this mahi can continue into the future.