Purapura Whetū

12/08/2026

8 years with Purapura Whetū ✨

For International Youth Day, we sat down with Dshon Waitohi and his kaitautoko, Sean Panapa, to look back on where it all started.

Dshon first connected with Purapura Whetū when he was 14, through a holiday programme. Eight years later, he reflects on the people, experiences and lessons that have stayed with him.

Now, as his time with Purapura Whetū comes to an end, Dshon talks about taking what he’s learned here with him into the next chapter.

11/08/2026

A helpful resource whānau!

The Victims Information Website is now live, providing trusted information and support for people affected by crime, their whānau and those supporting them.

🔗 www.victimsinfo.govt.nz

The Victims Information Website is now live.

It is designed to help people affected by crime, their whānau and supporters find clear, trusted information when they need it.

The site now has search, easier navigation and a wider range of information about types of crime, fraud and scams, safety, support, victims’ rights and the justice process. Support links and a quick-exit banner are available throughout the site.

Visit www.victimsinfo.govt.nz

10/08/2026

The next The Vine Community Outreach Event is coming to Greymouth, hosted by Family Start West Coast.

Purapura Whetū will be there alongside other local services and organisations, providing an opportunity for whānau to learn more about the support available in our community.

Wednesday, 19 August 2026
9.00am – 3.00pm
Regent Theatre, 6 Mackay Street, Greymouth

There'll also be free kai, activities for the kids, giveaways, and more. 🎉

05/08/2026

Purapura Whetū Matariki 2026 💫

To wrap up this year's Matariki content, here's one last look back at our celebration. From hautapu before sunrise through to the hākari, waiata, performances, activities, and the people who made the day what it was.

Our Purapura Whetū Matariki celebration is about giving back to the community we serve, bringing people together, and hounoring the Māori New Year.

Mānawatia a Matariki!

04/08/2026

It's World Breastfeeding Week 💛

Welcoming a pēpi into the world comes with plenty of questions, new experiences, and learning along the way. Our Hapūtanga Wānanga provide a culturally grounded space to prepare for birth, early parenting, and caring for your pēpi.

From wahakura weaving and traditional practices to midwifery sessions and navigating life with a newborn, these fully funded wānanga are here to support your whānau every step of the way.

If you're expecting a pēpi or know someone who is, we'd love to welcome you.

Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.teoriorihaputanga.com/registernow

03/08/2026

🌿 We’re hiring!

We’re looking for passionate kaimahi to join the founding team of He Pikinga Waiora, a new kaupapa Māori service supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across Waitaha.

Bring your skills, strengths, lived experience and the things that light you up. Together, we can create meaningful change and help shape something truly special from the ground up.

Applications close 14 August 2026. Learn more and apply below 👇
https://pwmaori.elmotalent.co.nz/careers/default/job/view/63

30/07/2026

✨ “E tū a Matariki ki te tahatū o te rangi. Ka mua, ka muri.” ✨

Matariki stands on the horizon, a symbol of the past and future.

This year, Purapura Whetū hosted its Matariki celebration in collaboration with Christchurch City Council and Phillipstown Community Hub, welcoming whānau, whaiora, kaimahi and the wider Ōtautahi community to Phillipstown to mark the Māori New Year.

The day began with hautapu before dawn, providing a time to acknowledge those who have passed and reflect on whakapapa before the celebrations began. The Purapura Whetū waiata rōpū opened the public event with karakia and waiata, followed by a day filled with performances, activities and experiences for whānau. Tamariki and whānau enjoyed weaving, crafts, games, wellbeing activities and cultural spaces, while the kākahu stall provided warm winter clothing, shoes and blankets.

A major part of this year’s celebration was the preparation and sharing of kai with our community. In the weeks leading up to the event, Purapura Whetū kaimahi and whaiora prepared more than 1,000 hāngī meals, with fresh frybread also made on the day. Every person who attended had the opportunity to share in a hāngī meal, with surplus kai also distributed through Christchurch City Mission to reach people across Ōtautahi.

Ngā mihi nui to our kaimahi, whaiora, whānau, volunteers and community partners who contributed their time, knowledge and mahi to make Matariki 2026 possible.

Mānawatia a Matariki 🌟

27/07/2026

In celebration of Matariki, Aldwin’s House Rest Home brought residents together for a day of waiata, learning, and kai. Residents had the opportunity to learn more about the significance of Matariki and the Māori New Year. ✨

The day was facilitated by Matua Daniel Mataki from the Te Waharoa team, who shared his knowledge of Matariki through kōrero about its meaning, traditions, and why we celebrate it.

Following lunch, the Maea Ukulele Group entertained residents with a wonderful performance, sharing a range of waiata alongside many much-loved old songs. The group welcomed song requests, with residents eagerly calling out their favourite tunes and joining in with the music.

The day was a great way for residents to learn more about Matariki, enjoy waiata, and celebrate together!

23/07/2026

Here's a look behind the scenes at our annual Matariki hāngī prep day!

We want to give a huge mihi to all of the kaimahi and whaiora who worked side by side to prepare over 1,000 hāngī for our community.

More photos and videos coming soon whānau ✨