Why Ora

05/06/2026

✨ Week One Done & What a Start! ✨

What a powerful first week of our Mātaki shadowing kaupapa!

After kicking off Monday with induction at Taranaki Base Hospital, we’re proud to share that 28 Why Ora taiohi have now completed 1:1 shadowing with health professionals, gaining real insight into the world of hauora. And this is only week one!

They’ve experienced a range of departments including:

Nursing
Medicine
Physiotherapy
Māori Health
Social Work
Pharmacy
Occupational Therapy
Orthotics
These experiences are more than just observation they’re about building confidence within our taiohi to see what’s possible.

Massive mihi again to Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ Taranaki 🤝 for continuing to create these meaningful pathways.

And to our tauira, we’re so proud of you! This is just the beginning 🔥

04/06/2026

May has been a busy and rewarding month for us, filled with opportunities and meaningful experiences for our taiohi.

We began with Rapuara Ako, supporting our rangatahi to explore ako pathways and future possibilities. We also hosted our Why Ora AGM, taking time to reflect on the impact of our mahi and where we’re heading next.

A standout moment was the Otago University trip, where our Kaiārahi connected kanohi ki te kanohi with our whānau currently studying down south.

We also launched Mātaki Shadowing, giving taiohi hands-on insight into health career pathways, delivered two HMKWO Employment Readiness Workshops, and ran two Driver Licence Workshops to support taiohi in building confidence and independence.

And that’s only a snippet of what’s been happening! Bring on June 👏

03/06/2026

Liahna and Rory take on Ōtepoti!

Check out the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at their trip✈️

29/05/2026

Otago University Trip ✈️📖

Our Kaiārahi, Liahna and Rory, recently had the opportunity to reconnect with our tauira studying at Otago University!

After landing in Dunedin, they were straight off the plane and into a tauira dinner, creating space for our Why Ora tauira to connect with each other and build whanaungatanga.

The following two days were spent doing one on one catch ups with tauira and connecting with Te Huka Mātauraka tumuaki, Michelle, to build that hononga between Why Ora and the support our tauira Māori receive whilst studying at Otago University.

It was a great chance to reconnect kanohi ki te kanohi, engage with tauira around their experiences, kōrero about goals and reflect on both the highlights and challenges that come with studying away from home.

A huge thank you to all our tauira who took the time to meet with Liahna and Rory, they came back absolutely buzzing!

Keep an eye out for next week’s post, where we’ll share a closer look at what they got up to through a video recap!!

27/05/2026

Today the vibe was buzzing with excitement as we headed to Taranaki Base Hospital to support our taiohi during their Mātaki shadowing induction 🏥✨

A huge mihi to Heidi Ashcroft (Nurse Educator) for guiding our taiohi through an important handwashing process before the journey began. From there, we explored the different departments where our tauira will soon undertake their shadowing experience.

This kaupapa is proudly delivered in partnership with Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ Taranaki 🤝

Ngā mihi nui to Te Whatu Ora Taranaki for creating these meaningful opportunities.

21/05/2026

📣 Calling all taiohi mā!

This week we celebrate Youth Week, a time to recognise the strength and potential of our taiohi.

Zeal Taranaki is hosting some awesome sessions - a safe space for taiohi to connect and share kai.

🔥 What’s on:
🥪 Toastie Thursday
📅 21 May | 🕞 3:30pm
📍 69 Devon Street West, New Plymouth Central

🍞 French Toast Friday
📅 22 May | 🕞 3:30pm
📍 69 Devon Street West, New Plymouth Central

20/05/2026

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My success is not that of an individual, but that of the collective

Today we held our Why Ora AGM in Ngāmotu.

It was a great opportunity to reflect on the past year, share our outcomes and celebrate the successes of our amazing Why Ora whānau. A big thank you to everyone who attended, we truly appreciate your support.

We would like to acknowledge our WRR Board, without them our mahi wouldnt be possible and to our funders TOI Foundation, Ministry of Social Development, Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora Taranaki and Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Inc thank you for your continued support and believing in our kaupapa.

Click the link below to view our full 2025 Annual Report:
https://www.whyora.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WRR-Annual-Report-2025.pdf

19/05/2026

Today we’re highlighting the mahi our Kaiārahi do to uplift you and our hapori. From check-ins and real kōrero, to ongoing tautoko and creating spaces and events that bring people together - this is what support looks like every day.

Hear from our Kaiārahi as they share how they back taiohi in their day-to-day mahi.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your Kaiārahi for support - just like you see in the video, they’re here for you ✨

18/05/2026

Thinking about a future in teaching or the education sector? 📚

Educare is hosting info talks that could be perfect for you! From early childhood education to teacher aiding, there are heaps of pathways to explore.

If you’ve got an interest in supporting others to learn and grow, check it out and see where it could take you!

See post below for event details.

Study for free in Taranaki at Educare Training
Level 3 & 4 qualifications in ECE and Teacher Aide

Need more information?
Come along to 13 Dawson St, New Plymouth on Tuesday 19th of May at 10am or 4pm to find out more (allow 1 hour).

Alternatively, pop in and have a korero with Courtney, our door is open Monday to Thursday.

14/05/2026

👚 Pink Shirt Day 2026 👚

Me mahi tahi tātou mo te oranga o te katoa
We must work together for the wellbeing of all.

Today we wear pink shirts to stand together against bullying in all its forms. Join the Pink Shirt Day movement to Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!