Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Tamaiti Whāngai Education Support Service holds whanaungatanga and whakapapa at the heart of their mahi supporting rangatahi Māori to graduate with trade qualifications from Te Wānanga o Te Awakairangi (WelTec) in the Hutt Valley.
This transformational initiative was honoured for its life-changing mahi as a finalist in the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Awards held at Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026.
Tamaiti Whāngai – Supporting rangatahi to succeed
Tamaiti Whāngai was set up four decades ago by Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui. It partnered with Te Wānanga o Te Awakairangi in 2008 and has continued to go from strength to strength.
The E Tū Whānau values are at the heart of the kaupapa of Tamaiti Whāngai, woven naturally into the fabric of the mahi.
The kaupapa is grounded in kaupapa Māori, but its success is also built on the dedication of its kaiārahi, who walk alongside ākonga throughout their learning journeys. Through encouragement, practical support and genuine relationships, they help rangatahi stay engaged, overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
“The team helps every student to develop a passion, successfully complete their chosen course, and achieve their moemoeā. The essence of the success of the team, and their students is that they live and breathe whanaungatanga and whakapapa.”
Tria Tamaka, E Tū Whānau kaimahi
Creating pathways into employment and opportunity
Many ākonga arrive carrying difficult educational experiences and with little confidence in their own abilities. Tamaiti Whāngai places a korowai around each of them, creating an environment where they feel supported, capable and able to succeed.
The strength of the kaupapa lies in its belief that every rangatahi has potential. Through a combination of high expectations, strong relationships and unwavering support, Tamaiti Whāngai helps young people realise opportunities they may once have thought were beyond reach. By helping rangatahi gain qualifications and enter meaningful employment, the kaupapa also strengthens not only individual futures but also the wellbeing and prosperity of whānau.
Ultimately, the kaupapa is more than an education support service – it’s a transformational initiative that uplifts rangatahi, strengthens whānau and supports intergenerational change.
