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.
Te Rōpū o Te Whānau Rangimarie o Tāmaki Makaurau Trust was one of nine finalists in the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Award 2026, recognised for more than three decades of trusted community leadership and its commitment to helping whānau build safer, stronger and more connected lives.
“The impact of Te Whānau Rangimarie is measured not only through services delivered but through lives changed, relationships restored and hope rekindled.”
Mikaira Pau, E Tū Whānau Kaimahi
Three decades of strengthening whānau and community
For the last 33 years, this busy marae-based organisation has pursued an unwavering commitment to whānau wellbeing, violence prevention, and community-led transformation across South Auckland.
Te Whānau Rangimarie works alongside whānau experiencing family harm, intergenerational trauma, housing insecurity, financial hardship and other complex challenges. Through long-term relationships and collaboration across multiple sectors, the organisation helps create pathways toward greater stability, wellbeing and hope.
Programmes such as Whāngaia Ngā, the tamariki protection initiative Pā Harakeke, and the E Tū Whānau-inspired E Tū Tāne programme demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to preventing harm, strengthening whānau relationships and creating safer futures for tamariki and rangatahi.
The organisation has a well-deserved reputation for compassionate and courageous leadership within communities that are often experiencing significant social and economic hardship. Its skilled and experienced kaimahi walk alongside whānau for the long term, knowing that lasting change happens when whānau are supported to lead their own journeys, reclaim their strengths and realise their aspirations.
Putting whānau strengths at the centre
At the heart of the kaupapa is a belief that whānau are not defined by adversity. Instead, they are recognised for their strengths, aspirations and potential. This shapes every aspect of the organisation’s mahi. Whānau voices are central to decision-making and support is delivered in ways that are empowering, culturally safe and responsive to individual circumstances.
As a finalist in the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Award 2026, Te Whānau Rangimarie stands as an inspiring example of kaupapa Māori leadership in action — creating positive change, strengthening whānau resilience and helping shape a safer future for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau.
