Why Ora

26/04/2026

🎓 Rapuara Ako is happening next week!

This is a great opportunity for taiohi to connect with inspiring presenters who are doing meaningful mahi across the education sector in Taranaki. Come along, ask pātai, and explore the different pathways available in Ako.

📅 Wednesday 6 May
📍 TET Stadium, Inglewood
⏰ 10.00am – 12.30pm

If you are registered with Why Ora and interested to come to our workshop contact your kura co-ordinator or Why Ora Kaiārahi today! Dont miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired 🌱

24/04/2026

🕯️ Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. - We will remember them.

Join us as we remember and honour those who served. Here are the details of Anzac events happening across Taranaki this Saturday, so take a moment to check what’s happening in your local hāpori.

Please also remember to check your local RSA or council channels for the latest updates and any changes.

Anzac ki Waitara
📍 Assemble: Waitara RSA
🕔 Time: 5.45am

Anzac ki Ngāmotu
📍 Assemble: King/Queen Street
🕔 Time: 5.45am

Anzac ki Te Kōhanga Moa
📍 Assemble: Matai Street Cenotaph, Inglewood
🕔 Time: 5:45 am march and a 6:00 am service

Anzac ki Hāwera
📍 Assemble: Ngāti Ruanui Building, Princess Street
🕕 Time: 6.15am

Anzac ki Pātea
📍 Assemble: Chester Street (by the library)
🕕 Time: 6.20am

22/04/2026

📣 Ngāti Tama Scholarship Applications Now Open 📣

Are you a uri o Ngāti Tama and currently studying at tertiary level?
Ngāti Tama scholarships are now open, and this could be your opportunity!

📩 Your kaiārahi will be in touch to support you along this haerenga.
✅ Please see the eligibility criteria below.

🎓 Ngāti Tama Scholarship Grants – Apply Now! 🎓
Are you a Ngāti Tama uri studying or planning to study? We’re proud to support your journey across Aotearoa and overseas.

‼️REMINDER‼️
One week to go! Please complete your application before next Wednesday, the29th of April, 5pm.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Be of Ngāti Tama descent and registered as a member.
• Be enrolled in a New Zealand government-recognised tertiary institution, trade
training or apprenticeship. Or participate in regional or national sports as an
unpaid amateur.
• Provide the following: A completed application form is required; late or
incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Proof of enrolment for the year of application.
• An academic transcript or report of grades from the previous year.
• Acceptable evidence of a bank account (e.g., bank deposit slip or letter from the
bank)

Through our partnership with the Māori Education Trust (MET), we’re investing in the capability, confidence, and future pathways of our uri – for today and for generations to come.

What’s on offer:
✅ Undergraduate & postgraduate study support
✅ Trades & apprenticeship funding
🗓 Applications close: 29 April at 5pm
🔗: https://ebsontrackprospect-metnz.tribal-ebs.com
1. Apply through the MET portal
2. Select Ngāti Tama as one of your iwi affiliations.
Application link also available on our website: www.ngatitama.iwi.nz
Pātai? Send it to office@ngatitama.iwi.nz
Let’s continue building strong, thriving futures – Tama Taitangata, Tama Tangata Ora

22/04/2026

Payton Tamatea began his journey as a Why Ora Cadet and is now in full‑time mahi as a Wheelchair Technician Assistant at Health NZ - Taranaki and he’s been absolutely smashing it!

His dedication, positive attitude, and passion for helping people shine through every day. We’re proud to see him growing in his mahi and making a real difference in health for our whānau.

🎥 Let’s hear Payton’s whakaaro as he shares what his mahi in health means to him.

Click the link below to read Payton's full story in our Why Ora Quarterly Newsletter:https://www.whyora.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-Issue-31-2026-Final.pdf

15/04/2026

📣 Pānui for Ngāti Mutunga Uri 📣
Are you a registered uri of Ngāti Mutunga currently in tertiary study? This pānui is for you!

🎓 Ngāti Mutunga Education Grants are closing this Friday, 17 April.
Reach out to your kaiārahi if you need any awhi, and check out their website for more information below.
https://www.ngatimutunga.iwi.nz/education-grants/

***REMINDER***

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga is pleased to announce that applications for our education grants are now open! Whether you are pursuing a pre-bachelor certification, tertiary education or trades, we're here to support your educational journey.

Closing: 5.00pm, Friday 17 April 2026.

Funding available:
· Pre-Bachelor/Undergraduate or Trades Grants - Ten (10) certificate/diploma level grants available, valued at $500.00 each. Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
· Bachelor/Undergraduate Grants – Ten (10) with eight ( 8 ) bachelor’s degree level grants available, valued at $1,000.00 each and two (2) bachelor's degree (honours) level grants available, valued at $1,000.00 each. Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
· Graduate/Postgraduate Grants – Two (2) with one (1) graduate/postgraduate diploma level grant available, valued at $2,500.00and one (1) master’s/PhD doctoral level grant available, valued at $2,500.00. Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.

Applicants must be able to whakapapa to Ngāti Mutunga and be registered with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga, either in their own name or recorded under their parent(s). Members aged 18 years and over are encouraged to register in their own name.

Grant Conditions
· Priority is given to first-time applicants each year.
· Funding is available to both full-time and part-time students.
· Part-time students will receive funding on a pro-rata basis.
· Applicants who are eligible for Fees Free study may still apply for this grant.
· Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to re-apply in subsequent years.
· Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Required Documentation
Academic Reference - a letter from your research supervisor for Master’s or PhD applicants, or a simple transcript for other grants
Bank Verification - confirmation of your bank account number
Enrolment Confirmation - evidence of enrolment from your education or training provider
Ngāti Mutunga Registration - evidence of whakapapa to Ngāti Mutunga and registration with TRoNM, either under your own name or recorded under your parent(s). This is the confirmation email you would have received from the Registration Officer when your or your parent’s registration was validated.
Fees Statement - a statement showing total fees for the year of study
Written Statement - a detailed statement explaining why you have chosen your field of study and how your studies can contribute to Ngāti Mutunga.

If you have any questions, please contact us at office@ngatimutunga.iwi.nz.
You will find all information on how and where to apply via our Education Grants page on our website.

Link here: https://www.ngatimutunga.iwi.nz/education-grants/

15/04/2026

✨ Rapuara Ako Workshop – Coming Up Soon! ✨
Our Rapuara Ako workshop is fast approaching! Come along to connect with educator professionals and learn more about their mahi.

🗓 Wednesday 6 May
⏰ 10.00am – 12.30pm
📍 TET Stadium, Inglewood

If you're keen to attend, be sure to let your Why Ora Coordinator know. We’d love to see you there!

09/04/2026

Our first newsletter for 2026 is here!

What a great start to the year it’s been. From welcoming our taiohi back into kura and tertiary study, to connecting with taiohi through our Rapuara Hauora Workshops, we’ve loved beginning 2026 together.

Check out our newsletter to see what we’ve been up to so far and what events and programmes are coming up next.

Click here to view our full Newsletter for Ngahuru 2026 Newsletter Issue 31 2026
https://www.whyora.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-Issue-31-2026-Final.pdf

08/04/2026

Are you a registered uri of Te Atiawa? This pānui is for you!

Te Atiawa Tertiary Grants are closing 12 April. If you haven’t submitted your application yet, now’s the time.

Head to the Te Atiawa website for more information and to apply see link below 👇
https://teatiawa.iwi.nz/nga-ratonga/grants/nga-poutahua-a-tau/

02/04/2026

We hosted Rapuara Hauora, a huge success that left our taiohi and kaiwhakahaere feeling inspired and uplifted.

We also held our first ever Ngā Mahi Huarahi Rangatahi – South Taranaki Careers Expo, alongside Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and Whaimahi Employ. Connecting with South Taranaki taiohi in their own rohe made it extra special, and we even made the Daily News!

Behind the scenes, our tari has been buzzing with team climate change trainings provided to us by Climate Justice.

We were excited to welcome Nina Lawrence back we’re so grateful to have her mauri back in the space.

Wishing all our whānau and community a Hari Rā Aranga / Happy Easter stay safe, enjoy the break, and take care.

02/04/2026

Today we are recognising our amazing Office and Communications Manager, Olivia Ratana-Walkinton.

Olivia you have served our hapori and taiohi for a decade. Our steady hand, the organisor, the communicator - the one who just makes thing happen. Often behind the scenes and often without fuss but always with consistency and commitment. Livvy, thank you for your 10 years of service, your energy, your reliability and everything you bring to the Why Ora space.

Arohanui from the Board and the team at Why Ora.

01/04/2026

What a vibe, Hāwera! 🙌

Yesterday was full of connection, laughs, and good energy, and we hope our kura felt the same.

Today we’re sharing some whakaaro from our taiohi and presenters about the day - the highlights, the learnings, and the moments that hit different.

Big mihi to everyone who showed up, got involved, and brought the mana.

Kia kaha, kia māia 💥✨

31/03/2026

🌟 Ngā mahi huarahi rangatahi🌟
Today we proudly hosted our first-ever South Taranaki Careers Expo in partnership with Mayors Taskforce for jobs and our kura absolutely brought the vibes, kaha, and high energy!

It was a true highlight to see an event dedicated solely to our South Taranaki taiohi, celebrating their curiosity, and future pathways. From hands-on camera work to welding demonstrations, there was something for everyone - learning through doing, exploring mātauranga, and connecting with real-world opportunities.

Ngā mihi nui to our incredible Presenters:
✨ TWO Oral Health Therapy Team
✨ Tika Catering
✨ Hāwera Welding
✨ Energy Works
✨ Ngāti Ruanui
✨ Waha Creative

Your stations were inspiring, and full of interactive activities and our taiohi were engaged from start to finish!

👀 Kia mataara mai! Our Rapuara Ako programmes kick off in April, bringing more chances for taiohi to explore pathways, strengths, and aspirations for the future.