News

WERO challenge gives whānau the chance to win $5000 for community

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:42:00 GMT

Kia ora whānau!

An exciting new challenge has been put forward as part of the whānau ora initiative giving YOU the opportunity to win $5000 for a community of your choice! WERO is a research backed initiative working to help Maori and Pacific communities improve their health through team playing and fundraising for the wider community as a whole.

We are looking for FIVE groups of ten to participate in a challenge to quit smoking. The competition will run three months and the group with the least members still smoking at the end of it will win the $5k for their chosen community! There will be only fifteen teams competing, so why not get with your friends and whānau and quit together? Social pressures make it harder to kick that habit, so getting a team together to participate in this challenge gives you a great opportunity to better your health while bonding with others quitting the habit.

The competition starts on the 1st of May and ends on the 31st of July, giving team members three months to stop smoking. All team members must be over eighteen, current smokers and willing to complete a brief questionnaire before and after the competition, as well as completing a follow up questionnaire six months after the end of the competition. A second prize of $500 is on offer for the group that uses the WERO website most!

This is such a great opportunity to practice community tikanga and work together as whānau for the betterment of our community health. So get together with YOUR whānau and support each other to make good healthy lifestyle choices that will make a difference for you and your future mokopuna!

For more information or to register a team, contact Julia Choi on 0800 WAI WHA (0800 924 942)

Waipareira on the Cutting Edge of Technology

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:40:00 GMT

Whānau Tahi Navigator Version 2.0 – Waipareira’s relationship management tool, is now being deployed to providers offering health, education, justice and social services in New Zealand.

Waipareira Trust has been at the forefront of delivering services to families in West Auckland and with its specially designed IT system, the Trust has the ability to manage information across multiple sectors including health, education, social and economic.

Built on the robust Microsoft Dynamics platform, Whānau Tahi Navigator was built by the community for the community. The IT tool is innovative, unique and outcomes-based offering providers a desired platform to meet funder, provider, and family needs.

Whānau Tahi’s deputy chief executive Stephen Keung said the journey towards building the Whānau Tahi Navigator began in 2009.

“There was a need to develop a relationship management tool to better track our clients and link them to all relevant services offered by the Trust,” Mr Keung said.

Whānau Tahi Navigator went live in January 2011 with the opening of the new Whānau Centre – Waipareira’s one stop shop – housing a range of services under one roof.

The inception of Whānau Ora – Minister Tariana Turia’s all inclusive approach to delivering better services to families – has offered Whānau Ora providers the opportunity to develop and enhance innovative ways to their practice approaches.

The National Urban Māori Authority is one of 25 Whānau Ora provider collectives that includes Waipareira Trust, Ōtangarei Trust in Whangārei, Manukau Urban Māori Authority in south Auckland, Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa in Hamilton, with approved affiliate Te Kohao Health, Te Rūnanga o Nga Maata Waka in Christchurch and Te Roopū Āwhina ki Porirua in Wellington.

Whānau Tahi Navigator is now live in a number of providers within the NUMA collective.

The native and rich Microsoft features offer employees a similar look and feel to Microsoft Office Outlook enabling a better visual environment with improved navigation through the application.

Senior administrator for Te Kohao Health Nadine Hapuku said they are excited to be implementing Whānau Tahi Navigator into their organisation.

“We see it as an effective tool that allows us to work in a results-based way, bringing both quantitative and qualitative data into one environment. Its strength lies in the non-prescriptive design that makes it useable by any provider of services.

Whānau Tahi Navigator is expected to go live in other provider collectives within the second quarter of 2012.

Waipareira CEO Says Cancellation of Family Start Contract Makes No Sense

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:25:00 GMT

The decision by the Ministry of Social Development to cut the Family Start contract with Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust is disappointing and premature says CEO John Tamihere.
He says it is particularly upsetting that the contract has been terminated at a time when it was demonstrating some remarkable turnaround results.
John Tamihere says that the Trust is completely open about the fact that earlier in the contract term there were problems and shortcomings in what was being delivered.
However, over the past six months Waipereira has implemented significant internal changes to improve the quality of its delivery.
The Trust’s status as a provider has improved greatly, with agencies openly referring families, strategic relationships with statutory agencies opening up, and confident and competent staff practicing transparently. There is a clear report trail that can be tracked and linked to outcome plans, backed up with high level clinical supervision.
In the most recent Traffic Light National report released by the Ministry of Social Development in February 2012, Waipareira featured Green in all areas except volumes.
"We have been working hard since last year to turn things around with new management and specialised expertise which has resulted in remarkable gains and a marked shift in service delivery and performance," he says.
John Tamihere says the Ministry has effectively set up providers to fail, bringing in new performance measures late last year and not allowing adequate time for them to be implemented.
“All corrective measures and remedial requirements requested had been delivered on. With any major change management process that has such wide ranging impacts, time is required to embed a new culture.”
Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust is the largest Maori service provider in the country and is one of the only organisations that have been able to work successfully linking a number of sectors including health, education, social services, justice and corrections.
Operating for the past 28 years in West Auckland, the majority of its client base are high needs families that present a multiplicity of complex issues. Despite the obvious challenges apparent in this field Waipareira continues to lead the way as the country's largest Whānau Ora provider.

Lest We Forget, Kaumātua Rock 'n' Rolling To Christmas

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:28:00 GMT

Te Whānau o Waipareira Trusts Roopu Kaumātua have a registered membership of 109 active members who hail from all four winds of Aotearoa. Within the Roopu Kaumātua they have an elected executive committee of 12 who meet bi weekly to discuss their requirements, plan events and representation venturing the Roopu forward.

Members of the Executive Committee include Chairperson Poata Northcroft, Secretary Jim Te Wiki, Treasurer Theresa Toki, and active members Mereana Stubbings, Bill Tangariki, Leigh Harris, Maki Harawira, Maraea Northcroft, Ella Matthews, Anne Taumaunu, Judy Cooper and Margaret Glover.

On Thursday 8th December 2011 the Roopu Kaumātua rejoiced for their annual Christmas Luncheon fiesta at the Henderson RSA. There was a 95% attendance who filled the day with joyous celebrations recognising members achievements, and commemorated those of their fellow associates who had passed.

Chairperson of the Roopu Kaumātua, Poata Northcroft said “Mō mātou ngā kaumātua o Te Whānau o Waipareira, te mea nui nei ko te whakanui I te rā kirihimete, te reo pōwhiri atu ki a rātou te hono tātou i a tātou, te tiaki mokopuna i tēnei wā o te kirihimete” For us the elderly supporters of Te Whānau o Waipareira, it was a chance to celebrate the joys of Christmas and call upon our members to bring us together again, and express the importance of looking after our mokopuna during the Christmas holiday.

The Putiputi Kanikani ladies (a dance troupe within the Roopu) were beautifully attired as they prepared to lead out with their dance performances. Roopu Kaumātua Secretary and Leader of Putiputi Kanikani, Theresa Toki spoke of their role within the community “we travel around to local rest homes dancing and rock’n’rolling for other kaumātua who aren’t as fit and mobile - hoping to brighten their day and get their little toes tapping again”.

Henderson RSA employee and bartender Amber Morunga expressed “It was Awesome to see Waipareira Kaumātua having so much fun, embracing each other. I enjoyed watching their cultural performances and listening to their singing, it was great to have them at our venue”.

Waipareira Kaumātua world famous in Aotearoa

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:39:00 GMT

Esteemed kaumātua Nanny Makere Tino and Papa Denis Hansen were awarded with Kaumātua and Kuia of the year in recognition of their mahi at the recent Mauri Ora graduation held in Otaki on Saturday November 26th.

Both respectively in their seventies, they are the eldest graduates for 2011 completing the course through Te Korowai Aroha o Aotearoa and as such were given this acknowledgement for their dedication to on-going learning and education.

Mauri Ora is a ten month training programme that equips ākonga (students) to work with whānau, hapū, iwi in a uniquely kaupapa Māori way. It helps ākonga to develop their own solutions when dealing with issues that arise based on an understanding of Tikanga Māori and culture.

For Nanny Makere, one of the first graduates from Te Kohanga Reo National Trust’s three year degree Whakapakari, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

"I look forward to being able to continue with my studies, it’s exciting and is what keeps me alive, alert and happy." she says.

Papa Denis is in great demand as he sits on the Taumata representing Waipareira at key events within Tāmaki and around the globe.

With a passion for Tikanga and Te Reo Māori, the pair are a shining example that you are never too old to learn new things. As revered kaumātua within Waipareira they continue to set a high standard for those who will follow in their footsteps.

‘Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka’ – this is an old Māori proverb that states the Kumara never speaks of its own sweetness, and these two learned and wise kaumātua are a perfect example of that.

Nanny Makere said "I had no idea we were going to be given this award so for me it was a huge surprise!"

Both have been an integral part of establishing a strong foundation that has resulted in the incredible growth and success of Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust throughout the past 28 years, and say they look forward to playing their part in the next twenty.

Iron Māori Man Unstoppable

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:40:00 GMT

When Karl Snowden was knocked off his bike by a car, his bike took a bashing but it did not stop his determination to compete for Iron Māori.

Karl trained with health promoter Delane Mackie for weeks leading up to the Iron Māori event held last month. The two are dedicated models for a healthy lifestyle, training through high intensity workouts that Delane runs twice a week.

"I’m impressed by my bro Karl. He started training, running, swimming and riding his flash bike," Delane says.

But Karl wanted specific triathlete training so that he could stand tall at the start line. That’s when he met Triathlon Coach Ben Chidgey who trained Karl for 18 weeks.

"I was impressed by Karl’s self-determination. I had to put the brakes on a few times because he did not know when to stop. I mean it’s a good skill to have but sometimes I was concerned he was either going to hurt himself or burn himself out," he says.

Karl started his journey to improve his fitness 18 months ago with Delane’s Kai Nutrition team. He started doing events to keep motivated in between training. Karl’s first ever event was the Contact Tri series in Takapuna earlier this year where he finished the 300m swim, 9km ride and 3km run in 46 minutes and 12 seconds.

The Ironmāori event aims to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices. The event began three years ago and is proving to be very popular, attracting more than 1500 contenders at this year’s race in Napier. Karl completed the 2km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run in just under 6 hours.

"I am very pleased with the outcome. His time was fantastic!" Ben says.

Karl is now determined to race in the New Zealand Ironman event in 2013.

Waipareira Celebrates With Christmas Lighting Ceremony

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT

As we near the festive season, Te Whānau o Waipareira prepares for their annual celebration – the lighting of the Waipareira Trust Christmas lights.

Now into its 7th year, the lighting ceremony is a significant event and with Waipareira Trust nestled in the heart of Waitakere – the Christmas lights will brighten up our beautiful city.

As well as bringing our community together – the lighting ceremony is an opportunity for Te Rito – Waipareira's early childhood centre to farewell four children going to school next year.

The early childhood manager Sheryl Max says all four children have been with Te Rito since they were babies.

"It will be a sad, yet joyous moment and we want to make it special for our tamariki because they have been with us for a long time," Sheryl says.

WAIPAREIRA CELEBRATES WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY

This past year has been eventful for the whānau and the lighting ceremony is a time to celebrate by commemorating the achievements Waipareira Trust has accomplished over the year. It is an opportunity to kick start a safe summer break with whānau and friends and also to recharge for the New Year.

At last year's Christmas lighting ceremony in December, kaumatua from Waipareira released 29 balloons into the night sky. It was Waipareira's tribute through celebration - each balloon represented a miner who lost his life in the Pike River mine tragedy.

As an acknowledgment to Waipareira elders who had also passed away, a further 20 balloons were sent to the heavens. It was a noble celebration for the hundreds who attended the celebrations.

The evening will begin with a sausage sizzle and performances by Te Rito early childhood centre.

Waipareira welcomes all whānau to the Christmas lighting ceremony on December 1 at the Henderson Baptist Church from 7pm.

Waipareira's Trust Board Set For Another Year

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT

Newly appointed Waipareira Trust Board Member
Raymond Hall

Newly appointed Waipareira Trust Board Member
Clint Rickards

Chairperson for the Trust Board Josie Smith welcomed 250 whānau members at Hoani Waititi Marae to learn of achievements for the past year as well as directions the Trust will take in the future.

Four Trust Board members were announced at Waipareira’s annual general meeting on Wednesday evening.

Raymond Hall and Clint Rickards are first-time elected members to the Board with Moyna Grace and Evelyn Taumaunu been reappointed – having already served many years to the Board of Trustees.

Raymond Hall is considered a freshman to the organisation but the Te Atatu resident is determined to carry out the vision Te Whānau O Waipareira has. “I can fully appreciate both John’s vision and the strategic vision of Waipareira. I have lived in Te Atatu all my life and have always aspired to be part of Waipareira,” Mr. Hall said.

Of Ngati Whatua descent, Mr. Hall is employed at Mason Clinic Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services and coaches the under 17’s Auckland rugby league team.

Clint Rickards - of Tainui Descent, Serving Member on Tainui Tribal Parliament Te Kauhanganui, Treaty Negotiator, Previously held a high ranking role at NZ Police, Admitted to the Bar in 2008, and Solicitor at the Auckland District Court, Clint started a strategic advisory role with the executive team of Waipareira in 2009. He completed his role as Kaiwhakahaere of Waipareira in September 2011 which allowed him to put himself forward to assist the Whanau at the Governance level.

Both candidates have a strong interest in bringing their skills, knowledge and experience to the Board,”

Chief executive for Waipareira Trust John Tamihere said our future will focus on lifting our tamariki and building on outcomes for whānau. “We will set the foundations to a better start in life for our tamariki. We aim to lift our children’s achievements by investing more time and money in services, like Kip McGrath education centers,” Mr. Tamihere said.

The Trust is now into its 28th year of operation and working towards the next 25 year plan with more emphasis on developing ways to improve Māori growth and success.

Mr Tamihere said Waipareira’s state of the art IT system is world beating technology. “We are currently rolling out within our whānau service system a tool which tracks and records whānau and their outcomes.

Deputy chief executive Diane Tuari said Waipareira has met key objectives in 2009 – 2012 Strategic Plan with some outstanding outcomes achieved ahead of time. The Annual General Meeting is a model that allows the executive team to report on behalf of the Board to the whānau of the progress made. It is a pleasure to be in the role of serving the Whānau in their united stand as we advance into the next year,” Mrs Tuari said.

AGM Media Release

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

FOR THE BETTERMENT OF MĀORI GROWTH AND SUCCESS

Media Advisory
22 NOVEMBER / WHIRINGA-Ā-RANGI 2011

Waipareira’s annual general meeting will inform whānau within West Auckland the vision the Trust holds for the future.

Official bodies, whānau and community groups will gather at Hoani Waititi Marae to learn of previous and future activities.

Chairperson for the Trust Board Josie Smith said it is a good opportunity for us to review fiscal information for the past year and inform whānau of the directions the Trust will take in the future.

“We will continue to lead change in the delivery of services to Māori by paving the way for the betterment of Māori growth and success.

“When governments change, we need to have strategies in place to ensure business growth and business sustainability,” Mrs Smith says.

It is an opportunity to review the Trust's accounts and ask questions regarding strategic direction.

Chief executive officer John Tamihere said Waipareira Trust is very open to whānau. “We are very transparent,” Mr Tamihere says.

Waipareira’s constitution provides that the board of trustees comprise between seven and 15 members, who are to be elected from Te Whānau O Waipareira boundary – inclusive of all whānau – Māori and non-Māori at an annual general meeting of the trust, except for one trustee who is nominated annually by Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua as a standing representative of the tangata whenua of Auckland.

“Every waka is represented on the Trust board,” Mr Tamihere says.

The Trust board members are appointed on a tri-annual basis. That is, each year, 3 trustees offer themselves for re-election or retirement and stand with any new nominations that may come from the wider whānau. A poll is held at the annual general meeting to determine the 3 successful members to the Trust Board.

This year there will be 4 positions available on Waipareira’s Trust Board – three positions for a three year term and one position for a two year term following the resignation of one member earlier this year.

Waipareira Trust welcomes all whānau and community to the annual general meeting tomorrow evening - Wednesday 23 November from 6.30pm at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland.

Sports Challenge to promote Hauora Māori

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

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West Aucklanders gathered on Saturday to celebrate being proud and positive Māori at Waipareira’s Whānau Whanui Sports Challenge 2011.

The event proved to be a successful sporting event attracting more than forty whānau teams from across Aotearoa.

As well as showcasing our Māori athletes, the day brought whānau together for a day of whakawhanaungatanga - building and maintaining positive relationships within our community.

The morning kicked off early with a warm welcome from Te Roopu Kaumatua, Papa Dennis and sport coordinator Brad Norman. Kaimahi o Waipareira Bella Te Pou lead the traditional Whānau Whānui morning hikoi which was around Douglas Track this year, at Waitakere’s Trusts Stadium.

Whānau of all ages enjoyed the live entertainment by Ranui Primary school’s kapa haka group, Déjà vu, MC aunty Mabel and West Auckland’s dance crew Limit Break.

The bouncy castles, face painting, arts & crafts stall, balloon lady and Old Mac Donald’s farm kept our tamariki cheerful.

The mechanical bull-ride allowed for some mums and dads to get in on the fun too!

It was an awesome opportunity for whānau to fundraise for special events by offering some healthy kai. Delicious hangi, rewena bread, raw fish and muscle chowder were only a few of the dishes on the menu.

Proudly supported by Hapai Te Hauora, the event’s main focus was to promote hauora Māori.

Focusing on healthy well-being - Whānau Whanui Sports Challenge encouraged community engagement and physical activity, with an opportunity for families to learn about Waipareira’s full suite of health, education, justice and social services.

The sports challenge was initiated in 1998 and raises health awareness by promoting key areas encompassing proud Māori are smokefree, proud Māori care about mokopuna and proud Māori are host responsible.

Whānau Whānui Day focuses on promoting health and education services in collaboration with other key organisations including Safe Waitakere, Water Safe NZ and Royal New Zealand Plunket.

Whānau Whānui became increasingly popular in 2009 and 2010 where over 3,000 whānau members across Waitakere attended.

Waipareira combined the events together to make for a grand day for the entire community.

Staff from Waipareira were available for whānau to learn about the services Waipareira has to offer. The promotions team were pleased to be interacting with whānau, having fun with the tamariki in the arts and crafts stall and loving the friendly environment.

Waipareira’s Cultural Advisor Ngaire Te Hira said the kaupapa of the day is about the moemoea or vision of our tipuna, to lift the mana of our people by promoting Māori wellbeing “I believe we were blessed with a beautiful day. The day also allowed me to appreciate our Young Gunz at Waipareira Trust who organised our sports challenge event,” Ngaire says.

Hapai Te Hauora spokesperson Zoe Hawke said it is important to work alongside organisations like Waipareira because they know our whānau best.

“We are here to tautoko them to make days like this a success for everyone including whānau, kaimahi and the community,” Zoe says.

As well as promoting Māori health, the sports tournament offered cash prizes of up to $12,000 to the winning teams. The evening prize giving organised by kaimahi Lorraine Symons, Diane Tuari, Ellen Herewini and Lorna Tuari brought whānau teams together for some delicious roast dinner, live entertainment and the awards ceremony for all our teams.

North Harbour Collegiates are our wahine toa for the netball this year with West Auckland’s A-Team coming in second place. Our Whānau O Waipareira Team made third place and we are very proud of our kotiro mā.

Pakuranga’s Swift was the overall champions for the touch tournament with North Harbour’s Whānau Keretene coming in second place. Onehunga’s $hot took out third place.

It was a nail biting game for our league finalists, West Auckland’s Glenora Bears and Point Chevalier Pirates. Glenora scored a drop goal with only two minutes to go and Pirates had Glenora on the back foot in the last minute. The Glenora Bears took out the championship for the league division.

Weekend Of Sport In West Auckland

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

This Saturday November 12, the Trusts Stadium in Henderson will echo to pounding feet and bouncing balls and it’s not too late to get involved.

The Whānau Whanui Sports Challenge, organised by Waipareira Trust, will feature women's netball, men’s rugby league and mixed touch rugby.

Co-ordinator Te Rina Armitt says the event focuses on healthy well-being and community engagement. "Our goal is to bring our community together, it's about whakawhanaungatanga - building and maintaining positive relationships."

Ms Armitt says the trust encourages all social clubs, whānau teams and community groups to enter the sports challenge, and there are prizes up for grabs. "We expect to host up to 48 teams, with a total prize pool of $12,000," she says.

The sports challenge was initiated in 1998 but has lain idle for almost a decade. This year it’s being combined with Whānau Whanui Day, which aims to promote health and education. As well as the sporting competition on offer the event will also be a chance for families to learn about Waipareira’s suite of health, education, justice and social services.

And music’s on the menu too with a performance from Deja vu, and there will be food stalls and children’s activities. The day starts with the powhiri at 7.30am at the stadium.

Whānau Whanui Sports Challenge 2011. From left - league, netball and touch sport coordinators:
Delane Mackie, Te Rina Armitt and Brad Norman. Photo: Kelly Pohatu.

Lifestyle Change Takes Weight Off

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

There were many things that Johno Winther couldn't do before undergoing a huge lifestyle change and losing 17kg.

He couldn't run 10 kilometres or play with his seven-year-old son for as long as he wanted.

But Mr Winther says he's a different man after losing the weight through the Te Hekenga Nui fitness programme.

He's full of energy and about to run his first half marathon with people he's met on the course.

The Waipareira Trust runs Te Hekenga Nui, modelled on the American television show The Biggest Loser, and it's free for west Aucklanders to join.

Training with Delane Mackie

Mr Winther is a social worker for the Waipareira Trust and decided to jump on board as soon he heard about the 16-week programme.

"I'd done stints at the gym like everyone else but this was something completely different," the Te Atatu Peninsula resident says.

"It's so high intensity and high impact. After the first week of doing it I was ready to throw the whole thing in."

But he hung in there along with more than 30 others to complete the programme. They met five times a week, training for around an hour each time and together lost a combined amount of 150kg.

Mr Winther, who lost the most weight, says it gave him much more than a reduced waistline.

"My energy levels have sky rocketed and I'm so much more alert at work and for my wife and kids," he says.

"I've got so much energy that I want to stay outside and play with my seven-year-old son longer than he does."

Mr Winther credits group training to their success.

"That was probably one of the biggest motivators because we're all changing our schedules and balancing our lives around this course but we're doing it together."

Mr Winther appreciated the way the course was run by health promoter and personal trainer Delane Mackie.

"It was set around streets, mountains and beaches in west Auckland and there was never any need to wear fancy clothes like you see at the gym," he says.

Mr Mackie says west Aucklanders need to forget their age, size, work schedule or any other reasons for not exercising.

The course is designed so people of any size or age can participate.

"If there's an exercise that only one person in the group can't do we're not doing it. No one gets left behind," Mr Mackie says.

"The main focus I gave the group was that they were exercising to make them better mums and dads, better colleagues and better friends.

It's about the way you feel from exercising, that energy and positivity."

To train with Mr Mackie turn up at the Trusts Stadium at 5.30pm on Mondays or at 6am on Wednesdays. The sessions will now run twice a week.

Call Mr Mackie on 021-246-2052 for more details.

Bringing Families Together For A Fun Day Of Sport

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

Donovan Busby (left) and his brother Kruz will be taking part in the Whānau Whanui Sport Challenge

That’s the aim for the Whānau Whanui Sports challenge on November 12 at Trusts Stadium.

Henderson brothers Donovan and Kruz Busby are playing in the rugby league nines competition for Whānau Waipareira.

Donovan, 32, says it will be a rare chance to play competitive sport alongside Kruz, 18, who is joining the army soon.

“I have always wanted to play alongside my little bro so it will be awesome to get that chance,” he says.

“I will be looking out for him, especially if any guys try and place a big hit on him.”

Kruz, who has played for the Waitemata Rugby club, is happy to have his brother take the field alongside him.

“He will give me more confidence out there and that will help me with my game.”

Rugby league nines is a shortened version of the game, similar to rugby sevens.

Donovan says it should be an expansive game with a lot of teams vying for the title.

“A lot of the sides entering should be looking to take it out. We want to get to the semifinals at least and uphold the mana of Waipareira.”

Rugby nines, touch and netball will be played in the sports challenge, organised by the Waipareira Trust.

Each sport offers a $2000 prize for the winning side but there is a cap on how many representative players a team can field.

Waipareira Trust sport coordinator Alana Harris says there is a system to making sure teams don’t turn up with a wealth of elite players.

“We do have people heavily involved with each of the three sports who can pick out players who shouldn’t be in the tournament,” she says.

“We don’t want an entire team of junior Warriors turning up for the rugby league nines since it is a whānau-based event.

Article and Photo: Western Leader 03/11/2011

Biggest Losers Shed The Equivalent To 1200 Quarter Pounders

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

Please note if your video is staggering use pause button to allow it to load.
You can gauge this by the grey line above.

Training with Delane Mackie.

With a combined weight loss of 150kg, more than 30 contestants trained for 16 weeks – competing to make a lifestyle change with Te Hekenga Nui – a fitness programme offered by Waipareira.

Similar to America's 'Biggest Loser' – Te Hekenga Nui involves a high intensity training regime, healthy diet and support from a personal trainer.

The programme is part of the Kai Nutrition course delivered by Delane Mackie – Health Promoter and Personal Trainer for Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust in Henderson.

“The aim is to promote healthy lifestyles the best way possible - to lose some pounds while enhancing our wellbeing in a competitive environment,” Mr Mackie said.

Families gathered on Saturday to celebrate the inaugural graduation for Te Hekenga Nui contenders.

Te Hekenga Nui Champion Jonathan Winther and Personal Trainer Delane Mackie

Mr Mackie said the programme is not just about losing weight.

“It is about how exercise makes us feel,” he explains.

Jonathan Winther was announced as Te Hekenga Nui's champion after losing a total of 19.5kg since his first weigh-in 16 weeks ago.

“When I first started it was because I wanted to lose weight. But over time I began to notice a difference in myself – physically and mentally. I have so much energy and I've never felt this good in my life. My attitude has changed and my ultimate goal is to be healthy – for my wife and my sons,” Mr Winther said.

The contestants are between 11 and 60 years of age who trained together 5 days a week.

Mr Winther said they have all become one big whanau.

“The team support is motivating and helps me to go beyond my own limitations. We encourage one another to get up in the morning and try to help each other out by carpooling to training,” he says.

Jonathan Winther and Mai FM's Nickson Clark

The programme involves high intensity workouts including sprinting up and down Bethells' sand dunes, Piha maunga and the steepest hills found in West Auckland.

“High intensity workouts produce more results than your average low intensity exercises such as aerobics and walking. The aim is to push your heart rate up to 75% of its maximum as it increases metabolism and burns more calories,” explains Mr Mackie.

The contestants will continue their goal to becoming models for lifestyle as they plan to compete in the Kerikeri Half Marathon in November.

Whanau Ora Centre Officially Opens In West Auckland

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:31:00 GMT

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Prime Minister John Key and Hon Dr Pita Sharples

The official opening for Waipareira’s Whanau Centre was opened by Prime Minister John Key and Hon Dr Pita Sharples on Wednesday 24 August.

The event started with a karakia and a spectacular performance by Te Whakatipu Kakano Kapa haka group from Ranui.

Prime Minister John Key acknowledged Minister Tariana Turia’s work in initiating Whanau Ora and passed on her sincerest apologies as she could not make the event.

Whanau Centre is a one-stop frontline Whanau Ora hub integrating health, social, justice and education services.

Te Whanau O Waipareira is offering families ‘wrap-around’ services tailored to their needs at the new Whanau Centre – a five -storey complex in the central business district of Henderson. Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said the community has worked hard and long on this and feels happy that his community has the Whanau Centre available to them. "This is significant for me and that’s why I am here," Minister Pita says.

Whanau Centre has five levels where families can access more than 70 services. These include primary health care in the GP clinic, dental and pharmacy as well as a range of ‘secondary services’ offered by the Waitemata District Health Board which is locating specialists’ services closer to whanau and the west Auckland community.

The Whanau Centre will also be the corporate offices of the Waitemata PHO West Locality and the National Urban Maori Authority known as NUMA.

NUMA is the parent body for the Whanau Ora provider collective that includes Otangarei Trust (Whangarei); Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust (West Auckland); Manukau Urban Maori Authority (South Auckland); Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa (Waikato) with approved affiliate Te Kohao Health; Te Roopu Awhina ki Porirua (Wellington); and Te Runanga o Nga Maata Waka (Christchurch).

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