A service that feels like whānau
Today was a special day at Waipareira as we gathered to bless the new Te Āhuru Mauri Tau Service whāre that will be used for māmā and pepī. Papa Albie Tepania led the blessing ceremony, joined by members of our board, executive leadership and frontline services.
‘Te Whāre Piki Te Ora’ named by Waipareira stalwart, Whaea Ngaire Te Hira, is a space that will embody our commitment to supporting Māmā and pepī through a te ao Māori lens, empowering them to be the best parents they can be.
CEO John Tamihere shared, “We couldn’t think of anything better to use this whāre for. To achieve a premises like this allows us to dream dreams of a better way of loving our community.”
Director for Frontline Services, Iri Mako added that the service will be another way for others to see how we support our whānau.
“One of the key quotes that came back from whānau was that Waipareira was a service that felt like whānau. That’s what we have hinged all of our mahi on. And this couldn’t be a better time for us to show what it means to be Māori.”
Management Lead for Te Āhuru Mauri Tau, Jole Thomson, followed by sharing that the service will help māmā and pepī reconnect with their whakapapa, whenua and whānau.
The next step will involve warmly welcoming the first group of māmā and pepī into the whāre where they will receive full wrap-around support.