Te Awhi Rito

Te Awhi Rito Trust nurtures at-risk tamariki in Ōtaki, a Māori and bilingual community, fostering wellbeing, cultural identity, and resilience. Inspired by the harakeke plant, our purpose is to provide a safe, trauma-informed environment for 12–15 tamariki weekly and 20 preschoolers through after-school programmes, dinner clubs, and playgroups. Founded by Rangiatea’s Māori and Tikanga Pākehā Anglican churches and the Presbyterian church, we engage kaumatua and Te Wānanga o Raukawa youth workers to deliver meals, life skills, and cultural activities. Our majority Māori, inclusive team supports whānau, promoting intergenerational ties and self-management. Now in our fourth year, our mature model yields improved tamariki behaviour and confidence, benefiting the community. We whakamanawa tamariki to thrive.