Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi
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Rangatahi tū Rangatira
Empowering today’s rangatahi to become the leaders of tomorrow lies at the heart of all we do.
Guided by Te Mauri o Te Ora Hou, our deeply held values of Tangata Whenua, Karaitiana, Rangatahi, Whānau, Hapori, Whanaungatanga, Ākonga, Mahi Tika, and Ohaoha,
we are committed to walking alongside Māori communities and future generations.
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ADDRESS
77 Windermere Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053
EMAIL
PHONE
Ko wai mātou?
Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is a community led organisation grounded in Kaupapa Māori values, combining culture, faith, and education to inspire positive change. We work to empower rangatahi, their whānau, and communities through a holistic approach that strengthens personal growth, cultural identity, and spiritual well-being.
Founded in the early 1970s as part of YFC's 'Youth Guidance' initiative, Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi began formally in 1983, bringing mentoring and youth clubs to Christchurch. By 1997, we became an Incorporated Society, amplifying our commitment to Māori leadership and culturally meaningful support.
Today, we remain dedicated to building resilient, connected communities, using a strengths-based approach and collaborating nationally as part of Te Ora Hou Aotearoa.
Te Kaupapa Whakaora Alternative (TKW) Education - Founded in 1995, TKW Provides tailored educational opportunities for rangatahi who may not thrive in mainstream education.
Rangatahi Leadership Initiatives - Developing the next generation of leaders through culturally grounded and faith-based leadership programs.
Whānau Support Services - Offering comprehensive support to families, helping them navigate challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Services
At Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, we offer a wide range of services to support the holistic well-being of our community. From healthcare and education to social support, our whānau-centered approach focuses on supporting, journeying alongside, and empowering whānau and rangatahi. Rather than directing what needs to be done, we work collaboratively, ensuring that our services foster growth, resilience, and empowerment within a supportive environment.
To explore what we offer, use the Services drop-down menu. You can also make an enquiry or referral to see how we can support you or someone in your whānau. We’re here to help!
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Mahi Tahi is a community gym connected to Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, offering a welcoming space for both rangatahi and the wider hapori to move, train and grow together.
More than just a place to lift weights or get fit, Mahi Tahi is an extension of our kaupapa strengthening whānau, building relationships, and creating space for growth.
Our classes are designed to meet people where they’re at, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned athlete, with programmes tailored for rangatahi development and community wellbeing.
Mahi Tahi and Te Ora Hou share more than just a location we share values. The same heart that guides our mahi with young people also shapes the culture in the gym: one of whanaungatanga, hauora, and collective uplift.
Come move with us, connect with us, grow with us.
For more info, class timetables, or to get involved, click here.
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Supporting Rangatahi into Employment, Education, or Training
At Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, our NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) Service is focused on providing intensive, tailored support to rangatahi who are disengaged from education, training, or employment. We understand the unique challenges faced by young people in this situation, and our dedicated youth coaches are here to guide them towards a brighter future.
Our youth coaches are the heart of the NEET Service. Employed by a mix of community organisations, iwi/Māori, private training institutions, and other local services, they work one-on-one with rangatahi aged 16–17 who are either not in education, training, or employment, or at risk of dropping out. By building strong, trusting relationships, our coaches can get to know each rangatahi and their whānau, identifying their strengths, challenges, and goals.
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Goal Setting For the Future
At Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, Path Wānanga is a goal-setting programme designed to help rangatahi and their whānau plan for both their near and distant futures. Through guided wānanga (workshops), participants are encouraged to reflect on their current situation, their aspirations, and the steps required to achieve their goals.
The programme takes a holistic approach, supporting rangatahi in setting meaningful goals that encompass various areas of their lives—whether it's education, career development, personal growth, or well-being. By focusing on the bigger picture, Path Wānanga helps rangatahi create balanced and realistic plans that address their short-term and long-term needs.
Central to our approach is the belief in a "whānau first" philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of family involvement in each individual’s journey. This encourages participants to draw on their whānau's strengths and support systems, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration as they map out their future together.
With the guidance of experienced mentors, participants create practical action plans that outline the steps needed to achieve their ambitions. This process not only provides clarity about their next steps but also equips them with the confidence to follow through on their goals.
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Rangatahi Ora:
Mentoring ProgrammeAt Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, the Rangatahi Ora Mentoring Programme focuses on empowering young people (rangatahi) by providing consistent, meaningful support through one-on-one mentoring. Our approach is grounded in the belief that every rangatahi has unique potential, and with the right guidance and encouragement, they can thrive and overcome challenges.
Our mentors work closely with rangatahi to build strong, trusting relationships. Through these connections, we help them set goals, develop life skills, and navigate the challenges they may face in their personal, educational, or social lives. Whether it’s support with school, building confidence, or managing life’s ups and downs, our mentors are there every step of the way.
The Rangatahi Ora Mentoring Programmes emphasises cultural identity, community, and well-being, helping young people connect with their heritage, values, and whānau. We offer a safe and supportive environment where rangatahi can grow, learn, and realise their potential.
If you're interested in learning more or referring a rangatahi, please contact us at Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi.
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Building a Brighter Future Together
The Waka Ako Drivers Licensing Program at Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is designed to empower rangatahi and whānau by helping them obtain their learner, restricted, or full driver’s licenses. Rooted in a Māori whānau-centered approach, the program focuses on supporting participants through every stage of the process, offering guidance and practical driving lessons in a culturally safe and encouraging environment.
Waka Ako not only builds driving skills but also fosters confidence and independence, contributing to participants' personal development and well-being.
In addition to daytime lessons, the program holds regular evening wānanga, providing a communal learning environment where participants can grow their knowledge of road safety and driving practices. Over the past year, Waka Ako has celebrated the success of over 100 participants who passed their licenses.
Whether it's their learner, restricted, or full license, each milestone achieved reflects the program’s dedication to improving opportunities for the community, ensuring safer, more empowered drivers on the road.
Click here to apply to be in the program.
Click here to see the Waka Ako Booking System if you are already enrolled.
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Whānau Ora at Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is a holistic and empowering approach that places families at the heart of decision-making, guided by the "Whānau First" philosophy. This means that whānau (families) are empowered to set their own goals and navigate their unique journeys toward wellbeing, with support tailored to their collective needs rather than focusing solely on individuals.
\At the core of Whānau Ora is the belief that families know best what they need to thrive. The program encourages whānau to work together, identify their strengths and challenges, and create a shared vision for their future. This approach emphasizes the importance of culture, relationships, and community, ensuring that solutions are co-designed with whānau to meet their specific aspirations in areas such as health, education, housing, and overall wellbeing.
Through personalized support from Whānau Ora navigators, families are equipped with the tools, resources, and confidence to take control of their lives. This process builds resilience, self-sufficiency, and lasting positive change that benefits both current and future generations. By focusing on the well-being of the entire family unit, Whānau Ora strengthens whānau, enabling them to thrive together.
For self-referrals or more information, please contact Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi directly to connect with one of our Whānau Ora navigators. We're here to support you and your whānau on your journey toward a brighter future.
Connect with us?
Ready to connect your rangatahi or whānau? Fill out our referral form to get started.
At Te Ora Hou - Ōtautahi, we offer a range of initiatives designed to empower and uplift our community. You can also self-refer if you need support! Let us know how we can help, and we’ll work together to provide the support and resources needed.
Click the link below to begin the referral process! - Registration & Referrals
