This Story of Hope highlights Rupene Omahuru’s journey of healing through Runaia, a kaupapa Māori initiative reconnecting whānau to whakapapa, taiao, and holistic wellbeing. His lived experience shows how culturally grounded approaches transform lives, strengthen whānau, and inspire leadership.

In this Whāriki webinar, Healthy Families kaimahi Ripeka Davis and Chy Potaka-Osborne joined Alex Woodley and Nadine Metzger from Point and Associates to unpack toxic stress, its impacts on tamariki, whānau and communities, and collective actions for safer, more supportive environments.

At Whangaehu Marae, HFWRR showed how crisis data aligns with Maramataka phases, affirming tūpuna knowledge. The insight shifts focus from crisis response to prevention, guiding culturally safe interventions grounded in mātauranga Māori and whenua rhythms.

Chy Potaka-Osborne’s blog challenges us to let go of clinical assumptions and centre whānau voice in innovation. True change comes when solutions are co-created with whānau, honouring lived experience and building systems that empower rather than prescribe.

Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar, guides prevention and wellbeing. In Whanganui, Rangitīkei, and Ruapehu, years of research led by Meretini Bennett-Huxtable have shown how lunar phases influence patterns of distress and resilience.

Jarna’s journey with Healthy Families WRR shows the power of rangatahi leadership, from kaupapa Māori initiatives to her internationally recognised Gambling Harm Insights Report.

The Suicide Prevention Insights Report highlights community-driven strategies, lived experiences, and systems change approaches to support mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across Whanganui, Rangitīkei, and Ruapehu, with practical actions, local voices, and region-specific insights informing future efforts.

Ra-wiri Kereti grew up in Taihape, and now she is raising her children in Whanganui, grounded in the strength of Māoritanga and whakapapa. She is a valued member of our team at Te Oranganui, embodying the true essence of Whānau Ora, that the whānau is at the heart of everything.

Isobel “Izzy” Clawson, a 19-year-old anthropology student from Indiana, reflects on her internship with Healthy Families Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu. Immersed in kaupapa Māori and community-led systems change, she shares her learnings about power sharing, cultural connection and designing with communities, not for them.

A powerful look at He Waka Eke Noa: The Toxic Stress Symposium, where 124 attendees and 51 organisations came together to address toxic stress, champion whānau-led solutions, and drive collective action for long-term wellbeing across generations.