What we do

Our programmes & initiatives

At Whakamana Ora, we stand with people and communities to grow local leaders and bring practical support where it’s needed most.

We back people already out there doing the mahi – and those ready to get started – with the skills, confidence and support to make good things happen in their communities.

MADE to Lead

MADE to Lead

Community Leadership Programme

MADE to Lead is our two-year community leadership pathway for people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges but want to turn their story into hope and action for their whānau and wider community. Many of our participants have been on the receiving end of help and are now stepping up to lead change in their own communities.

This programme backs emerging leaders with training, connection and support, helping them build the skills, confidence and networks they need to turn their story into hope and action for their whānau and wider community.

Module One (six months) is all about personal healing, growth and laying the groundwork for strong, community-led leadership. Participants get mentoring, pastoral care and training that supports mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Our programme is accessible for all learning styles – including people who haven’t finished school or who are neurodiverse – so everyone can build confidence, skills and strong relationships in their own way. There are also opportunities for practical group outreach projects and volunteering, so participants can put what they’re learning into action and make a real difference in their communities.

Module Two (12 months) is about growing confident, practical leadership and communication skills. Building on the personal growth of Module One, participants deepen their spiritual maturity, strengthen their emotional resilience and step up into real-world leadership opportunities.

In this module, they explore their unique gifts, develop public speaking and relational skills, learn different leadership styles, and build healthy habits to sustain their mahi for the long haul.

Alongside this, participants keep building strong connections with each other and the wider community, and take part in hands-on outreach and volunteering to grow their confidence and make a real impact where it’s needed most.

Our graduates go on to lead support groups, share their stories through our online platforms and other community initiatives, and step into roles of leadership in their workplaces and communities. Many continue their studies, sit on Trust Boards, and become role models and people of influence for their whānau and wider community.

They stay connected and supported through the Manaaki Collective, so they’re never walking the journey alone.

We start each year with a new intake of people into Module One, beginning with an intensive 4-session emotional healing programme (Flourishing People). Training happens fortnightly on Tuesday nights, between February to November with a graduation celebration in December. Every session begins with a shared meal – connecting over good kai is very important!

The programme is designed for whānau who have experienced challenges in their lives but want to heal and grow as a person and make a difference in the lives of others.​​

You need to be:

  • aged 18+

  • committed to attending regularly

  • open to spiritual & emotional growth

  • recommended by one of our graduates or community partners

Upcoming Events

Flourishing People

FREE workshop – 5 Sessions
(Four Tuesdays + one Saturday session)
Starts Tuesday 3 February 6-9pm
Elim Community Hub, 128 Mahia Rd

A free emotional healing workshop for anyone ready to heal, get unstuck, and move forward.

Register

MADE to Lead 2026

FREE Community Leadership Programme
New intake for 2026

This programme backs you with training, connection and support, helping you build the skills, confidence and networks you need to turn your story into hope and action for your whānau and community. (Begins with “Flourishing People”)

Register

Testimonials

“Being in this community leadership programme has been awesome, so grateful. I am the quiet type – hard to open up to people, but this programme has made me feel safe, comfort, healing in myself and has driven me to push more to help our community. I am a carver and I’m planning to use my skills with the community. So thankful to be in this programme. Where I come from we say Atāwai wōlō.” (a huge thank you in Pukapukan)
John Doe
John DoeCEO
“Being in this community leadership programme has been awesome, so grateful. I am the quiet type – hard to open up to people, but this programme has made me feel safe, comfort, healing in myself and has driven me to push more to help our community. I am a carver and I’m planning to use my skills with the community. So thankful to be in this programme. Where I come from we say Atāwai wōlō.” (a huge thank you in Pukapukan)
John Doe
John DoeCEO
“Being in this community leadership programme has been awesome, so grateful. I am the quiet type – hard to open up to people, but this programme has made me feel safe, comfort, healing in myself and has driven me to push more to help our community. I am a carver and I’m planning to use my skills with the community. So thankful to be in this programme. Where I come from we say Atāwai wōlō.” (a huge thank you in Pukapukan)
John Doe
John DoeCEO
“Being in this community leadership programme has been awesome, so grateful. I am the quiet type – hard to open up to people, but this programme has made me feel safe, comfort, healing in myself and has driven me to push more to help our community. I am a carver and I’m planning to use my skills with the community. So thankful to be in this programme. Where I come from we say Atāwai wōlō.” (a huge thank you in Pukapukan)
John Doe
John DoeCEO

Let’s work together