Pūrerehua Transformation is a kaupapa Māori service created to provide comprehensive support to whānau as they embark on their journey towards achieving their goals.
Pūrerehua offers personalised, holistic support that looks at every layer of the whānau wellbeing, from housing, health and relationships, to dreams, purpose, and the wellbeing of tamariki. The journey isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every whānau brings their own aspirations, struggles, and strengths. Pūrerehua provide the tools, support, and guidance to help whānau move from surviving to thriving.
Martina, one of the kaimahi behind the programme, is a mother of three, who began her professional life in the fitness world, but over time felt called to support others in mental health and wellbeing. Her connection to Pūrerehua is both professional and personal. Her Taua and Uncle Roy were among those who helped lay the foundations of Ngā Kete. Being part of the organisation, she says, feels like coming full circle. “It’s an honour to be part of this kaupapa. My role allows me to connect with whānau and see the light, their mauri, ignite when they realise they have the power to transform their lives.”
For Charity, also a mother (of two) and lifelong Murihiku local, working with whānau has been an inspiring and humbling journey. She talks about the joy of seeing whānau overcome self-doubt and begin to believe in themselves. One of the most rewarding experiences for Charity was supporting a whānau who went on to start their own successful business. They did the mahi, but Pūrerehua walked with them until they could stand strong on their own.
Pūrerehua is guided by the Poutama model, a three-stage framework that reflects growth and movement: Kākano, Tipuranga, and Te Puawaitanga. In the Kākano stage, whānau begin by planting seeds - not just identifying goals, but beginning to believe that a different future is possible. It might begin with a simple statement: “I forgive… I hope… I believe… I dream…” These affirmations mark the beginning of the journey. Whānau complete vision boards, set goals using the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, and begin to take the first brave steps.
In the Tipuranga phase, growth takes shape. Whānau refine their goals, build skills, and begin to change the narrative around their lives. It looks different for everyone. One whānau may begin working toward growing a home garden to support both therapy and kai; another may re-enter the workforce or return to study. Progress is acknowledged in meaningful ways, with space to reflect and adjust the plan as life unfolds.
Eventually, whānau reach Te Puawaitanga, the stage of flourishing. Here, transformation becomes visible: a home filled with laughter, stable work, tamariki thriving at school, restored connection to Te Ao Māori. Martina shares one memory of a whānau of five (two parents and three children) who had been struggling. With support, the parents found stable employment, their home life stabilised, and their tamariki began to flourish.
The heart of the programme is relationships, not just between kaimahi and whānau, but within the whānau themselves. Martina talks about mana-enhancing practice, meeting people where they’re at and creating safe, non-judgemental spaces for growth. Charity agrees, saying everyone is different. We listen. We sit down, have a kōrero, dream together. That’s where the magic starts.
Support might look like finding safe housing, sorting out finances, reconnecting with culture, or simply having someone walk beside you to the beach, as one whānau did, rekindling their spiritual connection to Tangaroa while exploring new career options in horticulture.
Tamariki are always part of the picture. “When parents are supported, less stressed, and working toward something positive, tamariki feel it too,” says Charity. She has seen children go from refusing to attend school to full attendance, gaining independence and deeper connections with their parents. Including tamariki in goal-setting and sessions not only empowers them, but ensures their voice is part of their family’s future.
Every step, no matter how small, is valued. Both kaimahi hold space for setbacks, detours, and victories, always returning to the belief that whānau, with the right support, can and will thrive.
Looking ahead, both Martina and Charity share a powerful vision: to see the Pūrerehua model expanded across Aotearoa so that more whānau can access its life-changing support. They want to see the ripple effects of transformation reach beyond individual homes into communities, hapū, and future generations.
If you or someone you know is of Māori descent, has had no recent involvement with Oranga Tamariki, and is ready to step into the journey of transformation, Pūrerehua is here to walk alongside you.
Call 0800 925 242 to find out more or make a referral.
