Community Education & Programmes
The work we do in the community is at the forefront of our mission. When we set up our programmes, we look closely at the areas in which we can help, aligning with the Sisters of Mercy and Te Waipuna Puawai’s values of meeting the unmet needs of the community through invitation.
Our programmes and initiatives are guided by three core themes:
Papatūānuku: fostering earth awareness and responding to the call to heal the environment
Te Tiriti o Waitangi: commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and working in ways that work for Māori whānau and communities
Tikanga Atawhai: the practice of Mercy values
We provide community education classes and programmes to address the needs of women in the local community. Through self-development and culturally-based programmes, we focus on physical, mental, spiritual and whānau well-being.
As of Term 2, 2025 we offer our Community Education & Programmes at Umere with a slow roll-out at Glendene, and Counselling at Rānui.
For further information, please get in touch with our Executive Officer Mara Kopu: executiveofficer@twp.org.nz
Wheiao Reo Wānanga
Wheiao Reo Wānanga provides a fun and stimulating learning environment that integrates Māori philosophy into a beginner’s Te Reo journey. It also serves as an Introduction to Te Ao Māori concepts, as well as introductions to; pepeha, mihi, whakapapa, and basic conversation sentences. You will also learn basic entry Practice of Māori activities, Mau Rakau, Rongoa, Theology & Identity.
Taught by Tāmati Patuwai (Ngāti Whātua), who is a Glen Innes boy through and through. Tāmati brings a vast knowledge of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori concepts and has created an incredible learning environment where young and old can walk away learning something new.
During Term 2 2025, Wheiao Reo Wānanga runs every Monday from 10am to 12pm at our Umere office.
He Kākahu Aroha
He Kākahu Aroha will take you on a journey of whakapapa, strength, and belonging, expressed through the sacred art of korowai weaving. You will connect deeply with tradition and identity, as each element of the cloak carries meaning and history.
Over six weeks, join Whaea Naomi to learn foundational weaving skills, including working with whenu, casting on, and layering textures. As you shape the korowai, you’ll also shape your own sense of self, weaving together past and present in a process that nurtures purpose and belonging.
During Term 2 2025, He Kākahu Aroha runs every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm at our Umere office.
Essential Communication
We are proud to partner with Literacy Aotearoa to offer free classes with supportive tutors in a positive learning environment! In this class, you'll learn how to enhance your communication skills through practical techniques and self-awareness. You'll explore active listening, with a focus on understanding others’ goals and values, and improve your use of non-verbal communication such as facial expressions and tone of voice to strengthen your message.
You’ll also develop better communication strategies for various situations, build your “social radar” to navigate interactions, and practice negotiation skills to help resolve conflicts and reach agreements more effectively. This course is designed to help you connect with others more clearly and confidently.
During Term 2 2025, Essential Communication runs every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at our Umere office.
COMING SOON!
We have future workshops coming to our spaces across Umere, Glendene and Rānui.
In the near future we will be running:
Raranga Wānanga (Glendene)
Raranga Wānanga (Umere)
To register your interest and to stay informed by our team please email Josie Ruawhare: programmecoord@twp.org.nz
