A partnership for postive change

A strategic partnership between PKW and Te Pou Tiringa aims to improve cultural, social and economic outcomes for Māori tamariki and their whānau in Taranaki.

Te Pou Tiringa (TPT) is the governance body of Te Kōpae Piripono, an award-winning kaupapa Māori immersion early childhood centre, in New Plymouth.

The organisation is also carrying out a longitudinal research programme, called Te Kura Mai i Tawhiti. The research is a collaboration with the National Centre for Lifecourse Research at the University of Otago and seeks to help create an evidence base around how kaupapa Māori early years programmes can impact positively on a whole range of life outcomes for tamariki including education, income, health and wellbeing. The study aims to help those working with tamariki and whānau, to maximise their contribution to children’s positive life outcomes and benefits for Māori communities as a whole.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in October 2018 to formalise the relationship between TPT and PKW, although kōrero between the two organisations has been taking place for some time.

“TPT has aspirations of creating a community hub that promotes the use of te reo Māori, ensures a Taranaki Māori tikanga perspective is maintained and supports education across the whole community,” says Joe Hanita, Chief Financial Officer, PKW. “These aspirations closely align with PKW’s own values and social and cultural objectives and so we are working together to find them a home.”

A three-hectare block of PKW land, currently in use for the production of silage, between Waitara and Bell Block has been identified as a possible site, and a proposed 52-year lease document has been drafted. The intention is for TPT to develop the site in phases over a five-year period until the new community facility is complete.

The development of the land embraces the fact that PKW whenua is not only an economic and cultural taonga, but also an asset which can be used to help fulfil PKW’s vision of He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga (Sustaining and Growing Our People Through Prosperity).

“Finding alternative uses for our land is a key strategic driver for the longterm sustainability of the business for our shareholders,” says Joe. “The long lease helps make the partnership a low-risk opportunity, which will continue to deliver a return on investment for years to come.”

“Both TPT and PKW share a vision of a healthy, vibrant and thriving Taranaki Māori community, so we are working on a shared kaupapa towards a common goal,” says Roena Ruakere-Te Uira, Chair of TPT. “We are on an exciting journey that has huge potential to enrich the lives of Taranaki Māori children, their whānau and the community, as a whole, for generations to come.”