Pārongo |
About

Te Aroarotea is an authentic kaupapa Māori organisation based in Murihiku, dedicated to nurturing the wellbeing of whānau through a whānau-centred, holistic approach. Our mahi is grounded in the belief that by reconnecting our people to Te Ao Māori, we can restore strength, resilience, and purpose across generations.

At Te Aroarotea, we provide a safe and supportive space where rangatahi and whānau can grow, heal, and thrive. We walk alongside our people, promoting the strength of our tīpuna, upholding Te Reo me ōna Tikanga, and restoring identity and belonging through ngā taonga tuku iho — the treasures passed down to us.

We respond to the deep need we see in our communities: rangatahi seeking connection, direction, and cultural knowledge that’s been made inaccessible over generations. They want more than just information and they want experience. They want to know how to stand strong in who they are.

Moemoeā – Our Vision:
Whānau Māori are thriving, standing strong in their Mana Motuhake, and are the creators of their own destiny.

Mīhana – Our Mission:
Empowering whānau on their hikoi to achieve Mana Motuhake by engaging in ngā taonga tuku iho. Our pillars — mātauranga Māori, te reo me ōna tikanga — guide the bow of our waka.

Aronga – Our Purpose:
Sharing the strength of our tūpuna. Upholding our mana, our reo, our tikanga. We are kaitiaki of te taiao. Me hikoi tahi tātou — we walk together.

Founded by Joe and Janette Clarke, Te Aroarotea is built on a lifetime of learning and living tikanga Māori. Both were raised on Murihiku Marae, immersed in the presence and guidance of kaumātua who invested in them as rangatahi. Their whakapapa to the marae is etched into its very walls — from carving the wharenui to painting its kōwhaiwhai. Over decades of mahi in education, health, and community development, they have witnessed the growing disconnection of urban Māori from their cultural identity and the impacts of that disconnection on hauora and achievement.

Through Te Aroarotea, they have created a space that offers real and lasting change. This is a space where cultural identity is honoured, relationships are prioritised, and rangatahi are empowered to reclaim their place as leaders and decision-makers. By doing this we have seen life-long change and better outcoms for them, their whānau and the community.

We also acknowledge Te Oho Mana Charitable Trust as a vital support arm of our kaupapa, enabling us to deliver our programmes in a way that aligns with our values and vision for whānau Māori.

Why We Exist

Rangatahi can be overshadowed by the challenges facing their whānau and left without access to meaningful cultural support. We know that when rangatahi are empowered with identity, knowledge, and belonging, everything changes for them and their whānau.

Our programmes, including Mana Tuakiri, Rangatahi Tautoko, and Cultural Consultancy, all support this mission. Through consistent, trusting relationships, our kaupapa works to uplift the mana of the individual and the collective. We honour our role as kaitiaki, walking alongside whānau toward a future where they can live in their full mana motuhake.

Ngā Uara | Our Values

Whakamaranga ngā taonga tuku iho

Whakapapa, matauranga and te reo me ona tikanga shape all that we do.

Whānaungatanga

Relationships are meaningful, honest and unwavering

Manaakitanga

Transferring of mana to uplift one another

Hononga ki ngā Whānau Atua

Acknowledging strengths in our Atua and the similarities within us

Hononga ki te Taiao

Our relationship with our environment keeps us grounded

Ngā Mihi – Our Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our gratitude to the organisations and funders who have supported Te Oho Mana Chartiable Trust and Te Aroarotea to bring our kaupapa to life. Your belief in our vision and investment in our mahi has allowed us to walk alongside rangatahi and whānau, strengthening cultural identity, building resilience, and restoring wellbeing through kaupapa Māori practice.

Your support enables us to deliver meaningful programmes that uphold the mana of our people and reconnect them to ngā taonga tuku iho.

Ngā mihi maioha – we thank you for your commitment to our hapori and your partnership in this important journey.

Together, we are helping to pave the way for whānau to stand strong in their Mana Motuhake.