Te Roopū Whakamanamai: A Group for Local Caregivers

The HEART Project Fund allocation for May 2025 was awarded to Te Whakamanamai with connection to local organisation Tāmaki Community Development Trust. The Change Agent attached is Roxanne and the rōpū is led between her and Tewai Moehurori. Read on to learn about the incredible space that Te Whakamanamai has become. We are privileged to support such a wonderful and valuable kaupapa.

Te Whakamanamai is a kaupapa that uplifts the voices and stories of our everyday heroes — the guardians, grandparents, aunties, uncles, siblings, cousins, and chosen whānau who step forward to raise tamariki when parents are unable to. These caregivers often navigate their roles quietly and without formal recognition, but their love and commitment are immense.

In our communities, it’s not uncommon for kaumātua to raise mokopuna, for tuakana to guide teina, and for aunties or cousins to step in with open arms and open homes. These kaitiaki whānau carry the weight of love, responsibility, and cultural continuity — often while grieving, adapting, or making great personal sacrifices. They are our unsung nurturers, protectors, and teachers, holding the threads of whakapapa together.

At Te Whakamanamai, we honour these caregivers by creating safe spaces where they can connect, share, and feel seen. Our mahi focuses on advocacy, support, and collective healing. We work alongside whānau to strengthen healthy relationships rooted in aroha, whanaungatanga, and manaakitanga. Whether it’s navigating systems, accessing support, or just being heard, we stand with our guardians who show up every day for our tamariki.

We believe every child deserves to be raised with unconditional love and a deep sense of belonging — and that those who give that love so freely deserve to be celebrated and supported.

Te Whakamanamai exists to shine a light on their stories, to break isolation, and to champion their role in raising the next generation. In Tāmaki Makaurau and across Aotearoa, we see you. We honour you. We walk beside you.

Written by Tewai Moehurori

Please check out our HEART Project Fund page on the website for more info on our fund, and if you are a Change Agent or Partner / Member Organisation of the HEART Movement, feel free to email kiaora@heartmovement.org.nz to let us know you have a project idea!