Grounded in Purpose: NZCT Grant Helps Papatūānuku Support Tāne in Rotorua.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Rotorua’s Papatūānuku Charitable Trust a $10,000 grant to support its Tāne Wānanga programme helping tāne reconnect with te taiao (the natural world), strengthen their cultural identity, and work towards positive change.

Papatūānuku Charitable Trust CEO/Tumuaki Renee Kingi says the wānanga is already making a significant difference for men who have often slipped through the cracks of other services. “Papatūānuku teachings are pulled from ancient knowledge with simple tools to support whānau. This generous funding from NZCT ensures our wānanga (programme) can run twice a week for eight weeks, four times a year, in collaboration with Korowai Aroha, Tane Takitu Ake who capture the health element. Since initiating this programme, we’ve seen a noticeable reduction in family harm, substance abuse, and an increase in positive engagement and self-improvement.”

Papatūānuku Charitable Trust currently employs eight staff, including Pou Tiaki who carry a combined caseload of up to 80 whānau. Referrals come from NZ Police, community organisations, government agencies, and self-referrals. The Tāne Wānanga programme has become a lifeline for many in the community, especially with limited services available for men.

The voices of those taking part in the programme speak volumes. One tāne, Chengchen Ren, says, “I went through a rough patch in November 2024 where I had a manic episode and was hospitalised for two months... I was signed up to the programme straight away and started the following week. Although I am a very driven and capable person... this recovery became a ‘soft landing’ for me. Normally after each manic episode is followed by a depressive episode. This time it did not. I attribute that to the Papatūānuku programme.”

Participant Matiu Kiel shares, “The ten-week programme brought so many positive changes in my life... This reconnection lit a flame inside me urging me to learn my whakapapa and I reconnected with my Tupuna! I now have a pepeha I recite every chance I get and am very proud of it.”

Fellow participant Hozay Wharerahi adds, “I had given up on other services... With Papatūānuku I started to see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel... I also made major progress with my children with their support.”

NZCT Ben Hodges says, “Helping tāne reconnect with their whakapapa, find their mana, and hope again is powerful. We’re proud to support kaupapa that uplifts whānau and builds strong communities. We particularly love their use of active outdoor recreation to connect participants with nature and positive change. Grants like this wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with Kasper's Sports Bar, Mo's Bar and the West End Tavern."