Our haerenga

Te Ahi Kaa is a kaupapa Māori community service that was established in 2017 to support whānau throughout Te Puaha o Waikato and beyond. Our name, gifted by Whakatohea kaumātua Te Riaki Amoamo as it reflects our enduring connection to land, heritage, and the principle of "the burning fire of occupation"—a symbol of maintaining strong roots in our community, whakapapa, and whānau.  Te Riaki is also the koro to our Pou Ārahi and his words was a gentle reminder for her to always make the time to come home.

Our Mission

To advocate and promote whānau-led services underpinned by Te Puahatanga, achieving holistic hauora (wellbeing), cultural, and social outcomes for kiritaki and their whānau. Our services are delivered in partnership, ensuring mana motuhake as whānau navigate their own path to wellbeing.

Our Vision

Kiritaki and their whānau thrive with their mana motuhake—living lives in control, making decisions for themselves, and shaping their own futures.

What We Do

Te Ahi Kaa offers Kaupapa Māori responses and wraparound support for whānau from pēpi to kaumātua.

Our Values

Our mahi is shaped by guiding mātāpono:

  • Mana motuhake o ngā whānau whānui: Empowering whānau to choose their own path through self-reliance and respect earned by their actions.

  • Manaaki he aroha: Genuine display and planting of love and care.

  • Whakaiti: Practicing humility and fostering wisdom through higher thoughts and actions.

  • Tika, Pono: Upholding fairness, honesty, and integrity in all we do.

  • Mauitanga: To be innovative and push the limits of what is possible.

Why We Exist

Te Ahi Kaa believes in providing a safe, whānau-centered service for kiritaki who experience trauma, health challenges, or need support beyond the medical and social system. Our mission is to create a space grounded in Te Ao Māori, where services are accessible, responsive, and whānau-centric—ensuring everyone has an opportunity to achieve Mana Motuhake and remain connected to their whakapapa, whenua and community.

Our Strategic Focus

We are committed to:

  • Enhancing access to essential services for kiritaki and whanau.

  • Collaborating with iwi, marae, and local partners for holistic solutions.

  • Maintaining quality, culturally-grounded care.

  • Ensuring organisational and financial sustainability.

As we continue to grow, Te Ahi Kaa remains guided by our founding principles: sustaining the fire of connection, care, and empowerment within our community.