Manaaki Māmā Recommendation Paper
This Recommendations paper shares their insights and aspirations, with a clear message: Māmā and whānau flourish when wrap-around support is accessible, connected, and responsive.
24th & 26th September 2024
Manaaki Māmā
Manaaki Māmā is a community-led initiative that targets young māmā (under 25) living in high deprivation suburbs of Porirua (particularly Cannons Creek and Titahi Bay).
By investing early in the wellbeing of these young māmā and their pēpi, it strengthens protective factors, restores connection, and creates safer, more stable futures for whānau and our wider rohe.
The Voice of Young Māmā & Providers in Porirua
A special edition Manaaki Māmā Reimagining workshop was facilitated to support hapū māmā and their whānau.
We know that the first 1000 days from conception to 24 months lay the foundation for healthy and thriving tamariki. This recommendations paper shares their insights and aspirations, with a clear message: māmā and whānau flourish when wrap-around support is accessible, connected, and responsive.
Resource Co-Design
The resource co-design initiative brought young māmā alongside midwives and Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou to redesign maternity resources.
Their voices are set to shape checklists, video prototypes, and early-pregnancy tools so information is clearer, timely, and delivered in ways that feel relevant, from trusted text messages to TikTok reels.
Opinion Editorial (Op-Ed)
In our Op-Ed, we explore why Manaaki Māmā matters for Porirua’s future. Cycles of harm can be broken when we invest early, act collectively, and keep tamariki at the heart of our decisions.
Joining Manaaki Māmā
In August 2025, Porirua Providers who support young māmā and pēpi came together for the first Manaaki Māmā Wānanga. Over two sessions, we validated the hapūtanga journey map, mapped current referral pathways, and identified opportunities for stronger collaboration.
The wānanga confirmed one thing: we have a diverse and large network of providers who are excited about what we can achieve as a collective.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
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