Trusted Porirua Rangatahi Programme Expanded As Part Of National ROCC Initiative
As a trusted community provider with deep relationships in the region, the Whānau Centre is expanding its Ko Wai Au programme to support rangatahi and their whānau with tools to prevent harm from methamphetamine and organised crime.
Delivered in local schools, Ko Wai Au currently focuses on violence prevention, anti-bullying, digital safety, and suicide awareness.
The Whānau Centre will now incorporate new modules targeting the risks and social impacts of organised crime, particularly meth-related harm.
'Our kaimahi already have strong relationships with tamariki and rangatahi,' said Porirua Whānau Centre CEO Liz Kelly.
'They're firm but fair, and they bring real energy to the classroom. That makes a big difference when delivering tough messages to young people in a way that sticks.'
The programme targets Year 5 to Year 8 students (aged 8-12), with additional one-on-one support available for those identified as needing extra help.
The Whānau Centre will also wrap its broader whānau services around these students and work closely with other ROCC-aligned organisations to ensure coordinated support.
Teacher feedback from the existing programme has been overwhelmingly positive. One said: 'The tutors really connect and relate well to our tamariki.'
Another commented on the value of repetition in reinforcing key messages: 'They think about the consequences before they act.'
Kelly said the Whānau Centre's involvement in ROCC reflects the importance of grassroots leadership.
'When solutions are driven by people who know their community, the work goes deeper.
'The trust our community has in us to create safe spaces helps deliver a strong message, and helps our young people see a future that's free from violence, addiction and exploitation.'
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