Te Ātea opens its doors in Whangārei
Published: August 31, 2026
A new community hub has officially opened in Whangārei in August 2026, bringing together community organisations, support services and partners to strengthen support for tamariki and whānau in Te Tai Tokerau.
The opening of Te Ātea marks a significant milestone for Tama-Ariki, a community-led initiative established earlier this year through the Enabling Communities programme.
Tama-Ariki is led by the Tai Timu Tai Pari collective, which brings together Te Uri o Hau Tangata Development, Te Hau Āwhiowhio o Ōtangarei Trust and He Iwi Kotahi Tātou Trust, in partnership with Oranga Tamariki.
The prototype builds on our longstanding relationship with Tai Timu Tai Pari, expanding the community-led responses and support the collective are already delivering in the region.
Te Ātea brings community assessment, referral pathways and whānau support closer together, providing a dedicated front door where whānau can access services and support in one place.
Dawn karakia
Attendees gathered before dawn on the main street of Whangārei, including Minister for Children Karen Chhour, Chair of the Oranga Tamariki Ministerial Advisory Board Sir Mark Solomon, DCE Enabling Communities Darrin Haimona, regional Oranga Tamariki leadership, community partners, and iwi representatives from across Te Tai Tokerau.
Proceedings began with a karakia whakawātea (cleansing blessing), led by local kaumātua Pari Walker and Fred Tito.
At the heart of the ceremony was the blessing of a mauri kōhatu, a stone symbolising the mauri of Te Ātea. The stone reflects the values, relationships, and aspirations that underpin the work of Tai Timu Tai Pari and Tama-Ariki.
Attendees were invited to place their hands on the mauri kōhatu before moving through each room, connecting with the space that will serve as a front door for whānau in the community.
Following the whakawātea, attendees gathered to hear from those who had brought the kaupapa to life. Speakers reflected on the journey and the opportunities the new space creates.
Tai Timu Tai Pari Chief Executive William Kaipo spoke about the vision for Te Ātea and the collective's commitment to keeping tamariki at the centre of the kaupapa.
“Te Ātea is about creating a place where whānau can walk through the door and access the support they need, when they need it. At its heart, this is about putting tamariki first, always.”
Te Ātea will function as a space for services and agencies to come together more regularly, strengthening relationships, collaboration and coordination across the wider social services sector.
“Te Ātea is about bringing people together and strengthening the support already available across our community. As we grow, we'd like to see more agencies, providers and partners become part of this space, standing alongside whānau, including our Oranga Tamariki whānau, so together we can help create better outcomes for our tamariki here in Te Tai Tokerau."
Honouring memories
The collective also honoured the memory of Te Kohu (Aunty Kathy) Diamond, a Patron of the Tama-Ariki kaupapa and an enduring supporter of Tai Timu Tai Pari.
Aunty Kathy gifted the collective its name and remained a regular source of guidance and support throughout its journey. Her contribution is reflected in the naming of the Te Kohu whānau room within Te Ātea.
Throughout the morning, speakers returned to a common theme: standing alongside whānau while keeping tamariki at the centre of every response.
For those gathered to celebrate the opening, Te Ātea represents more than a new building. It is the latest step in a longer journey to create stronger, more connected support for tamariki, whānau and communities across the region.