Our Programmes

Maara Kai (Vege Garden Workshops)

Learn how to grow your own food with our hands-on gardening workshops. From seed saving to composting and pruning, we teach sustainable skills to help you create a thriving garden. These workshops strengthen community connections and promote healthy, self-sufficient living. Sessions run fortnightly on Thursday afternoons (1 - 2:30 PM) and Friday morning (10:30 AM - 12 PM).

Our financial mentors

Financial Mentoring

Get free, confidential, and judgment-free budgeting advice from our qualified Financial Mentors. Whether you need budgeting tips, debt management support, or general financial guidance, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. Appointments are available from Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM – 3:30 PM.

Financial Literacy

Learn how to take control of your money with our Financial Literacy workshops. These hands-on sessions teach budgeting, saving, and smart financial decision-making to help you build a secure future. Available as six-week workshops tailored to your group’s needs—times are flexible.

Strengthen your connection to Te Reo Māori and deepen your understanding of Aotearoa’s cultural heritage with our inclusive language programme. Open to learners of all backgrounds and skill levels, our classes provide a supportive environment to grow in confidence and connection through Te Reo. Classes run every Thursday, with two morning sessions (9 AM – 10 AM and 10 AM – 12 PM) during school term. No sessions during school holidays.

Te Reo Maōri programme

Social/Craft Morning

Join our fun and creative group where you can learn new crafts, cook delicious meals, care for the environment, and take part in community outings. It’s a great way to develop skills, boost confidence, and meet new people. Sessions run every Tuesday from 10 AM – 12 PM (school holidays excluded).

Learner Driver Licence - 2 Day Course

We help whānau get their learner driver’s licence through a two-day course that includes road code study, interactive activities, and a revision and on-site test with VTNZ. This programme supports young people, new immigrants, and those facing financial or social barriers. Group sessions are held every school holidays.

Whare Ora – Healthy Homes Programme

Learn how to create a warm, dry, and healthy whare (home) for you and your whānau. This practical workshop teaches simple tips for home maintenance, moisture control, heating, ventilation, and energy efficiency. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to reduce health risks like dampness, mould, and cold, and make your home a safer, more comfortable place to live. Perfect for renters, homeowners, or anyone wanting to improve their living conditions and well-being. Sessions can be tailored to small groups and delivered in the community or at our centre.

CHOICE - Social & Emotional Well-being Programme

This programme supports tamariki (children aged 7-12) in developing confidence, managing emotions, and handling friendships and bullying. Using games, stories, and mindfulness activities, we help children build resilience and positive relationships. (This programme is currently on hold while we look for a new facilitator, but we hope to offer it again soon).

Parenting Programme

Gain practical parenting tools to build strong, loving family connections through our six-week Toolbox Parenting Programme. Designed for parents of preschoolers, primary-aged children, or teenagers, each session covers key topics like setting boundaries, showing love, and supporting emotional well-being. Sessions are usually held every Wednesday, with morning (10 AM – 12 PM) and evening (7 – 9 PM) options. (This programme is currently on hold while we look for a new facilitator, but we hope to offer it again soon).

FOOD PARCELS

We partner with Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank to provide food support for whānau in need. Families can receive up to three food parcels within six months. Applications must be made in person at Te Puna Waiora between Tuesdays and Fridays (10 AM - 11:45 AM). Please bring a letter from Work and Income if you’ve been declined a food grant.

Our Community Connections