Rukuhia Te Mahi - Work Connect

30/08/2026

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

Nau mai, tono mai
https://www.tetohuoteora.org.nz/careers-listing

20/08/2026

Building Connections. Creating Opportunities.

A huge thank you to our industry partners, contractors, and supporters who joined us at the Kawarehe Papakāinga Housing Project networking BBQ.

This event showcased the strong relationship between Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa and our industry partners, working together to create meaningful work placement and employment opportunities for tauira committed to the Tū Te Pūehu Work Ready Program.

Set within the Kawarehe Papakāinga Housing Development, a project helping address local housing needs, tauira had the opportunity to connect directly with contractors and employers, build professional networks, and explore future employment pathways.

Most importantly, our tauira stepped outside their comfort zones, built confidence, embraced new challenges, and showed what can be achieved by simply turning up, engaging, and giving things a go.

Strong partnerships. Whanaungatanga. Real opportunities. Positive outcomes.

Generation Homes Bay of Plenty
Ministry of Social Development NZ

13/08/2026

"The true measure of success is not just helping someone into employment but supporting their growth long after they've started."

This week, we celebrated a proud milestone for three of our Pre-Trades Cohort 1 tauira, who have now been employed for 18 months with the Maintenance Team at Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa.

Their journey began at Rukuhia Te Mahi through our Pre-Trades program, where they completed the Level 2 BCATS (Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills) standards in partnership with BCITO (Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation). The BCATS program provided a strong foundation of practical, industry-based skills that prepared them for a career in the construction and building trades.

Since then, they have continued to grow their skills, gain valuable industry experience, and contribute to maintenance and construction projects across NASH, including the Tūkōkeke Papakāinga Housing Project.

Together with BCITO, we have now established their pathway into Level 3 Micro-Credentials, creating a clear progression toward apprenticeships. Under the guidance of experienced builders and a dedicated mentor, they will continue developing their skills while contributing to the future renovation of the Kawarehe Papakāinga Homestead. This project will be undertaken alongside our current Pre-Trades cohort, who will also gain valuable practical experience towards completing their Level 2 BCATS program. By working together on a real-world construction project, both groups will continue building their skills, industry knowledge, and confidence while progressing toward industry-recognised qualifications and long-term careers in the trades.

This is what success looks like. Not just preparing people for employment but walking alongside them as they build meaningful and sustainable careers. We are incredibly proud to see these tauira progress from Pre-Trades participants to valued employees and future apprentices.

Ngā mihi to Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa, BCITO, and everyone involved in supporting our tauira to grow, achieve, and thrive in the trades industry.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation
Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa
Ministry of Social Development NZ
Eastern Bay of Plenty Iwi Provider Alliance

06/08/2026

A driver licence is more than just permission to get behind the wheel. It opens doors to opportunity, independence, and a brighter future.

For many of our whānau, gaining a licence means access to employment, future career pathways, and the ability to support their whānau with greater confidence. It is a milestone that creates lasting change, not only for the individual, but for those around them.

This week, we are celebrating five incredible whānau who successfully achieved their Restricted and Full Driver Licences in a single day. Their dedication, resilience, and determination have led them to this moment, and we couldn't be prouder.

What makes these achievements even more meaningful is the journey behind them. We support our tauira every step of the way, from having no licence at all, through their Learner Licence, Restricted Licence, and ultimately their Full Licence.

This journey is about much more than passing a test. It is about building confidence, creating independence, removing barriers, and opening pathways to employment and future success.

Congratulations to all five of our successful tauira. Your achievement reflects the hard work, commitment, and perseverance you have shown throughout your journey.

Today, you've gained more than a licence. You've gained greater freedom, new opportunities, and the confidence to drive your future forward.

Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa
Eastern Bay of Plenty Iwi Alliance Provider
Ministry of Social Development NZ

03/08/2026

Nau mai, haere mai e ngā tauira Hou,

Last week, we welcomed our Pre-Trades Cohort 4 tauira as they began a 12-week haerenga focused on building confidence, developing skills, and creating pathways towards meaningful employment.

While trades training is an important part of the programme, this first week has been about something even more fundamental, whakawhanaungatanga.

Kaiako Highlight of the Week: My highlight has been seeing the tauira engage in scenario based activities which reinforce their communication skills. Then hearing about it in action when in the public and changing their behaviours to a more professional approach.

We're not just teaching them how to be awesome employee's we're teaching them life skills.

Our tauira have spent time getting to know one another, learning and practising their pepeha, building confidence in introducing themselves, and learning how to mihi and engage respectfully with manuhiri and guest speakers. These are important foundations that strengthen identity, belonging, and confidence in both personal and professional settings.

Alongside this, tauira have explored their goals, values, and purpose, taking time to discover their "why" and what motivates them to create positive change for themselves and their whānau. Sessions throughout the week have also focused on professionalism, interpersonal skills, teamwork, mental wellbeing, privacy and confidentiality, BCITO theory, and physical fitness, all key components of becoming work-ready.

These learnings will help prepare our tauira for the coming weeks, including site visits across Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa, where they will have opportunities to introduce themselves to kaimahi across the organisation and continue developing their confidence in professional environments.

Over the next 12 weeks, tauira will progress through:
- Theory and Employability
- BCITO Industry Training and Vertical Horizonz Certifications
- Work Placements with Hands-on Industry Experience

The journey is only just beginning, but already we are seeing tauira stepping outside their comfort zones, supporting one another, and embracing new opportunities for growth.

We look forward to walking alongside you throughout this haerenga and celebrating your achievements along the way.

08/07/2026

He rā whakahirahira tēnei mō mātou o Rukuhia Te Mahi i te whakanuitanga o ā mātou tauira kua eke ki tēnei taumata nui.

This week we celebrated the achievements of our tauira at our recent Korowaitanga! We are immensely proud of how far each individual has come throughout their journey with Rukuhia Te Mahi.

This milestone reflects the growth, resilience, commitment, and determination shown by our tauira every step of the way. We have seen increased confidence, new skills, stronger connections, and a readiness to embrace future opportunities.

While we celebrate this achievement, we know this is not the finish line - it is the beginning. We look forward to continuing to awhi our graduates as they move into employment, further tertiary study, and meaningful career pathways.

This success is a reflection of a collaborative approach, and we would like to acknowledge and thank our Iwi Alliance Partners and networking partners who continue to support and champion our kaupapa.

Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa
Kahu Taurima - Maternity and Early Years Healthcare
Te Pou Oranga o te Whakatōhea
Tūhoe Hauora
Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
Eastbay REAP
Waiariki Whanau Mentoring
Ministry of Social Development NZ
Ohope Rest Home

Congratulations to all our graduates. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you to this point, and we are excited to see what comes next.

Mauri ora ki a tātou katoa!

07/07/2026

18/06/2026

We are proud to celebrate one of our pre-trades graduates Tahupotiki Wrathall who is now making his mark in the infrastructure workforce.

Recently recognised with a Monthly Excellence Award – Team Player with WSP Engineering Whakatāne, this achievement reflects strong work ethic, commitment, and dedication to the role.

Over the past few months, Tahu has played an important role supporting the delivery of a traffic counting programme across the Waikato region. His reliability, teamwork, and willingness to go the extra mile have truly stood out.

His level of commitment has not gone unnoticed. Tahu has been recognised not only for the mahi he delivers, but for the positive attitude he brings supporting his teammates and contributing to strong results.

Ka pai, Tahu!

08/06/2026

He tūranga mahi e wātea ana – Apply today!

Tūranga Mahi | We're Hiring

We’re looking for two Financial Accountants and a Health & Safety Advisor to join our team and help drive financial excellence and safe practices for better community outcomes. Grow your career while making a difference - apply now!

Emerging and Senior Financial Accountants
https://nz.seek.com/job/92532218?ref=cm-ui

Health and Safety Advisor
https://nz.seek.com/job/92241067?ref=cm-ui

03/06/2026

We’re the go-to employment service in the Eastern Bay proudly supported by our local iwi alliance.

Register your interest here - https://form.jotform.com/tetohuoteora/rukuhia_roi