About Us
Meet the people driving change in West Auckland.
Our commitment
Tuia Waitākere is a community movement led by the people, for the people of West Auckland.
We connect with local leaders and whānau where life naturally happens: in schools, sports clubs, marae, workplaces, churches and community spaces. From there, we walk alongside communities, sharing the tools, resources and support needed to create meaningful change together.
We don't impose solutions.
We grow them - locally, collectively, and with care.
Our Ethos
We believe wellbeing isn't about chasing perfection, looks, or peak performance.
It's about feeling good, inside and out.
Staying connected, looking after yourself, and leaning on your support networks if and when you need them most. A key way to inspire hauora in communities is through shared spaces and experiences shared across multiple generations.
And the best people to do this are those unsung local heroes at our sports clubs, marae, community groups, and local events – who best weave together our people.
They're where connection thrives, where culture is celebrated, and where skills, stories, and support are shared with everyone.
Offering more than simply activities, they offer belonging, purpose, and the chance to strengthen the community we call home and represent proudly. To create positive moments and lasting memories that bring whānau and friends together.
And that's why we believe hauora is best nurtured right here where it begins: in the heart of our homes and community, through the people and places that make it special.
Our values
These values guide everything we do at Tuia Waitākere, shaping how we work with communities across West Auckland.
It takes a village
We believe in the power of community to uplift, support, and grow together particularly when it comes to raising tamariki. Everything we do is grounded in collaboration, collective strength and local pride.
Feeling good (inside & out)
Wellbeing goes beyond the physical. It’s about creating opportunities for everyone to feel happy, healthy, and connected inside (mind, body, soul) and externally in their whānau, natural environment, community and culture.
Placed at the heart
We're the trusted source, staying connected, centralised within community, knowledgeable, relevant with our finger on the pulse.
Shifting dials
We’re relentless in our pursuit of progress, working hard to create real impact and lasting outcomes. Through determination and action, we shift the dial, turning aspirations into tangible results.
Our approach
Community-led design
Programmes are shaped by the people they serve, ensuring relevance and local ownership.
Partnership approach
We work alongside schools, clubs, iwi, and councils to maximise reach and impact.
Evidence-based
We use data and research to guide our decisions and measure our outcomes.
Culturally responsive
Our work honours the diverse cultures and identities of West Auckland communities.
Strengths-based
We build on existing community assets, knowledge, and capability.
Systems thinking
We address root causes and work across sectors to create lasting change.
Equity-focused
We prioritise communities and populations with the greatest need.
Sustainable impact
We design for long-term outcomes, not short-term fixes.
Want to learn more about how we measure our impact and drive change across West Auckland?
Our Impact Strategy
Our people
The heart of Tuia Waitākere
Everything we do is in service of people feeling connected, supported, active and well in their everyday life.
Meet the teamWe are proud to work with some of the most dedicated and passionate people in West Auckland. Our staff, board, and partners are deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Unlocking the power of wellbeing through community sport, arts, movement and culture.