History

We are a thriving community development initiative of the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand. We were established in 1999, building on a decade of highly respected community development work in Glen Innes. In September 2004, the Ellerslie centre was opened.

Vision Statement

Whakamana te oranga wairua o te tangata me te whenua.The restoration of women, children and the earth.

Mission Statement

Kia u ki te mahi kotahi whakarawea te mana wahine, te mana whanau me te mana iwi whanui. Working together, to strengthen women, strengthen families and strengthen community.

Te Waipuna Puawai Today

Te Waipuna Puawai is committed to working with and alongside women and children living on the margins of our society. We aim to improve lives of families by providing family support services, second-chance education while taking care of their children through our early childhood care and education. We have been supporting hundreds of families and we want to support even more.

We build supportive relationships with whanau by connecting them with others in the local community and developing a pathway to achieve and celebrate their goals. We are actively involved in Glen Innes community-building initiatives, visioning processes and networking activities. We are also engaged in a number of environmental restoration and art and craft projects.