The story of Te Whakaora began in 2001, with one family’s commitment to restoring their community by supporting its most vulnerable families – helping them overcome the overwhelming struggles of violence, abuse, addiction and crime that they’re faced with everyday.
After selling their cafe and home in 2005 to establish faith-based community outreach programmes funded by their own savings, Te Whakaora Tangata Trust was eventually established in 2010, operating out of the Manurewa Marae.
The name Te Whakaora Tangata was gifted to the organisation by one of the Marae Kaumatua, and means “Life Restoration for the People”.
1. Restore, 2. Resource, and 3. Reconnect the most at-risk whānau in South Auckland, the Far North and beyond through faith-based and relationship-focused programmes and coaching.
To see once vulnerable families living well, and children given every opportunity to reach their full potential.
From emigrating to New Zealand from South Africa, to helping restore over 1200 families in less than 10 years, journey along our timeline below to experience all the highlights and milestones we’ve had since officially launching in 2010.
Founders, Cliffy and Indranee Reddy, emigrate with their children Shawn and Jenilee to New Zealand from South Africa. They soon establish a successful café in Clendon, Manurewa.
By 2005, the Reddy family have sold their cafe and home to establish faith-based community outreach programmes funded by their own savings.
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The name Te Whakaora Tangata is gifted to the organisation by one of the Marae Kaumatua, and means “Life Restoration for our People”.
The first ‘Emotional Healing Courses’ are then run out of the Marae Wharekai.
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By 2014, whānau are being ‘Restored, Resourced & Reconnected’ through our programmes, including one-on-one counselling, ongoing whānau coaching, advocacy & crisis support.
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By 2017, we see around 150 new families a year find hope and restoration as we journey alongside them toward a brighter future.
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In early 2020, after recognising the extreme need of whānau up in the Far North, we setup a Northland office, and run our first-ever Family Restoration Course up in Kaitaia.
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2020 also marks our 10 year anniversary of supporting vulnerable and high-risk whānau in our community to find restoration and freedom from past trauma.
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In 2024, we’ve worked with over 2000 whānau with the continued goal of finding hope, restoration and a brighter future for them and their families.
“Its people like Te Whakaora that see potential in you and draw out what God had actually already destined for you.”
– Community Leader
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