Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning –
Our Region, Our Future
Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning Bid 2025
Tairāwhiti is putting forward a united proposal to take a lead role in determining how social investment is delivered in our region, if selected.
Every year, around $1.4 billion of government funding is spent here on social services such as housing, health, education, employment and whānau wellbeing. We believe these decisions should sit closer to home – with the people and organisations who know our communities best.
This approach is called community commissioning, and it’s part of the Government’s new Social Investment programme.
As this mahi continues, new material will be added here so our community and partners can easily access the most up-to-date information in one place.
Our region has faced big challenges for some time. But we also have genuine strengths:
- Strong partnerships between iwi, council, government agencies, NGOs and providers.
- A history of working together through Manaaki Tairāwhiti.
- Innovative local solutions that are already making a difference.
- A community that cares deeply about lifting outcomes for whānau.
We know that when decisions are made locally, services can be more flexible, more connected and more effective.
If Tairāwhiti is selected, a local commissioning entity would help decide:
- what services are needed
- which providers are best placed to deliver them
- how to invest earlier to prevent harm
- how to achieve the best outcomes for whānau.
The goal is simple: better results for our people, using the same funding, delivered locally.
We already have strong local initiatives that show what’s possible when Tairāwhiti takes the lead:
- Elgin Hub
A one-stop community space offering health checks, food security support, kai, immunisations and practical help. - Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing
Supporting whānau from houselessness into stable home ownership pathways.
These initiatives show that local innovation works – and that we are ready for the next step. - Te Whare Whakawaatea
A kaupapa Māori recovery whare providing safe, short-term support before and after rehabilitation, for people wanting to begin their recovery journey or returning home and needing day-to-day support. - Manaaki Navigators
A five year, evidence based prototype that delivered more effective social service delivery. The insights gained will now be integrated into all future delivery models and inform efforts to remove system barriers.
The government will open expressions of interest for community commissioning in 2026. In the meantime, we are:
- Developing the detailed regional proposal
- Speaking with iwi, providers, agencies and community groups
- Holding public hui to gather feedback and answer questions
- Engaging with Ministers and officials
We want to hear from our community.
You can share your thoughts through our online feedback form, attend a hui, or kōrero with partner organisations across the region
Together, we have a real chance to shape a system that works better for whānau – one designed in Tairāwhiti, by Tairāwhiti, for Tairāwhiti.
Community Commissioning Resources
For all shareholding enquiries:
Judy Campbell – Strategic Advisor
Manaaki Tairāwhiti
admin@manaakitairawhiti.nz
EOI Documents
Information on the proposal being prepared for submission to the Social Investment Agency (SIA).
Shareholding Information
Information for organisations considering shareholding in the Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning proposal.
For all shareholding enquiries:
Judy Campbell – Strategic Advisor, Manaaki Tairāwhiti
admin@manaakitairawhiti.nz
For those wanting to send a Letter of Support for the Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning bid, please email Josie McClutchie at josie@manaakitairawhiti.nz
Community Engagement
Summaries and reports from engagement across the region.
Background Information & Earlier Materials
Earlier presentations, media, and supporting information relating to the development of the Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning proposal.
For those wanting to send a Letter of Support for the Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning bid, please email Josie McClutchie at josie@manaakitairawhiti.nz
Manaaki Tairāwhiti is a regional collective that brings together iwi, GDC, Trust Tairāwhiti, government agencies and the networks of NGOs who provide social services.
With a long history of partnership with Te Rūnanganui o Tūranganui a Kiwa, Manaaki provides the backbone that connects the region’s social sector.
Years of gathering whānau voice and system insights through Urungi, combined with cross-sector collaboration, have built a strong evidence base and shared understanding of what supports whānau. These shared insights and relationships now support Tairāwhiti to move towards community-led social investment.
Our Regional Partners and Working Group
Regional Partners
The proposal for Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning is being developed by our region’s leading social service organisations:
- Te Aitanga a Māhaki
- Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa
- Rongowhakaata
- Ngāi Tāmanuhiri
- Tūranga Health
- Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Ltd
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Gisborne District Council
- Tairāwhiti Community Voice
- Manaaki Tairāwhiti
Community Commissioning Working Party
The Community Commissioning Working Group is made up of people from across iwi, philanthropy, social services, and government. Members include:
- Willie Te Aho
(Te Aitanga a Māhaki / Toitū Tairāwhiti Builtsmart Ltd) - Moera Brown
(Manaaki Tairāwhiti, Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa) - Reweti Ropiha
(Tūranga Health) - Judy Campbell
(Manaaki Tairāwhiti) - Leslynne Jackson
(Manaaki Tairāwhiti) - Amohaere Houkamau
(Pahou Associates)
- Audine Grace-Kutia
(Trust Tairāwhiti) - Malcolm Mersham
(Trust Tairāwhiti) - Simon Hunter
(MSH Aotearoa Ltd) - Josie McClutchie
(Manaaki Tairāwhiti) - Taimania Clark
(Te Amokura) - Te Pare Meihana
(The Centre for Family and Sexual Violence Prevention) - Billy-Jean Potaka Ayton
(Principal, Kaiti School)
Contact Persons
Judy Campbell – judy@manaakitairawhiti.nz
Willie Te Aho – willie.teaho@icsolutions.co.nz
Community Commissioning Engagement Hui
For public meeting information, please contact Josie McClutchie – josie@manaakitairawhiti.nz
Updates will be added here as they become available. Please check back regularly.
| Engagement Group | Participating Organisation/s | Date | Time | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Hui 2 - Kai Iti (Round 3) | Open Public Event (Follow-up Engagment Hui) | 28/05/2026 | 5.30-6.30pm | Te Pōho o Rāwiri | Confirmed |
| Public Hui 1 - Turanga (Round 3) | Open Public Event (Follow-up Engagment Hui) | 28/05/2026 | 3.00-4.00pm | GDC Council Chambers | Confirmed |
| Ruatoria / Waiapu whanau, hapu, & community hui (Round 2) | Open community event | 27/05/2026 | 4.30-6.30pm | Kariaka Pa, Ruatoria | Confirmed |
| Uawa / Tolaga Bay whanau, hapu & community hui (Round 2) | Open community event | 26/05/2026 | 5.00-7.00pm | Tolaga Bay Fire Station | Confirmed |
| Matakaoa whanau, hapu & community hui (Round 2) | Open community event | 25/05/2026 | 4.30-6.30pm | Te Puna Manaaki, 141 Onepoto Road, Wharekahika | Confirmed |
| Provider network Engagement (Round 3) | Tairawhiti Community Voice Network + Violence Free Tairawhiti Network | 26/05/2026 | 2.00-3.00pm | Arohaina Village | Confimed |
| Education Sector (Round 2) | Schools, Kura, Kohanga Reo, Early Childhood | 23/04/2026 | 4.00-5.00pm | Kaiti School | Completed |
| Tertiary Sector: Polytech & Training Providers (Round 2) | Turanga Ararau + EIT + Matapuna + Horizonz + TWOA | 16/04/2026 | 3.00-4.00pm | Turanga Ararau | Completed |
| Tairāwhiti Community Voice / Violence Free Tairāwhiti (Round 2) | Tairawhiti Community Voice Network and Violence Free Tairawhiti Network | 09/04/2026 | 12.30-1.30pm | Arohaina Village | Completed |
| Hauora / Health (Round 2) | Open Invitation to Health Sector | 25/03/2026 | 5.00-7.00pm | Manawaru Café, 675 Childers Rd | Completed |
| Public Hui 2 - Turanga (Round 2) | Open Public Event (Follow-up Engagment Hui) | 24/03/2026 | 5.30-6.30pm | Te Pōho o Rāwiri | Completed |
| Public Hui 1 - Kai Iti (Round 2) | Open Public Event (Follow-up Engagment Hui) | 23/03/2026 | 5.30-6.30pm | GDC Council Chambers | Completed |
| Education Sector (Round 1) | Open Invitation to all Schools, Kura, Kohanga Reo (Tairāwhiti) | 08/12/2025 | 5.30-7.00pm | Kaiti School | Completed |
| Philanthropic - Trust Tairawhiti Business Sector Network (Round 1) | Agricultural sector and Horticultural sector | 04/12/2025 | 9am & 2pm | Trust Tairāwhiti | Completed |
| Rangatahi (Round 1) | Taiki E! | 02/12/2025 | 10:00 | Taiki E! | Completed |
| Churches / Haahi (Round 1) | Open Invitation to Church / Haahi Groups | 02/12/2025 | 5.30-7.00pm | House of Breakthrough | Completed |
| Hauora / Health (Round 2) | Open Invitation to Health Sector | 01/12/2025 | 5.30–7.00pm | Manawaru Café, 675 Childers Rd | Completed |
| Iwi Board Hui (Round 1) | Te Runganga o Turanganui a Kiwa (TROTAK) | 27/11/2025 | 10.00am | TRŌTAK | Completed |
| Public Hui 2 - Turanga (Round 1) | Open Public Event | 26/11/2025 | 5.30–6.30pm | Council Chambers | Completed |
| Public Hui 1 — Kai Iti (Round 1) | Open Public Event | 25/11/2025 | 5.30–6.30pm | Te Pōho o Rāwiri | Completed |
| Tairawhiti Community Voice Network and Violence Free Tairawhiti Network (Round 1) | Tariawhiti Community Voice Network + Violence Free Tairawhiti Network | 24/11/2025 | 12.30pm | TCV Hall, 396 Aberdeen Rd | Completed |
| Polytech & Training Providers (Round 1) | Turanga Ararau + EIT + Matapuna + Horizonz | 20/11/2025 | 9.00am | Tūranga Ararau | Completed |
| Trust Tairawhiti Community Funders Network (Round 1) | Trust Tairawhiti: Community Funders Network | 20/11/2025 | 2.30–3.30pm | Trust Tairāwhiti | Completed |
| Iwi Boards — Ngai Tāmanuhiri (Round 1) | Ngai Tamanuhiri | 20/11/2025 | 5.30pm | Online | Completed |
| Vote Tairawhiti - Gisborne District Council (Round 1) | Gisborne District Council | 18/11/2025 | 9.00am | Council Chambers | Completed |
| Evidence & Insights Forum (Regional Cross-Sector Social Services Collective) | Manaaki Tairawhiti / TROTAK / VFTN + TCV | 13/11/2025 | 10.00am | Waikanae Surf Club | Completed |
Videos
Community Commissioning – The Tairāwhiti Bid
Manaaki Tairāwhiti Evidence & Insights Forum 2025
Check back soon
More videos are on their way
In the media...
