Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning –
Our Region, Our Future
Community-led Commissioning Update
12 August 2026
Tena tatau i nga whanau, hapu, iwi, hapori me nga roopu o Te Tairawhiti,
Tairawhiti Community Commissioning (TCC) was pleased to be shortlisted to the final six applicants as part of the Social Investment Agency’s Community-led Commissioning process. While Tairawhiti was not selected as one of the final three the feedback on our bid was very favourable. The TCC Board is now in discussions with government about the way forward for our region.
We congratulate the successful recipients from Toi Rāwhiti in Ōpōtiki, the Porirua Local Group and the West Coast Partnership, and wish them well as they move into the next phase.
[See the SIA announcement, 5 August 2026.]
The TCC Board remains committed to improving outcomes for whanau in Tairawhiti. They will continue to work with our community and partners to progress locally led community commissioning for social services and continue the work as the region’s Place-Based Initiative taking over from Manaaki Tairawhiti.
We will keep the community updated as this work progresses.
Enquiries
admin@manaakitairawhiti.nz
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
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
Contact Person
Judy Campbell – judy@manaakitairawhiti.nz
TCC EOI & Proposal Documents
Information on the proposal being prepared for submission to the Social Investment Agency (SIA).
SIA EOI Information
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
TCC Director Selection Process
This section provides information about the process used to appoint directors to the Tairawhiti Community Commissioning Establishment Board. These documents are provided to support transparency and help the community understand how Board appointments were made.
Establishment Board and Shareholders Photo (7 June 2026)
Backrow L-R:
Mike Eriksen (Matapuna Trust, Chair), Tira Johnson (TCC Legal), Meka Whaitiri (TROTAK, Chair), Ngarongo Eaton (Whaiora SV Services Incorporated, Tumuaki), Judy Campbell (TCC Working Group), Leslynne Jackson (TCC Working Group), Pene Brown (Te Aitanga a Mahaki Trust, Chair), Erin Jones (Matapuna Trust, Trustee), Tim Marshall (Matapuna Trust, Trustee), Rob Dymock (Sunrise Foundation, Chair), Jodie Cook (Matapuna Trust, CE), Glenda Stokes (Sunrise Foundation, CE), Reweti Ropiha (Turanga Health, CE), Te Aturangi Clamp (Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, Chair)
Onscreen L-R:
Dexter Waru (Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti, GM), Michelle Duley (Tairawhiti Community Voice, Committee Delegate), Amohaere Houkamau (TCC Working Group)
Front row L-R:
Willie Te Aho (Toitu Tairawhiti Builtsmart Ltd, Director), Charlotte Gibson (Te Poho o Rawiri Marae Committee Inc, Chair), Gavin Murphy (TCC Board Director), Kim Ngarimu (TCC Board Chair), Dr Paul Reynolds (TCC Board Deputy Chair), Matanuku Mahuika (TCC Board Director)
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
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 |
News, Media & Updates
Response from the Tairāwhiti Community Commissioning Working Group to the Pātai from Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou (TRONPnui)
Read More »
Community Commissioning – The Tairāwhiti Bid
Manaaki Tairāwhiti Evidence & Insights Forum 2025