At the heart of Papatūānuku Marae in South Auckland, Koha Café is more than just a place to eat—it’s a hub of connection, opportunity, and aroha. Thanks to support from Auckland Council’s Māori Outcomes Fund, this community-driven initiative is creating employment pathways, providing nutritious kai, and offering a welcoming space for whānau.
For many, Koha Café is a place of belonging. Whether it’s Kaumātua Kuia gatherings, Mana Wahine meetups, or the Kai Ika distribution, the marae has become a vital touchpoint for the wider community.
“We were brought up on giving,” shares a member of the team. “Mana is about generosity and treating others with respect and hospitality.”
With a newly upgraded kitchen and dining space, Koha Café continues to thrive, embodying the values of manaakitanga and kotahitanga.
As one kaimahi reflects, “Our rangatahi are the generation of the future. It’s time for us to manaaki and enable them to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
This kaupapa aligns with a broader vision of inclusion across Tāmaki Makaurau and our second story and video.
Karanga Maha: Many Voices, One Kaupapa
Whānau hauā (disabled Māori) are an integral part of Māori communities, and Karanga Maha ensures that their voices are heard. The vision for CCS Disability Action’s disability programme is simple yet powerful: every disabled person should be interwoven into their whānau, hapū, iwi, and wider community.
“It’s meaningful to have our whānau hauā as part of our Māori community. Our group welcomes everybody, and we love to see new people come in. We are not shy to welcome anyone,” shares one of the organisers.
Through funding from the Māori Outcomes Fund, Karanga Maha provides a rauemi kete—resources that enable kaupapa to flourish. These hui are a safe space where whānau hauā can share their aspirations, stories, and experiences, underpinned by kaupapa Māori values.
Through authentic, pono engagement, Karanga Maha is creating a future where disabled Māori are empowered, valued, and fully connected to their whakapapa and community.
These are just some of the kaupapa being supported through the Māori Outcomes Fund, ensuring that Māori-led initiatives continue to thrive across Auckland.
