Vulnerable rangatahi are enjoying the benefits of Whare Pukerangiora, a new hub in central Hamilton with fit-for-purpose learning and activity spaces and offices for social services staff.

Whare Pukerangiora is a collaboration between Mahi Mihinare Anglican Action, social enterprise Mana Services and Twenty20 sustainable housing trust. The hub officially opened on 18 September with the site provided by the Anglican Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki.

Mahi Mihinare Anglican Action CEO Peter Osborne says the collaboration initially came from the need for Mahi Mihinare Anglican Action's Te Ako Rangatahi youth service to secure a permanent and fit-for-purpose base to better deliver their programmes and activities.

"We sought other like-minded, well-respected and uniquely-skilled providers to see what might be possible and are thrilled to be working with Twenty20 and Mana Services to create something new. We believe the collaboration has the potential to significantly enhance the support available to rangatahi and whānau in our community.

"Te Ako Rangatahi is a team of passionate and motivated youth mentors who are committed to supporting rangatahi who come to us. Te Ako Rangatahi is about creating positive and safe environments for rangatahi to learn new skills and explore new pathways as they navigate the youth justice system.

"Te Ako Rangatahi offers mentoring and supported bail services that focus on fulfilling their obligations to the youth justice system. Each mentor works one-on-one with rangatahi to develop a plan to achieve their goals."

Mana Services General Manager Mahia Joyce says the social enterprise was launched in 2020 to provide a specialised, targeted solution for youth care, support, training and development.

"In 2022 we launched our Rangatahi Housing Services in response to the growing need for youth-focused solutions to homelessness. Recognising that rangatahi require tailored support to navigate the challenges they face, we provide transitional housing and housing support navigation services for young people aged 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness.

"At the core of our service are dedicated kaimahi who work closely with rangatahi, walking alongside them as they set personal goals and address the many barriers that arise, whether it's navigating complex systems, accessing essential services or overcoming personal obstacles.

"Our approach is rooted in the belief that building strong, trusting relationships is key to long-term success. We work collaboratively with health, education, and social service agencies, as well as community organisations and iwi to provide a holistic, wrap-around support system."

Twenty20 Trust Director Angie Simpson says the Trust offers transitional housing for adults and rangatahi who need housing support.

"Our team is small but growing and consists of highly skilled social care professionals and property people working towards long term stable housing for all. We own nearly all our sites and have been a housing provider for almost 20 years through our associated for-profit company Twenty20 Vision.

"Rangatahi who experience homelessness are rangatahi first and need an opportunity to be young and to grow. We strive to ensure homelessness is only an event in their lives but not in their future."

Peter Osborne says the name Pukerangiora comes from the hill behind the building where the cathedral sits. The hill was an ancient site of karakia for Ngāti Wairere and a place where the rangiora plant was once abundant.