Ki te kore nga putake e mākukungia e kore te rākau e tupu
If the roots of the tree are not watered the tree will never grow
Building Strong, Self-Supporting Communities: The Foundation of WERA Aotearoa Charitable Trust (WACT).
Since its inception in 2008, WACT has been committed to fostering resilient, self-sustaining communities. This commitment is rooted in the vision of its founders, Israel and Teresa Hawkins, and has been a driving force behind its growth and evolution.
WACT emerged from the broader WERA ecosystem - a collective of values-driven organisations united by a shared purpose: achieving meaningful, community-focused outcomes. Each organisation within the ecosystem has its own unique aspirations and tikanga, yet all draw mauri from WACT's core mission.
The origins of WERA ecosystem trace back to WERA Consultants, established in 2005 as a private, for-profit business development consultancy. This kaupapa naturally expanded to address identified needs, leading to the information of two additional businesses: FIXE, a computer programming company, and Atawhai, an early childcare centre.
While these enterprises have flourished independently, the overarching vision of supporting whānau and communities remained at the heart of WERA Kaitiaki's efforts. This vision ultimately gave rise to WACT, a non-profitable organisation dedicated to addressing the financial, social, and educational needs of individuals and whānau, and enhancing their well-being.
Since it's establishment, WACT has continued to grow and adapt, leveraging the insights gained throughout the WERA journey and drawing strength from its ecosystem. Today, WACT delivers a wide range of services, including housing support, employment experience, youth, health, and education initiatives. Its wrap-around care approach ensures comprehensive support for those who need it most.
With a proven track record of creating positive change, WACT stands on a strong foundation, ready to meet the evolving needs of whānau and deliver even greater outcomes for our communities.
Our Foundation
The Trust's primary mission is to enhance the financial, cultural, social, and educational well-being of individuals, their whānau, and the wider community.
To achieve this, WACT has designed tailored programmes and services that are not only impactful for our local communities but also serve as a model for others across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Guided by our vision of creating 'Communities that are solid, strong, and self-supporting,' we proudly offer the following community development services:
- Youth Services for 16-18 year olds in the Tokoroa Region
- Training courses for Youth in career pathways
- Youth Worker Training for the Central North Island
- Tikanga Māori Motivational programmes
- Hokai Tapuwae Kaupapa Māori Korero
- Reintegration of offenders Transitional Housing Services - Tiaki Tangata
- Transitional Housing - Toku Kainga
- Sustanining Tenancy Services
- Emergency Housing Support
- Property Management Services
- Employment and Training Placement Services
Our Trustees
Our Trust harnesses the diverse expertise of individuals with extensive experience in whānau and community development at local, regional, and national levels. This unique combination of skills, perspectives, and qualifications enables WACT to design and deliver innovative, community-specific services tailored to the needs of those we serve.
Jonathon Hagger - Chairperson
Ngai Takato
Jonathon has a MBA from the University of Waikato.
Jonathon has 16 years' experience working in management, tertiary education and the health care sector. Jonathon is the Chief Executive for Rotorua Community Hospice Trust and has been in this role since October 2019. He has experience in not for profit governance through sitting on boards that awhi whanau and vulnerable peoples.
Norm Carter - Trustee
Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Te Arawa
Norm has worked extensively in the public sector for over 50 years. Norm has held senior positions working at the Employment Service, Tertiary Education Commission and Te Puni Kokiri.
Norm is the Chairman of Te Kaha 15B Ahuwhenua Trust who won the inaugural Ahuwhenua Trophy in 2020 for Maori Excellence in Horticulture, as well as whanau trusts throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty. He has an entrepreneurial background having owned businesses with his wife including over 20 years with Early Childcare.
Mawera Karetai - Trustee
Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, Rapuwai, Kati Hawea
Mawera has a Doctorate in Psychology and a Masters in Environmental Management.
With over 20 years of governance experience, Mawera's fields of expertise are in the public, private, philanthropic and volunteer sectors. As well as her governance work, Mawera is leading a significant social research project, and lectures in the Commerce department of Otago University.
Mawera's research interest is in social change, climate change impact, and community-led approaches to problem-solving.
Our Locations
