Accelerating Aotearoa

14/05/2026

⚖️ Don't leave your whānau in the dark. Eden from Community Law joins the We are Ōtara podcast!

"It’s a document that you hope you’ll never need to use, but it’s great to have". This week on We are Ōtara, we sit down with Eden, a lawyer at Community Law South Auckland. We’re talking about Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)—a simple step you can take now to protect your health and property later. Why this matters for our Ōtara whānau: Do it while you’re well: You must have "mental capacity" to set up an EPOA; once you lose it, it’s too late to apply. Avoid the Court: Without an EPOA, families often have to go through the "Triple PR" process in Family Court, which is long, drawn-out, and burdensome. You’re in charge: You choose who you trust to be your "attorney"—the person who will promote your best interests if you can't. Quick & Local: If you meet the criteria, Community Law can help complete this in as little as two hours. Eden explains the two types of protection: one for your Property (money and assets) and one for your Personal Care and Welfare (health and daily decisions).

👇 Watch the full episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aj1zMLzx6Q

In this episode, Eden, a lawyer at Community Law in South Auckland with over five years of experience, provides a comprehensive guide to Enduring Power of At...

24/04/2026

💙 Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1 Finale (Day 5) 🚣‍♂️

What an incredible way to wrap up Geek Camp Season 1!

Our rangatahi took on an awesome adventure travelling across Auckland to Fergs Kayaks — showing confidence, teamwork, and growth every step of the way. From the journey to the water activities and ending with a BBQ, it was the perfect final day.

We’re so proud of everything these young people have achieved this week 🙌

That’s a wrap for now… but we’ll be back next school holidays! 👀🔥

Watch the full video here 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZXVN2nxqqo

Geek Camp 2026 | Season 1 Day 5 – Fergs Kayaks Adventure 🚣‍♂️ | Season Wrap-UpWelcome to Geek Camp 2026 Season 1 Day 5 — our final video (for now) 💙To wrap...

16/04/2026

Hey everyone!

We’re back with Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 4! 🚍✨

Today, our amazing rangatahi went on an adventure using public transport to visit our awesome friends at Fergs Kayaks. With the help of our incredible volunteers, the kids navigated their way across Auckland, building confidence, independence, and teamwork along the journey.

Once we arrived, it was all about relaxing, having fun, and enjoying the experience together — topped off with a well-earned BBQ to end the day 🔥

Check out the full video here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0zjJsBRiQY

Stay tuned for more exciting days from Geek Camp 2026! 💙

Accelerating Aotearoa Geek Camp S1 Day 4

15/04/2026

Welcome back to Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 3!

In today’s episode, our rangatahi continue building their skills with another exciting day of boxing and kickboxing training alongside Mal and Reyline from Multitrade Fight Club. The kids grow in confidence, improve their technique, and stay active while learning the importance of discipline, focus, and teamwork.

We also mix in some creativity as the group takes part in a green screen recording session, where they create fun and engaging content while learning basic media and video production skills. It’s awesome to see our young people step in front of the camera and express themselves in new ways.

Geek Camp continues to provide a safe and supportive space for youth in Ōtara to learn, grow, and connect through both physical activity and creative opportunities. Stay tuned for more from Geek Camp 2026!

Welcome back to Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 3!In today’s episode, our rangatahi continue building their skills with another exciting day of boxing and kic...

10/04/2026

Welcome back to Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1 here in Ōtara!

This is a special Geek Camp video, where our amazing rangatahi got to try out green screen recording and step into the world of creative media. Today, they share an important message about this weekend’s weather while building confidence in front of the camera and learning new video production skills.

It’s awesome to see our young people express themselves, have fun, and grow through creativity. Stay tuned for more amazing content from our Geek Camp team coming next week!

Welcome back to Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1 here in Ōtara!This is a special Geek Camp video, where our amazing rangatahi got to try out green screen recording ...

09/04/2026

Today we bring you Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 2 as our rangatahi continue their journey of learning, growth, and fun here in South Auckland.

In this episode, our youth build on their skills in boxing and kickboxing training with the amazing team from Multitrade Fight Club. From technique and fitness to confidence and discipline, the session continues to empower our young people through positive mentorship and movement.

We also share a meaningful moment as our rangatahi join Matua Chris for Maumahara, coming together in remembrance of loved ones who have passed. This powerful experience highlights the importance of community, reflection, and connection.

Geek Camp is all about creating safe spaces for youth, building confidence, and strengthening our community here in Ōtara. Stay tuned for more from Geek Camp 2026!

Today we bring you Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 2 as our rangatahi continue their journey of learning, growth, and fun here in South Auckland.In this episo...

08/04/2026

Today, we kick off Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 1, as we spend an exciting day with our rangatahi here in Ōtara. This episode captures the energy, fun, and learning as our youth take part in hands-on activities focused on boxing, fitness, and teamwork alongside the amazing team from Multi-Trade Boxing.

From learning the basics of stance and technique to building confidence and discipline, our young people are guided in a positive, supportive environment that promotes growth, well-being, and community connection. This session is not just about boxing — it’s about mentorship, resilience, and creating safe spaces for our youth to thrive.

A massive shoutout to everyone involved in making Day 1 such a success. Stay tuned for more from Geek Camp 2026!

Welcome back to the We Are Ōtara Podcast!Today we kick off Geek Camp 2026 – Season 1, Day 1, as we spend an exciting day with our rangatahi here in Ōtara. Th...

24/03/2026

**Wednesday Wellness kaupapa Update**
Excited to report "Wednesday Wellness Clinics" are gathering momentum at our Otara base!

We continue to provide a range of free support services for our community, including:
- Tamaki Health Healthcare conversations and nursing services
- Power bill and financial navigation
- Legal support
- Counselling and wellbeing support
- Large range of free clothing & homewares assistance ... thanks to Mercury a free sausage sizzle for attendees

Thank you to our partners and team members who make this weekly kaupapa possible. We look forward to welcoming whānau and partners again tomorrow!

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If you want this tightened further, made more formal, or tailored for internal stakeholders vs public comms, I can shape it accordingly.

23/03/2026

Welcome back to the We Are Ōtara Podcast! In Episode 4, we continue our important series with Katene Peretini from Ōtara Community Law.

In this episode, we break down Incorporated Societies in New Zealand and what you need to know if you are part of a community group or thinking about starting one. Katene explains what an incorporated society is, the benefits of having a legal identity, and what happens if your group is not incorporated.

We also cover the 2022 law changes, including re-registration requirements, constitutions, membership rules, committee responsibilities, dispute resolution, and financial management. This episode is packed with practical information to help community groups stay compliant and operate effectively.

If you are involved in a community organisation, youth group, or local initiative in Ōtara or across Aotearoa, this is a must-watch episode.

Subscribe to the We Are Ōtara Podcast to stay informed and connected with our community.

Ōtara Podcast, New Zealand Law, Incorporated Societies NZ, Community Law NZ, Katene Peretini, Otara Community Law, NZ Community Groups, 2022 Incorporated Societies Act, NZ Legal Advice, South Auckland Community, Not for Profit NZ

More about Community Law Otara
https://clsstlaw.com/
https://www.facebook.com/clsstlaw

https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/running-your-incorporated-society/rules-and-constitutions/

https://youtu.be/gKJ9lr-kqTk

Welcome back to the We Are Ōtara Podcast! In Episode 4, we continue our important series with Katene Peretini from Ōtara Community Law.In this episode, we br...

16/03/2026

Welcome back to the *We Are Ōtara Podcast*! In **Episode 2** of our discussion with Katene Peretini from Ōtara Community Law, we talk about fines and debts in New Zealand and how they work. Katene shares helpful information on what you can do to stay on top of your payments, understand your rights and responsibilities, and where to get support if you find yourself struggling with fines or debt. This is an important and informative conversation that can help our community better understand the system and manage financial challenges.

More about Community Law Otara
https://clsstlaw.com/
https://www.facebook.com/clsstlaw

More on Fines and Debts
https://www.justice.govt.nz/fines/

Link to the episode
https://youtu.be/jf-d8cMXgaQ

Welcome back to the *We Are Ōtara Podcast*! In **Episode 2** of our discussion with Katene Peretini from Ōtara Community Law, we talk about fines and debts i...