Mahi Whakaara

27/09/2026

A new skill. A new connection. Something you made yourself. What could 12 weeks open up for you? 🔨

At Mahi Whakaara, rangatahi can get stuck into hands-on projects, try something different and create things they’re proud to show whānau.
There’s time to enjoy visits, meet new people and discover interests you might never have considered. Along the way, shared laughs, encouragement and those “I’ve got it!” moments can help confidence grow. 🌱

Practical BCATS learning is part of the mix, with te ao Māori and whanaungatanga woven into an experience that values who you are and what you bring.

Curious for yourself, supporting a young person, or exploring options with whānau? Read “What Progress Can Rangatahi Make in 12 Weeks?” and get in touch—we’d love to kōrero.

https://www.mahiwhakaara.training/what-progress-can-rangatahi-make-in-12-weeks/

Here's an article for Mahi Whakaara, tailored for its audience and purpose: What Progress Can Rangatahi Make in 12 Weeks? It’s completely..

24/09/2026

Meet Taika Anglesey

Another talented Tauira who came into Mahi Whakaara that came from BGI (Wellington Boys' and Girls' Institute) who also was keen to join us here at Mahi Whakaara.

Taika came into Mahi Whakaara 12weeks ago and saw what he was looking for and stuck it out till the end. looking back when Taika started with us was looking forward to getting stuck into the mahi and making.

We saw that he was up for the challenge to complete our 12week course with us.

His first task was to learn about all of the BCATS

Being Safe L1
Knowledge of BCATS
Hand tools
Work Processes
Hardware
Materials
Joints
Communications
Power Tools

we wish you well on your next pathway Taika thank you for all your hard work you are full of talents to see you cross the finish line to where you're heading.

Big thank you to your whanau for allowing you to be part of our Mahi Whakaara whānau

From all of us here at Mahi Whakaara we will see you soon

24/09/2026

Meet Anton Ingrey

Who came into Mahi Whakaara with BGI (Wellington Boys' and Girls' Institute) who wasn't keen at first, but he was very brave to give it go.

Anton came into Mahi Whakaara 12weeks ago saw the potential of what he could get out of our program and took on what he wanted to know all about Maori Trade Training to see if this could benefit his needs from making something from scratch to creating his talents taking instructions and getting stuck into the mahi.

His first task was to learn about all his BCATS

Being Safe L1
Knowledge of BCATS
Hand tools
Work Processes
Hardware
Materials
Joints
Communication
Power tools

We wish you well on your next pathway Anton thank you for believing in yourself and what an achievement to see you at the finish line.

Big thank you to your whanau for allowing you to be part of our Mahi Whakaara whānau

From us all at Mahi Whakaara we will see you again soon

23/09/2026

Tēnā koutou

Yesterday our Mahi Whakaara Tauira and Mahi Whakaara Staff went out Axe throwing yesterday to wrap up Cohort 9.

Taika taking first place
Matua Gene taking second place
Anton might have drew with Matua Rowan

And Whaea Tarina taking pics behind the scenes.

23/09/2026

For some rangatahi, learning starts to make more sense when they can see it, touch it and put it into practice.

Hands-on learning can create a different way back into education and training — one built around practical tasks, visible progress and learning by doing.

Our latest article looks at why this approach can matter for rangatahi who may not connect with a conventional classroom environment, and what meaningful re-engagement can look like in practice.

Read and share:

Life can sometimes feel a bit like a waka lost at sea, especially when you're young and trying to figure out your path. For some of our rangatahi,..

23/09/2026

Tēnā koe koutou

Anton & Taika have nearly completed their 12 week program and enjoyed their time with us here at Mahi Whakaara they both have showing off their talent of performance and great produce working with the material that they used in the workshop.

We are very proud of Anton and Taika for giving it a go and watching them grow each day as strong leaders that will take them to a world of creation.

Both Anton & Taika each made a Cape Cod Chair as their final piece as well as working on their BCATS paperwork with Matua Rowan before he signs off all assessments that will be sorted over the weeks ahead before their Graduation

22/09/2026

Prefer learning by doing?

Mahi Whakaara offers practical, hands-on learning for rangatahi aged 15–24, with support along the way and pathways towards what comes next.

Our next Wellington cohort starts 19 October 2026.

Enquire or enrol today : https://www.mahiwhakaara.training/enrol-wellington/

Hashtags

21/09/2026

What Is Mahi Whakaara – and Who Is It For? 🔨

Mahi Whakaara is a 12-week Building and Trades Foundation Programme based in Wellington, developed by Māori for rangatahi. It's a hands-on, supported pathway for young people currently not in education, employment or training to build real skills, confidence and direction.

🧰 Hands-on carpentry, painting and plumbing basics
🤝 Pastoral care and mentoring grounded in tikanga Māori
🚀 Real pathways into apprenticeships and employment

Curious what it covers and who it's for? Read the full breakdown 👇

Learn more here: https://www.mahiwhakaara.training/what-is-mahi-whakaara-and-who-is-it-for/

20/09/2026

Practical learning. Cultural connection. Real next steps.

Mahi Whakaara supports rangatahi aged 15–24 through hands-on building and trades learning, supportive teaching and pathways towards positive futures.

If you or someone you know may be a fit, message us to enquire or enrol.

https://www.mahiwhakaara.training/enrol-wellington/

18/09/2026

Ready to build practical skills and gain BCATS Certificate 1 & 2 from BCITO?

Mahi Whakaara is a 12-week Building and Trades Foundation Programme for rangatahi aged 15–24, with practical learning, support and pathways towards positive futures.

If this could be the right next step for you or someone you know, message us to enquire or enrol.