A journey of growth, resilience and self-determination

After months of dedication, learning and support at Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi, two rangatahi, Piraki Mauirangi (22 years old) and Seraphin O’Callaghan-Stott (18 years old) have taken a bold new step – signing their very own tenancy to flat-share together.

Their milestone is more than a move into a new whare, it represents the confidence, skills and independence they have gained while living in the Petone-based rangatahi whare.

Piraki’s journey: From crisis to leadership

Piraki was referred to Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi through our Social Capability Rangatahi Team in May this year after experiencing crisis while living alone in the city. Though already living independently in a flat in Wellington City, isolation and the weight of self-management made it difficult for Piraki to thrive.

Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi navigator Troy Para says that although he was very withdrawn and quiet when he arrived, Piraki’s confidence to try his hand at new things and harness all the opportunities provided to him grew rapidly. 

“One of the things Piraki identified early on was that he has a dream to travel the world. A key goal for him was to obtain his passport so that should the opporutnity ever arrive for him to travel, having a passport would not be a barrier,” Troy said.

“While most people would see this as a small thing, for Piraki it was huge – he had never owned a passport and striving to achieve this goal was a significant personal milestone for him. He was really proud of himself, and it was great to see him so happy.”

Troy says that Piraki then applied that same tenacity and confidence to achieving every other goal he set his mind to.

“Piraki completed the He Herenga Kura Barista Course with flying colours, acheived his learner license within 2 weeks of being on the learner license programme offered by Kokiri Marae, completed Youth Inspire’s 6 week pre-employment course within 4 weeks, he has become a great cook since participating in the whare’s weekly cooking lessons, and he has been really proactive in participating in our gym training programme.”

What stood out most for all the kaimahi at Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi was his transformation into a role model in the whare. He is described as the rangatahi others looked to for guidance and support. Whether mediating disagreements, or leading by example in chores and programmes, Piraki embodied whanaungatanga and resilience that the whare strives to nurture.

“His confidence in confidence in advocating for himself has been one of the clearest signs he is ready to live independently,” Troy said.

Seraphin’s Jourey – Finding confidence, connection and creativity

Seraphin entered Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi as one of the original cohorts of the whare when he was just 17 years old. Raised largely by his grandmother, a social worker herself, Seraphin’s early life was shaped by limited whānau support and uncertainty about his identity.

Without strong male role models and with minimal life skills, the risk of homelessness loomed when his grandmother’s health made it difficult for her to continue to care for him.

At Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi, Seraphin has grown into a confident and independent rangatahi. Known as a quite achiever, he embraced opportunities like the cooking programme and navigator Troy Para says he has become one of the programmes strongest participants.

“Seraphin is a great cook – probably the best in the whare. And that's entirely due to his willingness to learn and practice cooking techniques regularly. This comes in real handy in a whare full of rangatahi tane who love to eat!” Troy said.

“Seraphin also gained his learner license two months ago, and since then, he has been receiving driving lessons from his mum on a regular basis.”

While he has excelled in all the group programmes available to the rangatahi, it is in the world of art where Seraphin has truly flourished. He completed his Level 4 Art Certificate and is now pursuing Level 5, with his sights set on further tertiary study. His contemporary and realism-inspired works show both real talent and passion.

Troy says that music has also been a key outlet for Seraphin.

“Seraphin is an excellent drummer with a real love for heavy metal. He once used drumming to manage his anxiety but his significant progress in his personal life means that he now plays out of joy rather than stress.”

Equally important, Seraphin has reconnected with his wider whānau, strengthened ties with his mum, dad and brother – these connections are testament to how far he has come to building stability and self-confidence.

A collaborative effort across He Herenga Kura to support our rangatahi

Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi Team Leader Phil Timo said transitioning Piraki and Seraphin from Mātika Te Kāhui Taiohi into their own accomodation was made possible with the support of Rātonga Whare, and the Property and Tenancy Teams.

“Rātonga Whare have been instrumental in ensuring our boys have access to a safe, affordable and healthy home. While the boys were excited with the prospects of moving, they were also anxious about taking that next step. A real comfort for them was knowing that they would remain under the korowai of He Herenga Kura and I’m really grateful to Paula and her team for working with us to find the absolute best solution for Piraki and Seraphin,” Phil said.   

“We will continue to support them with all their navigation needs but this is a huge milestone for us and the boys, and it fills me with pride to see the boys grow and flourish.”