Minister for Children visits Waipuna

On Monday 4 May 2026, Waipuna Youth Services was pleased to welcome the Hon Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, to 349 Woodham Road, Wainoni.

The visit began with a warm whakatau, with mihimihi led by Jay Johnson and a welcome from the Waipuna leadership team. The programme included an explanation of the three taonga central to Waipuna’s kaupapa, sharing who we are and what we stand for before any conversation about services or funding.

Supporting young parents in Canterbury

Waipuna’s Young Parents Service provides intensive support to rangatahi parents aged 16 to 24 in Canterbury. Working alongside young people through pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenting, Waipuna’s kaimahi offer practical support, parenting skills, connections to housing and employment, and a safe and non-judgemental space for young families to grow.

The service is funded in part through Oranga Tamariki, reflecting a shared commitment to keeping tamariki safe, well, and connected to their whānau. Minister Chhour’s visit provided an opportunity to hear directly from the young people and kaimahi at the heart of this mahi, and to understand the difference that early, sustained investment in young parents makes for tamariki across their lifetimes.

Listening to what works

Danielle Marra, Manager Young Parents at Waipuna, shared stories of the young parents the service has walked alongside: from first-time mothers navigating antenatal care, to young fathers building confidence and connection with their tamariki. The common thread in every story is that consistent, relationship-based support at a critical life stage changes outcomes for a generation.

We thank Minister Chhour for her time and her willingness to hear from the young people, families, and kaimahi doing this vital work. We look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with Oranga Tamariki in service of Canterbury’s youngest tamariki and their whānau.