Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga
Our Story
Founded on the Christian principles of Justice, Mercy, and Compassion with a deep respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Trust has continually evolved – responding to community voices, embracing Kaupapa Māori, and pioneering innovative services that create opportunities for lives to be transformed.
As Visionwest steps into the future, its commitment remains unwavering: to walk alongside whānau with aroha, uphold the dignity of every person, and build communities where hope and healing flourish.
Read more about Our Leadership and Our People.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
In the most challenging of times, hope of a better tomorrow is often what carries us through.
Visionwest journeys alongside individuals and families, supporting each household in times of need, so that the whole whānau can thrive.
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Our History
In February 1982, a small group of visionaries from Glen Eden Baptist Church in West Auckland took over the local derelict railway station to establish a drop-in centre, and within a short time, various programmes were running out of the station.
In November 1988, The Friendship Centre Trust was incorporated to facilitate the addition of extra support services to the community. And in July 2010, the Trust and all its services were rebranded to become The Visionwest Community Trust.
Since those early days, the Trust has grown to where it now provides wraparound support through a wide range of services that reach tens of thousands of kiwis each year.
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Our Te Tiriti Journey
Over the past 15 years, Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga has embarked on a transformative journey, guided by the spirit of being faith-led and the embodiment of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which forms the foundation of our Te Tiriti journey and new shared leadership model.
This journey has been marked by courage, openness, resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the values of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and mana. Through the integration of Kaupapa Māori principles and our dedication to holistic care, Visionwest has created a legacy of hope and dignity for all whānau.
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Te Wairua o Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Our Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy
Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, in acknowledgement of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the spiritual and founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand, commits to embodying the intent of Te Tiriti to create an inclusive and flourishing society. By honouring the wairua of Te Tiriti, our purpose is to achieve whānau wellbeing, transformation, and equitable outcomes for Māori, and for all.
We affirm that a kaupapa Māori approach in all areas of our work is integral to our journey at Visionwest, informing our values, practices and strategic priorities. Our waka for this journey is double-hulled, providing greater stability and propelling us to our destination of aroha and healing through partnership.
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He Pou Whakakitenga
Our Kaupapa Māori Framework
From the beginning, our purpose has been clear and unwavering: To cultivate a wairua-led service environment where all peoples can truly thrive. Guided by our values of aroha, whānaungatanga, manaakitanga and mana we embody our sense of calling, and steadfast commitment to living out the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – a true reflection of the heart of Visionwest. Like the posts that hold up the walls of the wharenui, our framework supports, grows and sustains the vision and values of Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga.
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Te Tauihu o te Waka Whakakitenga
Our journey to shared leadership
Seeking wisdom on how to embody mana ōrite and the true expression of Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, the most significant whakakitenga has been the exploration and creation of shared leadership for the journey ahead. Te Tauihu Waka Whakakitenga symbolises the prow of the waka – our leaders journeying side by side in shared leadership.
Based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and our values of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and mana, shared leadership enables us to continue to hold whānau and each other well as Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga explores new possibilities grounded in the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
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